The National Institutes of Health and NASA have announced the Quantum-Enabled Predictive Preclinical NAMs for Toxicity and Safety (QuSAFE) Challenge, which focuses on advancing quantum-enabled sensing for in vitro new approach methods such as organoids and microphysiological systems. According to NASA, these methods can produce human-relevant data for drug development and safety evaluation.

The agencies say conventional assays and imaging are often noisy, invasive and not sensitive enough, allowing weak, early and low-abundance biological signals to go undetected. Destructive measurements also make it difficult to monitor dynamic processes over time. Quantum-enabled sensing approaches are described as offering ultra-high sensitivity, improved signal-to-noise performance and nanoscale resolution.

The challenge supports NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division and its need for advanced detection methods that work beyond traditional laboratories, with benefits described for science in space and on Earth. Up to $7.1 million in prizes is planned. Submissions are scheduled to open December 15, 2026, and close July 27, 2027.