The Quantum-Enabled Predictive Preclinical NAM for Toxicology and Safety (QuSAFE) Challenge, a collaboration between the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and NASA, seeks to advance quantum-enabled sensing for in vitro new approach methodologies (NAMs), including organoids and microphysiological systems (MPS). The effort aims to improve drug safety assessment, detect biological signals that conventional methods may miss, and reduce the need for animal testing.
Using quantum sensing for drug safety
In vitro NAMs such as organoids and MPS can produce human-relevant data for drug development and safety assessment. However, traditional assays and imaging techniques can be noisy, invasive, and insufficiently sensitive. Weak, early-stage, and low-abundance biological signals may go undetected, while destructive measurements can make it difficult to track dynamic processes over time.
Quantum-enabled sensing approaches could address these limitations through ultrahigh sensitivity, improved signal-to-noise performance, and nanoscale resolution. These capabilities may enable measurements that are not attainable with current approaches.
The NIH-NASA QuSAFE Challenge is part of NASA’s biological and physical sciences efforts to address the need for advanced detection methods that can operate beyond traditional laboratory environments.
By drawing on recent advances in sensor-development research, the challenge is intended to enhance NASA’s space exploration capabilities while also benefiting space and Earth science.
Challenge details
- Award: Prizes of up to $7.1 million
- Submission acceptance begins: December 15, 2026
- Submission deadline: July 27, 2027
Source: www.nasa.gov