Miami University partners with Cleveland Clinic for quantum computing education advancement

Miami University has partnered with Cleveland Clinic, an academic medical center, for a collaboration that seeks to elevate the quantum computing industry throughout Miami University, the city of Cleveland, and the state of Ohio. The partnership will see Miami University developing the state’s first quantum computing degree programs and establishing internship opportunities, workforce development opportunities, and a relationship between the area’s healthcare and quantum computing.

According to an article on Miami University’s website, Tom Mihaljevic, M.D., who serves as the CEO and president of Cleveland Clinic, was quoted as saying of the establishment of the partnership between the two institutions, “This new educational collaboration strengthens Cleveland Clinic’s position as a leader in healthcare innovation and the emerging quantum computing industry. By joining forces with Miami University, we are creating a robust ecosystem that will attract, educate and retain top talent, while providing unparalleled opportunities for innovation.”

The partnership will benefit from Cleveland Clinic’s existing collaboration with IBM, as Cleveland Clinic possesses an IBM Quantum System One quantum computer, which is dedicated solely to healthcare research. According to a blog post on IBM’s website, “Quantum computing is an emergent field of cutting-edge computer science harnessing the unique qualities of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of even the most powerful classical computers.” While the applications of quantum computing are still being explored, the quantum computer held at Cleveland Clinic is the first one in the world used to explore complexities in healthcare research.

Miami University and Cleveland Clinic will work together to advance quantum computing education, businesses, and research opportunities in the Cleveland area through the Cleveland Innovation District, which itself is a collaboration between the State of Ohio and JobsOhio, which seeks to create jobs and other opportunities thanks to area healthcare and university relationships.

One facet of the partnership will be to create the state’s first degree programs for quantum computing. Miami University’s new quantum computing programs will focus on healthcare applications in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Additionally, the school will implement microcredentials and minors that will broaden the access to quantum computing education.

Miami University students will have access to Cleveland Clinic’s IBM Quantum System One, as well as to Cleveland Clinic internships. Cleveland Clinic researchers and clinicians may also be able to join Miami University as adjunct professors, providing even more benefits to Miami University students to be able to learn from Cleveland Clinic personnel.

Gregory Crawford, the president of Miami University, said, “This synergistic partnership will establish Ohio as a global leader in quantum computing. We look forward to working closely with Cleveland Clinic researchers, who are at the forefront of this burgeoning technology. By combining the educational, research, and healthcare excellence of Miami University and Cleveland Clinic, we are accelerating the leading-edge power of quantum computing to shape the future of healthcare and technology.”

For more information about Miami University, visit the school’s website.