(TechCrunch) IBM Q has launched its Quantum computer program in Africa today, announcing a partnership with South Africa’s Wits University that will extend to 15 universities across nine countries.
IBM believes Q could yield research and development advances in areas such as drug discovery based on Africa’s genetic diversity that could lead to new treatments for diseases like HIV or TB.
This is one of the research areas IBM will focus on in its rollout of Q Africa to Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. Assefa sees other potential research and use-cases for Q Africa in financial sectors, mining and natural resources management.