Quantum Today, Healthcare Tomorrow

Anders Berglund, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Biomedical Informatics I Mayo Clinic in Florida

Dr. Berglund is a bioinformatics and computational biology scientist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville with more than a decade of cancer research experience. Dr. Berglund’s work focuses on gene expression and epigenetics, with particular emphasis on DNA methylation, epigenetic aging, and methylation-based biomarkers. Dr. Berglund has led bioinformatics analyses for cancer methylation studies, including data processing, quality control, visualization, epigenetic clock estimation, and interpretation of complex molecular datasets. This research spans prostate cancer, melanoma, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, and immune oncology, with work involving STING, cGAS, immune synapse genes, tumor immunogenicity, and radiation resistance. Dr. Berglund is also exploring the potential of quantum computing and quantum-inspired approaches to advance the analysis of high-dimensional cancer and epigenomic data, with the goal of improving biomarker discovery, computational efficiency, and biological interpretation.

Charles J. Bruce, M.B., Ch.B.
Consultant, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases I Mayo Clinic in Florida

Charles J. Bruce, M.B., Ch.B., is a consultant in the Division of Cardiovascular Diseases at Mayo Clinic in Florida, where he also serves as Chief Innovation Officer and Associate Medical Director. A Professor of Medicine, he joined Mayo Clinic in 2001 after completing his training in South Africa and at Mayo Clinic. His work focuses on advancing sensor technologies and applying artificial intelligence to improve disease detection and diagnosis. Dr. Bruce has led NIH- and AHA-funded research, holds 76 patents, and was named a Distinguished Mayo Clinic Inventor in 2023. He is an internationally recognized speaker, prolific author, dedicated educator, and serves on leadership committees within Mayo Clinic and national professional organizations, as well as Chair of the Board of Directors of BioFlorida.

Yudong Cao, Ph.D.
Head of Quantum and AI I Boston Consulting Group

Yudong Cao is head of quantum and AI at BCG X, the tech build and design unit of Boston Consulting Group, which he joined in February 2025. Drawing on over a decade of experience in quantum computing, he focuses on leveraging quantum technologies and algorithms to solve complex challenges and create transformative solutions for clients. He has published multiple papers, is a coinventor on several patents, and has received numerous honors in informatics and computer science. Yudong is passionate about integrating quantum computing and AI into practical applications that deliver impact for organizations and society. Yudong holds a Ph.D. and a M.S. in computer science as well as an M.S. and B.S. in mechanical engineering, all from Purdue University. Before joining BCG X, he spent six years at Zapata AI as a founding scientist and CTO.

Rickey Carter, Ph.D.
Professor Biostatistics and Director of the Digital Innovation Lab I Mayo Clinic in Florida

Rickey E. Carter, Ph.D., is a Professor of Biostatistics at Mayo Clinic in Florida, where he founded the Digital Innovation Lab and leads Mayo Clinic’s Quantum Incubator strategic priority. With 20+ years in clinical trials and 400+ peer‑reviewed publications, he specializes in turning advanced analytics—AI, software as a medical device, and emerging quantum methods—into evidence‑based tools clinicians can trust. His work emphasizes rigorous validation, real‑world performance, and measurable impact on patient care.

Tobias Denzler, Ph.D.
Head of Science & Technology I QAI Ventures

Dr. Tobias Denzler is Head of Science & Technology at QAI Ventures, where he drives the firm’s scientific and technical strategy across its investment and ecosystem-building activities. He plays a leading role in QAI Ventures’ pre-accelerator programs, helping young talent from academia explore entrepreneurial careers and transition groundbreaking research into viable startup ventures. With a PhD in quantum physics from the University of Stuttgart, Tobias combines deep technical expertise with hands-on experience in startup evaluation and due diligence. At QAI Ventures, he is responsible for scouting promising technologies, guiding investment decisions, and supporting portfolio companies in developing cutting-edge quantum solutions. Before joining QAI Ventures, Tobias served as a scientific consultant in Berlin, advising and managing quantum technology initiatives for the German Federal Ministry of Research and Education. His extensive network within the global quantum industry, paired with his commitment to nurturing talent and innovation, positions him as a key bridge between academia, investors, and the startup ecosystem.

J. Michele Dougherty, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Medical Physics I Mayo Clinic in Florida

J. Michele Dougherty, Ph.D., is a medical physicist at Mayo Clinic specializing in radiation oncology and advanced particle therapy. Her clinical and research work focuses on motion management, proton and carbon ion therapy, and the development of next-generation treatment delivery systems. She plays a leadership role in lung cancer treatment planning and is actively involved in international collaborations, including the PTCOG subcommittees, where she contributes to global efforts in carbon ion therapy guidelines. Dr. Dougherty’s research extends into emerging technologies at the intersection of physics and medicine, including quantum sensing, AI-driven treatment planning, and upright radiation therapy systems. She has led innovative projects in motion-adaptive therapy and has been recognized for interdisciplinary work, including a first-place award at a recent international quantum computing hackathon. Her current interests focus on integrating advanced computational and sensing technologies into clinical workflows to improve precision, efficiency, and patient outcomes in cancer care.

