Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Quantum Walk-Based Graph Exploration for Drug Discovery

Jincheng Zhang

Published Sep 6, 2026• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Drug discovery remains a complex and time-consuming process, largely constrained by the vastness of chemical space. Traditional methods often rely on high-throughput screening, which is both expensive and inefficient. This research proposes a novel approach utilizing quantum walks on graph representations of molecules to efficiently explore this chemical space. The core idea involves encoding molecular structures as graphs and leveraging the unique properties of quantum walks – specifically, their ability to simultaneously explore multiple paths – to accelerate the search for potential drug candidates. We formulate the problem as a quantum walk on a graph (G = (V, E)), where V represents the nodes (atoms) and E represents the edges (bonds) of the molecule. The walk is defined by a transition probability matrix P, which is derived from the molecular graph and specifies the likelihood of transitioning between neighboring nodes. The objective is to find the shortest path to a target node, representing a molecule with desired properties, using the quantum walk algorithm. We explore the theoretical possibilities and outline a computational framework. The potential of this approach to dramatically reduce the time and cost associated with drug discovery is highlighted.

DOI
10.5281/zenodo.22442524

Related papers

Quantum Walk-Based Algorithms for Large-Scale Graph Search

Jincheng Zhang

This paper investigates the application of quantum walk algorithms to large-scale graph search problems. Classical algorithms often struggle with the computational complexity of exploring vast graphs, particularly when searching for specific patterns or nodes. Quantum walks, inspired by the probabilistic nature of random walks, provide a promising alternative by utilizing quantum superposition and interference to accelerate the search process. We explore the theoretical framework and potential advantages of employing quantum walks for graph traversal, focusing on scenarios where exponential speedups are theoretically possible. This work aims to demonstrate the potential of quantum computing to tackle computationally demanding graph search tasks that are currently intractable for classical methods. The core concept leverages the ability to simultaneously explore multiple paths within a graph, drastically reducing the search time compared to sequential exploration. We present a foundational understanding of quantum walk implementation and analyze its suitability for various graph search algorithms.

•Aug 28, 2026•0 citations

Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks for Drug Discovery – Molecular Representation Learning

Jincheng Zhang

Drug discovery is a notoriously lengthy, costly, and often unsuccessful process. Traditional methods rely heavily on high-throughput screening and iterative optimization, which are computationally intensive and time-consuming. This research investigates the potential of Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (QGANs) to significantly accelerate this process by learning efficient molecular representations and generating novel drug candidates. QGANs utilize quantum superposition to explore a vast chemical space, offering a fundamentally different approach compared to classical generative models. We propose a framework where a quantum generator network learns to create molecular structures, while a classical discriminator network evaluates their properties against desired criteria. The core innovation lies in the application of quantum computing principles to molecular representation learning, aiming to drastically reduce the computational burden associated with generating and evaluating potential drug candidates. The resulting molecular representations are then used to guide the generation of new compounds with optimized characteristics, addressing a critical bottleneck in the drug discovery pipeline. The framework presented herein provides a theoretical foundation and outlines a potential approach for leveraging quantum computing to revolutionize drug discovery.

•Sep 4, 2026•0 citations

Quantum Walk Algorithms for Graph Partitioning

Jincheng Zhang

Graph partitioning is a crucial problem in computer science with applications in diverse areas like VLSI design, image segmentation, and network analysis. Traditional classical algorithms often face significant challenges when dealing with large and complex graphs, leading to increased computational time and memory requirements. This paper explores the potential of quantum walk algorithms to address this issue. We propose a framework for leveraging quantum walk algorithms to efficiently explore the connectivity structure of a graph and identify optimal partitions. The core idea involves mapping the graph's nodes and edges onto a quantum system and utilizing the inherent parallelism of quantum walks to traverse the graph. We present a theoretical analysis of the algorithm's potential speedup compared to classical approaches, focusing on scenarios where quantum computation offers a significant advantage. Specifically, we formulate the graph partitioning problem as a search problem on a graph represented as a quantum walk, considering the Hamiltonian operator and its eigenstates for efficient traversal. The effectiveness of the algorithm is dependent on the graph's structure and the ability to accurately simulate the quantum walk. The presented methodology provides a novel approach to graph partitioning, potentially leading to substantial performance improvements for large, complex graphs.

