Cleveland Clinic, RIKEN, and IBM Model a 12,635-Atom Protein – the Largest Known to Be Simulated with Quantum Computers

Milestone simulation of biologically meaningful molecules expands quantum-centric supercomputing’s role as a scientific tool

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS, N.Y. and CLEVELAND, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scientists at Cleveland Clinic, RIKEN, and IBM (NYSE: IBM) have used IBM quantum computers and two of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to simulate protein complexes spanning up to 12,635 atoms. These are the largest-known simulations of biologically meaningful molecules performed with quantum hardware yet, and signal that quantum computers are maturing into useful scientific tools which can help solve fundamental problems in biology, chemistry, and life sciences.

The results were achieved in part by an innovative algorithm that…