QBi²

2026 Focus · Protein spin qubits

For 2026, protein science is the lens. The workshop focuses on protein spin qubits: genetically encoded and chemically targeted spin systems that can be initialized, manipulated, and read out by light within living systems. We examine how phenomena such as spin coherence, radical pair mechanisms, spin-dependent electron transfer, and energy transduction at the spin-optics interface may function as active drivers or sensitive reporters of biological function.

Spin dynamics sits at the heart of many proposed quantum biological mechanisms. Electron and nuclear spin magnetic resonance based approaches, coupled with hyperpolarization, optical excitation and readout, provide some of the most direct experimental windows into these phenomena, offering spin state manipulation, spin dynamics and coherence, spin correlated radical pair mechanism, and read out of exchange, dipolar and hyperfine coupling that optical methods alone cannot access. QBI² recognizes these tools as central to rigorously testing quantum biological hypotheses.

This is a field still defining itself. QBI² exists to help do that, rigorously and with an open mind.

What we aim to accomplish

• Map genuine opportunities and pitfalls at the quantum-biology interface
• Connect thought leaders across academia, industry, and funding agencies
• Build quantum literacy among biologists and chemists entering this space
• Catalyze collaborations toward real biomedical and biotech impact
• Shape the emerging workforce and funding landscape for quantum biology

Program overview

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