•Sep 2, 2026•0 citations

Quantum Walk-Based Algorithms for Graph Traversal and Optimization

Jincheng Zhang

This paper investigates the application of quantum walk algorithms to graph traversal and optimization problems. Classical graph algorithms often struggle with scalability and efficiency when dealing with large and complex graphs. Quantum walks, utilizing the principles of superposition and interference, offer a potential solution by providing a fundamentally different approach to graph exploration. We present a framework for constructing quantum walk-based algorithms tailored for graph traversal, focusing on algorithms that can efficiently explore the graph space. Furthermore, we explore the integration of these algorithms into graph optimization problems, aiming to achieve speedups compared to traditional classical methods. The core idea is to represent graph nodes and edges as quantum states, enabling parallel exploration of the graph through quantum superposition. We explore the mathematical formulation of these algorithms, highlighting key concepts like Hilbert space representation, transition amplitudes, and interference effects. The results presented demonstrate the potential for quantum walk algorithms to significantly improve the performance of graph-related tasks.

•Sep 5, 2026•0 citations

Quantum Walk-Based Algorithms for Graph Traversal and Search

Jincheng Zhang

This paper explores the application of quantum walk algorithms to graph traversal and search problems. Classical algorithms often struggle with the computational complexity of traversing and searching large graphs, leading to significant time and resource limitations. Quantum walks, utilizing superposition and interference, offer a potential pathway to achieve exponential speedups. This work details the theoretical framework for applying quantum walks to graph problems, specifically focusing on traversal and search tasks. We present a generalized approach for mapping graph structures onto quantum walk systems and discuss the key mathematical formulations involved. The core of our investigation revolves around the construction of quantum walk operators that mimic the movement and interaction rules inherent in graph traversal. We analyze the evolution of the quantum walk state and derive expressions for the probability of reaching a specific node in the graph. Furthermore, we examine the impact of graph topology on the performance of the quantum walk, highlighting the potential for tailored algorithms to exploit specific graph structures. The results demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of quantum walk algorithms for significantly accelerating graph traversal and search operations, contributing to advancements in areas such as network analysis, database management, and artificial intelligence.

•Sep 6, 2026•0 citations

Quantum-Enhanced Conditional GAN for Targeted Molecule Design

Aakanksha Baidya, Manish Pratap Singh, Sanjay Kumar Dubey

Drug discovery for a given protein target is a complex, resource-intensive process, often requiring years of research and billions of dollars in investment. Computational techniques, particularly deep learning models, have accelerated molecular generation, but they remain constrained by classical computational limitations and reliance on known chemical patterns. To address these challenges, we propose a hybrid quantum conditional GAN with gradient penalty for drug design, integrating quantum computing to enhance exploration of the vast chemical space. The proposed approach leverages a hybrid classical and quantum generative model to create novel molecular structures while ensuring they adhere to chemical and pharmacological properties. By conditioning the generative model on protein target sequences, we improve molecular specificity, increasing the likelihood of discovering viable drug candidates. Our framework generates chemically valid, diverse, and target-specific molecules, offering a promising avenue for more efficient and precise data-driven drug discovery.

