Ayesa Digital accelerates ALS research through quantum computing and AI

The company aims to develop advanced models capable of identifying early, relevant biomarkers and prognostic indicators to help combat the disease.

Precision medicine will enable treatments to be tailored to the genetic and biological characteristics of each patient.

Ayesa Digital, a global provider of technology services, is leading the NEUROQIAl project from Ayesa-Ibermática, an ambitious R&D initiative that seeks to apply quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to the study and treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The project forms part of the Gipuzkoa Quantum program, promoted by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa, which aims to foster the development of quantum technologies applied to strategic sectors.

Although ALS is a relatively rare disease—with between 2 and 16 cases per 100,000 inhabitants—its rapid progression and lack of effective treatments make it one of today’s most significant biomedical challenges. Moreover, early diagnosis is extremely complex, as initial symptoms are often nonspecific and easily mistaken for those of other conditions.

The NEUROQIA project addresses this challenge by developing advanced quantum AI models capable of identifying relevant biomarkers and prognostic indicators in ALS. To achieve this, it will integrate clinical, genomic, and environmental data into a multimodal analysis model, enabling the detection of hidden patterns within small patient cohorts and paving the way toward a truly personalized approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Quantum computing, when combined with artificial intelligence, offers an unprecedented ability to process and correlate large volumes of complex biomedical data. Thanks to its extraordinary computational power, quantum algorithms can uncover relationships between genetic, clinical, and environmental variables that would otherwise remain undetectable using traditional methods. In the case of ALS, this capability is particularly valuable due to the disease’s heterogeneity and the limited number of patients available for clinical studies.

Quantum Simulation

Ayesa’s R&D team will develop quantum and hybrid (quantum-classical) algorithms for the analysis of clinical and omics data, apply quantum simulation models to study the molecular mechanisms involved in the disease, and experimentally validate the results obtained using cellular and animal models. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic targets and advance toward a precision medicine approach capable of adapting treatments to each patient’s unique genetic and biological characteristics.

Beyond its scientific significance, NEUROQIA reinforces Ayesa’s leadership in the use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and advanced data analytics in healthcare. The initiative also contributes to positioning Gipuzkoa as a reference region in the development and application of quantum technologies, aligning with the Provincial Council’s strategy to consolidate a competitive quantum ecosystem that unites science, technology, and industry.

According to Itziar Cuenca, Ayesa’s Director of R&D, “NEUROQIA exemplifies how technological innovation can serve medicine and improve people’s lives. The combination of AI and quantum computing opens an entirely new path to understanding complex diseases such as ALS and designing more effective, personalized treatments”.

Through this initiative, Ayesa reaffirms its commitment to applied research and public-private collaboration, contributing to the advancement of a digital healthcare system that is innovative, ethical, and patient-centered.