Quantum Architecture, QAOA, and Cancer Biomarkers | Fred Chong

Are quantum computers changing the way we discover cancer treatments?

In this episode, Misha and Yudong spoke with Fred Chong, Seymour Goodman Professor at the University of Chicago, about the future of quantum computer architecture and how quantum algorithms could eventually help solve real-world problems in medicine, optimization, and scientific computing.

Chong explains the transition from the NISQ era toward fault-tolerant quantum computing, why hardware-aware software design remains essential, and how compiler architectures, error correction, and quantum system design all interact across the full computing stack. The conversation explores the challenges of building scalable quantum machines, the tradeoffs between superconducting qubits, trapped ions, and neutral atoms, and why many quantum systems may ultimately function as specialized accelerators alongside classical computers.

We also discuss quantum optimization algorithms like QAOA and how Chong’s group is applying them to cancer biomarker discovery and treatment prediction. By analyzing complex multimodal biological data, including DNA, mRNA, and pathology imaging, these methods aim to uncover patterns that are difficult for conventional machine learning systems to identify without overfitting.

Along the way, Fred shares stories from the early days of supercomputing at Thinking Machines, the origins of his quantum research career, the founding of Super.tech, and his perspective on where quantum computing is genuinely making progress versus where hype still dominates the conversation.

Topics include quantum computing, QAOA, fault-tolerant quantum computing, quantum error correction, quantum compilers, NISQ systems, neutral atoms, superconducting qubits, quantum architecture, cancer biomarkers, biomedical optimization, hybrid quantum-classical systems, and the future of quantum software and hardware co-design.

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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
01:34 - From Jurassic Park to Quantum Computing
10:13 - Modernizing NISQ Research
13:45 - Designing Around Quantum Hardware
20:30 - Variational Quantum Algorithms
23:07 - Quantum Computers for Cancer Research
30:35 - How Q4Bio Began
37:20 - Will We Need QEC in the Future?
40:25 - What Quantum Computers Can Learn from Classical Architecture
43:08 - Would Fred Return to Classical Computing?
46:11 - Quantum Software and Quantum Compilers
55:19 - Starting Super.tech
1:01:43 - Classical Analogs to Quantum Hardware
1:12:21 - Advice for Young Scientists
1:17:43 - Is AI Impacting Quantum Research?
1:22:38 - Importance of Formal Verification
1:30:40 - QLDPC Codes
1:35:48 - Fred’s Beginnings in Computer Science
1:42:48 - Chicago vs Silicon Valley
1:46:27 - Do We Need More Quantum Software Companies?
1:53:17 - Future of Quantum Computing and Cryptography

#quantumcomputing #quantumalgorithms #cancerresearch #computerscience