Justin Earley, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Molecular Sciences I Arizona State University

Justin Earley is an assistant professor in the School of Molecular Sciences at Arizona State University, where he leads research on molecular qubits, quantum sensing, and advanced magnetic spectroscopies. He received his Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Colorado Boulder in partnership with the National Laboratory of the Rockies (formally NREL), where he developed novel microwave spectroscopies to probe molecular electronic dynamics. Prior to joining ASU, he conducted postdoctoral research in dual-comb infrared spectroscopy at CU Boulder’s College of Engineering. His group now combines those areas to develop quantum-enabled measurement tools to understand and control molecular quantum systems, with applications in precision sensing and next-generation healthcare technologies.

Johannes Galastanos-Dueck, Ph.D.
Co-Founder and CEO I Diffraqtion

Johannes is the Co-Founder and CEO of Diffraqtion, where he is leading the development of a breakthrough quantum camera designed to fundamentally expand how satellites and machines perceive the world — seeing farther, resolving finer detail, and enabling faster, smarter decisions at the edge. Previously, he built and scaled world-class teams in Life Sciences delivering advanced products across Data, AI, and Quantum Technology, and was also a researcher at MIT on Quantum applications in Life Sciences.

André M. König
CEO I Global Quantum Intelligence

André M. König is a published author, speaker and expert on DeepTech with 30 years of Fortune 500, investing and startup experience. He is the CEO of Global Quantum Intelligence, the premier market & business intelligence provider in Quantum Tech, and Chairman of OneQuantum, the leading Quantum Tech community globally with 15K+ members. He studied Quantum Computing at MIT (certificates) and holds an MBA in Economics from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business as well as a Masters in Business from ICN School of Management. He speaks English, German, French and poor Italian, has competed in national sailing championships and pursues special forces combat training.

Jennie Kung
Vice Chair I Mayo Clinic Berg Innovation Exchange

Jennie W. Kung is vice chair of the Mayo Clinic Berg Innovation Exchange, where she champions a democratized network of innovation builders and enablers to accelerate impact to patients. She is also the association administrator of innovation at Mayo Clinic in Florida and oversees the Mayo Clinic-ASU Alliance. With a diverse career spanning multiple sectors, Ms. Kung has led strategic initiatives in mission-driven institutions, including global partnerships and business expansion at Johnson & Johnson and innovative clinical program development at UCLA Health. Earlier in her career, she spent time as both an investor and investment management consultant with Deloitte in London, New York, and San Francisco. She credits her time at The Walt Disney Company, creating worldwide immersive experiences, as inspiration for leveraging design thinking to re-imagine person centered care innovations. Ms. Kung earned her undergraduate degree from Claremont McKenna College and her M.B.A. from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business as a society and business fellow. She also received the Cambia Health Foundation’s Sojourns Scholar Award, and her research in palliative care and end-of-life care has been published in prominent journals.

Laís Lopes, Ph.D.
Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder I Qnity

Laís Lopes holds a PhD in Chemistry and is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and co-founder of Qnity, an innovative startup applying quantum electrochemistry to next-generation affinity assays for drug discovery. Her work integrates fundamental electrochemistry with quantum-level insights to enable highly sensitive and selective molecular detection. With over 13 years of experience in research and development, her expertise spans nanomaterials and 2D systems, particularly graphene, and the investigation of quantum properties using spectroscopic, electrical, and electrochemical techniques.

Wolfgang Losert, Ph.D.
Professor of Physics I University of Maryland

Professor Wolfgang Losert is MPower Professor of Physics in the College of Computer Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland. He is also an affiliate of Bioengineering and of the Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, and serves as Co-Director of the UMD-NCI Partnership for Integrative Cancer Research. Prof. Losert’s current research focuses on the multimodal electrical, chemical, and mechanical excitability of cells and tissues, and on the development of quantum biosensor technologies for these multimodal signals. Building on these insights, his group discovered new paradigms for information processing in living neural networks that translate into unconventional AI algorithms. Dr. Losert is a fellow of the AAAS and the American Physical Society.

