G-quAI - combining AI and quantum computing in the fight against gastrointestinal cancer
More than 2 million new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed every year worldwide. An international project involving the University of Coimbra’s Faculty of Sciences and Technology (FCTUC), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), and the Centre for Social Studies (CES) is exploring quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to revolutionise the detection and prevention of gastrointestinal diseases. This type of cancer can often be detected at an early stage by identifying polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. In many countries, screening begins around the age of 45 or 50 and is an essential tool for prevention and early diagnosis.
Currently, procedures such as capsule endoscopy, which produces around 10 hours of images, and colonoscopy, which generates a large amount of data in just 20 to 30 minutes, pose significant challenges for image and data analysis. If we were able to conduct mass screening of a large segment of the population, the amount of data generated would be so overwhelming that no conventional computer would be able to process it efficiently.
This is where quantum computing comes into play. Unlike classical computers, this technology can process vast amounts of data in real time, which is crucial for analysing images and detecting anomalies. FCTUC will develop new AI algorithms tailored to the capabilities of quantum computing.
The ultimate goal is to develop AI algorithms that optimise pattern recognition to accurately distinguish between normal images and those with pathologies. While current technology can already detect some differences, we believe that quantum computing can make a decisive contribution to improving the efficiency and accuracy of diagnoses.
Launched in January 2025, the G-quAI project is supported by the Open Quantum Institute (OQI) in Switzerland, in partnership with the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). This project is in line with one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) defined by the United Nations: Health and well-being.
The primary objective of the OQI is to explore the potential of quantum computing to accelerate solutions for achieving the SDGs in collaboration with researchers, the United Nations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and investors worldwide.
For more information, please visit the OQI websiteI.
To follow the project's technical development and access the code, visit our GitHub.