Is quantum computing the miracle molecule modern medicine has been waiting for—or just science fiction in a lab coat?

In this episode of Emerging Tech Debates, we dissect one of the most hyped intersections in science today: quantum computing in drug discovery. With claims of faster simulations, unprecedented molecular modeling, and AI-fueled breakthroughs, is quantum tech on the cusp of transforming healthcare—or are we being swept up in a story not yet written?

We explore:

• The current and theoretical applications of quantum computing in pharmaceutical R&D

• How AI and quantum might converge—and the ethical, safety, and trustworthiness challenges that follow

• Lessons from formal verification and interdisciplinary collaboration in AI (drawn from healthcare, autonomous systems, and more)

• Why narratives, metaphors, and strategic storytelling play a bigger role than you think in deep tech adoption

Featuring insights from academic papers and a deep dive into AI applications in healthcare, autonomous systems, and cultural data, plus a Finnish master’s thesis on the power of storytelling in commercializing quantum technologies.

Whether you're a skeptic or a quantum optimist, this conversation grounds the hype in hard questions—and a whole lot of context.