Nardo Manaloto
Managing Partner I Qubits Ventures

Nardo Manaloto is the Managing Partner of Qubits Ventures (QV), a deep-science venture firm and venture studio at the forefront of quantum technologies, advanced computing, next-generation AI, and infrastructure innovation. QV's vertically integrated IP fund model spans direct startup investment, IP acquisition, and venture studio company-building, purpose-built to capture value across the full deep-tech lifecycle. A computer architect and scientist by training, Nardo's career bridges enterprise technology and frontier investing. He managed a technology innovation fund for one of the largest healthcare organizations in the U.S. and ran a venture studio at the intersection of AI and healthcare, giving him an operator's instinct for moving ideas from lab to market. QV's portfolio reflects this experience, with active collaborations spanning the U.S., Europe, and Asia. A sought-after voice in the global quantum ecosystem, Nardo brings venture discipline, scientific depth, and an extensive international network to every partnership.

Christopher J. McLeod, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., FHRS, FACC
Professor of Medicine I Mayo Clinic in Florida

Dr. Christopher J. McLeod is a cardiac electrophysiologist and Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, where he co-directs the High Dimensional Phenotyping Laboratory. His clinical expertise centers on ventricular arrhythmias and the prevention of sudden cardiac death. As Mayo Clinic prepares to operationalize the first carbon ion therapy center in the Western Hemisphere, Dr. McLeod and his team are developing novel sensing and ablation paradigms—including adaptive radiation-cardiac electrophysiology interfaces—alongside predictive modeling frameworks that position quantum computing as a transformative platform for next-generation arrhythmia risk stratification and therapeutic targeting.

Jonathan Parker, M.D., Ph.D
Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience I Mayo Clinic in Florida

Jonathon J. Parker, M.D., Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, where he is an Epilepsy & Functional Neurosurgeon. He also directs the Device-Based Neuroelectronics Laboratory. His research focuses on minimally invasive brain recording techniques and improving the effectiveness of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) to treat epilepsy.

Dr. Parker earned his A.B. in Biology with high honors at Dartmouth. He completed his M.D. and Ph.D. at University of Colorado School of Medicine. He continued his medical training at Stanford University, where he completed his neurosurgery residency, fellowship in Epilepsy and Stereotactic Surgery, and postdoctoral research fellowship in translational neurophysiology.

Dr. Parker’s clinical focus includes device-based neuromodulation for epilepsy, movement, and pain disorders. He is Principal Investigator on several clinical trials at Mayo Clinic in both the regenerative medicine and device space. He has authored or co-authored over 45 publications in journals such as Epilepsia, Nature Medicine, Nature Communications, and Biological Psychiatry. Dr. Parker is active member of the Arizona MedTech community, having collaborations with the Arizona WearTech Center, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and the Medical Device Manufacturing Multiplier Initiative (MDM2). Dr. Parker enjoys exploring the United States via road trips.

Robabeh Rahimi, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology I University of Maryland School of Medicine

Dr. Rahimi is an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, with an interdisciplinary research focus spanning quantum computing, medical physics, and radiation oncology. Trained in quantum mechanics and particle physics, with research experience in quantum computing across international laboratories, her work centers on translating quantum optimization methods into clinical radiation therapy. Her research includes applications of quantum computing platforms for treatment planning, workflow optimization, and adaptive radiotherapy. Dr. Rahimi’s work aims to bridge the gap between theoretical quantum models and their practical implementation in cancer care.

Enrique Solano, Ph.D.
CEO I Kipu Quantum

Enrique Solano is the CEO of Kipu Quantum, a German startup pioneering quantum-advantage solutions for industrial applications using quantum-centric intelligence and agentic quantum-computing tools. He has been a professor and director of international research and technology centers worldwide. His interests and contributions are highly interdisciplinary, ranging from quantum optics, quantum simulations, and quantum computing to quantum sensing, neuromorphic quantum technologies, and quantum artificial intelligence. As an entrepreneur, he created Kipu Quantum to develop and commercialize quantum computing solutions, merged with artificial intelligence, to solve industrial problems with commercial quantum processors. He is convinced that industrial quantum usefulness starts today.

Grum Teklemariam, Ph.D.
CTO I gSpin Technologies

Dr. Grum Teklemariam is the CTO and co-founder of gSpin Technologies, specializing in quantum sensing, MRI technologies, and non-invasive medical diagnostics. An MIT-trained physicist and inventor, he previously co-founded XBo Medical, a fully vertically integrated MRI scanner company, and High-Q, a quantum sensing company based in Canada’s Quantum Valley ecosystem. He has led the development of advanced MRI magnet, gradient coil, and RF coil technologies, as well as next-generation quantum-enhanced medical sensing platforms, and holds multiple patents in magnetic resonance and quantum sensing technologies.

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Rickey Carter, Ph.D.

Charles Bruces, M.B., Ch.B.

Jennie Kung

Michele Dougherty, Ph.D.

Anders Berglund, Ph.D.

Jonathon Parker, M.D., Ph.D.

Michael Story, Ph.D.

Miko Wieczorek

Caroline Gorman, M.H.A.

Laura Pacheco-Spann, M.S.

Boone Allison, M.H.A.

Chelsea Bladen Babin