海角视频

What will quantum computing mean for life sciences and pharmaceutical lab spaces? We take a look at how this rapidly evolving sector will impact the way research is conducted and the kinds of built environment facilities required.

Quantum computing seems likely to hold the potential to revolutionise experimental science by significantly enhancing our ability to simulate complex molecular and chemical processes and make new discoveries at a radically faster pace. Traditional wet lab experiments often involve time-consuming, energy intensive and costly procedures to test hypotheses and observe reactions. Quantum computers, with their capacity to process vast amounts of data and perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds, have the potential to simulate these processes at a scale and precision not previously possible. This would allow scientists to predict the outcomes of experiments and understand molecular interactions at a quantum level, reducing the need for physical experimentation.

Moreover, quantum computing could enable the discovery of new materials and drugs by accurately modelling their properties and interactions before they are synthesised in the lab. This shift from empirical experimentation to computational prediction could accelerate scientific advancements, reduce costs, and minimise the environmental impact associated with traditional lab work. While it is likely that wet labs will continue to play a role in validating and refining these predictions, the integration of quantum computing into experimental science promises a future where much of the initial research and development can be conducted virtually, leading to faster and more efficient innovation.

Graham Kean, 海角视频鈥檚 chief development officer, says: 鈥楾he power of quantum computing has the potential to change the balance between simulations and physical experiments. I can envisage a time, in the not-so-distant future, when a company that is looking at developing new drug types, cures for cancer or tackling complex challenges around climate change or other societal challenges, will look to quantum computing. For complex experiments, with lots of variables, rather than doing millions of physical tests, you will be able to use quantum computing to fast-track those millions of experiments, to identify the work that still needs to be done in a wet lab. It will revolutionise how research is done.鈥� 

Shift in thinking

The transition from traditional wet labs to quantum computing facilities represents a significant shift in the built environment needs of the science, technology, and university sectors. Wet labs, which are designed for experimental research involving chemicals, biological matter, and other materials, require extensive infrastructure to ensure safety and functionality. This includes specialised ventilation systems, chemical storage, and waste disposal mechanisms. Additionally, wet labs often need significant space to accommodate various types of equipment and flexibility can be difficult to accommodate. The design and operation of these labs are resource-intensive, both in terms of cost and environmental impact.

In contrast, quantum computing facilities have their own unique set of challenges. These facilities need to house advanced computational hardware, which demands robust cooling systems, which in themselves generate large amounts of excess heat.  The environment must be meticulously controlled to minimise vibrations and electromagnetic interference, which can disrupt quantum computations. Furthermore, as this technology matures, these facilities are likely to require secure data storage and high-speed connectivity to support the vast amounts of data processed. 

But while quantum processing is highly energy intensive, in the longer term, it is potentially more efficient 鈥� delivering transformative research at a rapid pace. The shift to quantum computing facilities could lead to more efficient use of physical lab space, as the emphasis moves from physical experimentation to computational power. Universities and research institutions are actively investing in specialised infrastructure to support research into these cutting-edge technologies, fostering a new era of scientific discovery and innovation.

Chris McClean is a partner at 海角视频 based in California. He has led the engineering design on many high-performance science and technology facilities for higher education institutions and technology companies. 海角视频鈥檚 deep technical insight and capacity to take on complex challenges, is delivering valuable support to the latest research and development.

鈥楳any experts believe quantum systems have the potential to make technologies exponentially more efficient. When it comes to sustainability, while it might be energy intensive, in the medium to long term, it could be revolutionary. They believe the longer-term benefits will clearly outstrip the shorter-term consumption of energy required.鈥�

Of course, many quantum processors, such as superconducting, require cryogenic systems to achieve the quantum effect, which only appears in very cold conditions of at least 10 millikelvin (mK). Achieving and maintaining 10mK requires sophisticated cryogenic technology, as it’s far colder than anything found naturally in the universe.

Richard Walder, a 海角视频 partner who leads our UK science and technology portfolio, adds that there is a feeling that the also rapidly developing field of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, could be married with the huge amounts of data that could be produced by quantum computing, to further enhance and speed up the process of interrogating that data.

鈥楢s building designers, we tend to look at a building and ask how we can lower the energy intensity,鈥� he says, 鈥榖ut with quantum computing, it鈥檚 very much an engineering process generating the energy intensity rather than the building. As the science evolves and enables the extremely low temperature at which the machine is operating to be increased, even slightly, the impact on energy intensity will be exponential. Who knows? Perhaps in ten- or 15 years鈥� time, the technological advancements of the built environment will become more of a feature in terms of operating the quantum computers more efficiently 鈥� for example, through advanced heat recovery systems.

鈥業t is delivering this kind of fine-tuning of the engineering, and providing an understanding of the energy consumption and potential for even minor savings, where our teams can bring the most impactful added value to these kinds of projects.鈥�

A growing market

McClean says increasing numbers of organisations have a growing stake in quantum computing research 鈥� from the big tech companies to start-ups and universities/institutions 鈥� and this is a global phenomenon.

鈥楢 lot of it at this stage is still about the research and development,鈥� he says. 鈥楾he full potential of enterprise scale quantum computing is yet to be realised. Many organisations are focused on commercialising quantum technology for a variety of applications. It鈥檚 likely that over the next decade, mainstream data centres will be become augmented with quantum hardware for general purpose applications.

鈥楥lassical high-performance computers are not going to be automatically replaced with quantum computers, the two technologies will likely complement each other, and the computational power of high-performance computing systems will also continue to evolve. There are certain tasks that quantum computers will be exponentially more useful at performing, but progressively more practical applications will become available for quantum computers, ultimately requiring more specialist facilities and infrastructure to accommodate quantum processing technology.鈥�

It is delivering this kind of fine-tuning of the engineering, and providing an understanding of the energy consumption and potential for even minor savings, where our teams can bring the most impactful added value to these kinds of projects

Richard Walder, a 海角视频 partner, UK science and technology portfolio lead

Graham Kean says there is activity already among tech companies and research institutes across the US, Europe, the UK, the Middle East and Asia.

鈥楾here鈥檚 going to be a battle for talent and supremacy in this space 鈥� who鈥檚 going to be the first to create a commercially-viable, sustainable platform that can be put to commercial use? It鈥檒l be a bit like the space race. There won鈥檛 be just one. Maybe ultimately, we will end up with collaborations, like the International Space Station. These are very early days, and looking to the future I don鈥檛 think anybody quite knows how it鈥檚 going to pan out, but we do know that to get there, there鈥檚 a lot of work to be done. Key to success will be creating the engineering solutions and operating environment as an enabler of this exciting new technology 鈥� and one where we are perfectly placed to support.鈥�

The integration of quantum computing with traditional laboratory research promises to accelerate scientific discovery, enhance precision, and open up new avenues for innovation. It鈥檚 an exciting time for researchers as they explore the possibilities that quantum technology brings. From drug discovery to material science, from data security to climate research 鈥� the opportunities are endless, and our teams are already at the forefront of helping to make this scientific leap both achievable and scalable. Our understanding of the quantum computing landscape and our ability to guide planning decisions and incorporate flexibility into engineering design, help to enable this rapidly evolving technology. 

Read more about our work on quantum computing facilities.