What happens when a quantum computing pioneer discovers the hidden wisdom of native plants? Samarth Sandeep’s journey started with a teenage dream to build a seawater-powered car. Today, he’s CEO of If and Only If Technologies, revolutionizing protein interactions through quantum algorithms and quantum chemistry while challenging how the biotech industry thinks about emerging technologies.

The Environmental Justice Connection

Walking past a red-fenced garden in San Jose, Samarth discovered California Native Garden Foundations’ (CNGF’s) native plant ecosystems that have lower microplastic content than conventional farms’ soils. This wasn’t just about gardening - it inspired and furthered Samarth’s interests around how indigenous plant knowledge could unlock new medicines througg sustainably sourced means .

Quantum vs. LLMs : The Industry Paradox

Here’s what makes this conversation fascinating: Samarth argues that biotech companies embrace unpredictable LLMs but largely view quantum computing as something to take up in the future, even though quantum algorithms have better-understood computational complexities than current LLMs in drug discovery. His QAOA-based protein pruning approach works with current quantum hardware limitations, making it more practical than full quantum docking attempts.

Clinical Breakthroughs

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, his quantum algorithms helped to debunk the role of dangerous drug combinations like hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin as potential antivirals impacting SARS-CoV-2’s binding to ACE2, potentially saving lives. His work since then focused on surfactant proteins in COVID-19 . These same lung proteins exist in reproductive tissue, opening new pathways for ovarian cancer research. Additionally, through collaborations with Mount Sinai researchers and others, he’s translating quantum-enhanced protein modeling into clinical practice.

🎧 Ready to explore how environmental stewardship, quantum computing reliability, and protein network discoveries are converging to transform medicine?

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samarth-sandeep-81a02487/

Literature mentioned:

1. Aramyan S, McGregor K, Sandeep S, Haczku A. SP-A binding to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein using hybrid quantum and classical in silico modeling and molecular pruning by Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA) Based MaxCut with ZDOCK. Frontiers in Immunology. 2022 Sep 13;13:945317.
2. Montanez-Barrera JA, Michielsen K, Neira DE. Evaluating the performance of quantum processing units at large width and depth. arXiv preprint arXiv:2502.06471. 2025 Feb 10.
3. Yan L, Samarth S, Kirk M, Chandler HP. Developing a Proteomic Framework of Oncopathologies for Rare Hematological Malignancies, like T Lymphomas, through Protein-Protein Interactions to Effectively Connect Patients to Real-World Clinical Trials. In American Journal of Hematology 2022 Oct 1 (Vol. 97, pp. S12-S13)., NJ USA: WILEY. P-018.

Further Links:

Iff Website: https://iff.bio

California Native Garden Foundation Website: cngf.org

The disclaimer: All chats at entangled health are a co-creation between the guest and myself, and not an official statement from our industries. Guests are here in a personal capacity, as am I, so everything we share is just our own take, not the official view of any company nor of my employer or any other organization.

This series interview with John Barnes, Founder CEO of Entangled Positions and UK President of OneQuantum, explores the evolving landscape of the quantum workforce through the lens of community, innovation, and personal leadership. Drawing on his unique journey from technology recruitment to quantum ecosystem builder, John shares candid insights on the importance of connection, diversity, resilience, and ethical progress in shaping the future of quantum technology.

John offers a masterclass in building and leading a global quantum workforce. Through stories, metaphors, and practical wisdom, he reveals how community, diversity, and ethical leadership are as essential to quantum innovation as technical expertise. This episode is a candid exploration of what it means to orchestrate not just careers, but the health and future of an entire field, making it essential listening for anyone interested in the human side of scientific progress.

Diversity, Inclusion, and Individuality

• John’s recruitment philosophy centers on treating every person as an individual, focusing on their aspirations and motivations rather than demographic categories.

• He is critical of rigid diversity quotas, advocating instead for authentic inclusion and the removal of systemic barriers.

• His work naturally results in diverse placements by focusing on opportunity and removing obstacles, not by enforcing targets.

Philosophy and Vision

• John admires figures like Michael Faraday for their humble beginnings and transformative impact.

• He believes quantum should serve the broader good—not just humanity, but all of life—advocating for a holistic and ambitious vision.

• His “Woodstock moment” for quantum is not a single event, but the ongoing journey of building an inclusive, ethical, and innovative ecosystem.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

• John warns against echo chambers in academia and politics, stressing the importance of challenging prevailing opinions and maintaining authentic dialogue.

• He discusses the pitfalls of well-intentioned but rigid inclusion policies, calling for nuanced, long-term solutions that focus on genuine opportunity and individual merit.

• Quantum, as a young field, has the chance to set new standards for ethics, collaboration, and community health.

Follow John on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/entangled/

Check his company here https://eptalent.tech/

Pioneering : If you are interested, you can get a ++ limited edition ++ Polo shirt on https://entangledhealth.etsy.com/listing/4333318961

The disclaimer: All chats at entangled health are a co-creation between the guest and myself, and not an official statement from our industries. Guests are here in a personal capacity, as am I, so everything we share is just our own take, not the official view of any company nor of my employer or any other organization.

“May the quantum be with you all” - Dr. Clarice D. Aiello

What if the secret to better health lies not in new drugs, but in understanding the quantum physics already happening inside your cells?

Join host Thomas Ehmer for a mind-expanding conversation with Dr. Clarice D. Aiello, Founder of the Quantum Biology Ecosystem, CSO of the Quantum Biology Institute and fearless quantum biologist who’s proving that life itself operates on quantum principles.

The Quantum Biology Revolution

Dr. Aiello reveals how her massive study with 3,000 tadpoles proved that removing Earth’s magnetic field accelerates biological development—suggesting that quantum effects in living systems are far more significant than anyone imagined. But this isn’t just about tadpoles or birds navigating by magnetic fields. It’s about every cell in your body.

From Lab to Life

Discover how and why many proteins in our cells, and not only cryptochromes, act as bona fide quantum sensors, responding to magnetic fields weaker than your smartphone’s. Learn why this could revolutionize medicine through “quantum apps” that deliver precise electromagnetic therapy for wound healing, chronic pain, and cellular repair.

Breaking Academic Barriers

Follow Dr. Aiello’s bold transition from traditional academia to founding the Quantum Biology Institute, where open science meets quantum innovation. Her story illuminates why the most important discoveries often happen at the intersection of fields that don’t traditionally communicate.

The Bigger Picture

This conversation bridges ancient healing wisdom with cutting-edge physics, exploring why Western medicine has overlooked electromagnetic approaches to health while other cultures have embraced them for millennia. It’s a reminder that the most profound innovations often come from questioning what we think we know.

What You’ll Gain

• Understanding of how quantum effects influence your cellular health

• Insights into the future of electromagnetic medicine

• Appreciation for interdisciplinary thinking in solving complex problems

• A new perspective on the quantum nature of life itself

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Links:

Clarice: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claricedaiello/

A list of magnetic field effects in biology, from 5 different review papers:
https://bit.ly/MFEbiology
The tadpole paper/"compendium"
https://bit.ly/tadpolepaper
Quantum literacy suggested courses by Clarice https://qubitbyqubit.org
website:https://quantumbiology.org and waiting for the winner to receive a virtual tour!!!

The disclaimer: All chats at entangled health are a co-creation between the guest and myself, and not an official statement from our industries. Guests are here in a personal capacity, as am I, so everything we share is just our own take, not the official view of any company nor of my employer or any other organization.