International Conference on Reliability, Infocom Technologies and Optimization (Trends and Future Directions) (ICRITO)•Sep 18, 2025•0 citations
Drug discovery remains a complex and time-consuming process, largely constrained by the vastness of chemical space. Traditional methods often rely on high-throughput screening, which is both expensive and inefficient. This research proposes a novel approach utilizing quantum walks on graph representations of molecules to efficiently explore this chemical space. The core idea involves encoding molecular structures as graphs and leveraging the unique properties of quantum walks – specifically, their ability to simultaneously explore multiple paths – to accelerate the search for potential drug candidates. We formulate the problem as a quantum walk on a graph (G = (V, E)), where V represents the nodes (atoms) and E represents the edges (bonds) of the molecule. The walk is defined by a transition probability matrix P, which is derived from the molecular graph and specifies the likelihood of transitioning between neighboring nodes. The objective is to find the shortest path to a target node, representing a molecule with desired properties, using the quantum walk algorithm. We explore the theoretical possibilities and outline a computational framework. The potential of this approach to dramatically reduce the time and cost associated with drug discovery is highlighted.
This paper investigates the application of quantum walk algorithms to large-scale graph search problems. Classical algorithms often struggle with the computational complexity of exploring vast graphs, particularly when searching for specific patterns or nodes. Quantum walks, inspired by the probabilistic nature of random walks, provide a promising alternative by utilizing quantum superposition and interference to accelerate the search process. We explore the theoretical framework and potential advantages of employing quantum walks for graph traversal, focusing on scenarios where exponential speedups are theoretically possible. This work aims to demonstrate the potential of quantum computing to tackle computationally demanding graph search tasks that are currently intractable for classical methods. The core concept leverages the ability to simultaneously explore multiple paths within a graph, drastically reducing the search time compared to sequential exploration. We present a foundational understanding of quantum walk implementation and analyze its suitability for various graph search algorithms.
Drug discovery is a notoriously lengthy, costly, and often unsuccessful process. Traditional methods rely heavily on high-throughput screening and iterative optimization, which are computationally intensive and time-consuming. This research investigates the potential of Quantum Generative Adversarial Networks (QGANs) to significantly accelerate this process by learning efficient molecular representations and generating novel drug candidates. QGANs utilize quantum superposition to explore a vast chemical space, offering a fundamentally different approach compared to classical generative models. We propose a framework where a quantum generator network learns to create molecular structures, while a classical discriminator network evaluates their properties against desired criteria. The core innovation lies in the application of quantum computing principles to molecular representation learning, aiming to drastically reduce the computational burden associated with generating and evaluating potential drug candidates. The resulting molecular representations are then used to guide the generation of new compounds with optimized characteristics, addressing a critical bottleneck in the drug discovery pipeline. The framework presented herein provides a theoretical foundation and outlines a potential approach for leveraging quantum computing to revolutionize drug discovery.
Graph partitioning is a crucial problem in computer science with applications in diverse areas like VLSI design, image segmentation, and network analysis. Traditional classical algorithms often face significant challenges when dealing with large and complex graphs, leading to increased computational time and memory requirements. This paper explores the potential of quantum walk algorithms to address this issue. We propose a framework for leveraging quantum walk algorithms to efficiently explore the connectivity structure of a graph and identify optimal partitions. The core idea involves mapping the graph's nodes and edges onto a quantum system and utilizing the inherent parallelism of quantum walks to traverse the graph. We present a theoretical analysis of the algorithm's potential speedup compared to classical approaches, focusing on scenarios where quantum computation offers a significant advantage. Specifically, we formulate the graph partitioning problem as a search problem on a graph represented as a quantum walk, considering the Hamiltonian operator and its eigenstates for efficient traversal. The effectiveness of the algorithm is dependent on the graph's structure and the ability to accurately simulate the quantum walk. The presented methodology provides a novel approach to graph partitioning, potentially leading to substantial performance improvements for large, complex graphs.
This paper investigates the application of quantum walk algorithms to graph traversal and optimization problems. Classical graph algorithms often struggle with scalability and efficiency when dealing with large and complex graphs. Quantum walks, utilizing the principles of superposition and interference, offer a potential solution by providing a fundamentally different approach to graph exploration. We present a framework for constructing quantum walk-based algorithms tailored for graph traversal, focusing on algorithms that can efficiently explore the graph space. Furthermore, we explore the integration of these algorithms into graph optimization problems, aiming to achieve speedups compared to traditional classical methods. The core idea is to represent graph nodes and edges as quantum states, enabling parallel exploration of the graph through quantum superposition. We explore the mathematical formulation of these algorithms, highlighting key concepts like Hilbert space representation, transition amplitudes, and interference effects. The results presented demonstrate the potential for quantum walk algorithms to significantly improve the performance of graph-related tasks.
This paper explores the application of quantum walk algorithms to graph traversal and search problems. Classical algorithms often struggle with the computational complexity of traversing and searching large graphs, leading to significant time and resource limitations. Quantum walks, utilizing superposition and interference, offer a potential pathway to achieve exponential speedups. This work details the theoretical framework for applying quantum walks to graph problems, specifically focusing on traversal and search tasks. We present a generalized approach for mapping graph structures onto quantum walk systems and discuss the key mathematical formulations involved. The core of our investigation revolves around the construction of quantum walk operators that mimic the movement and interaction rules inherent in graph traversal. We analyze the evolution of the quantum walk state and derive expressions for the probability of reaching a specific node in the graph. Furthermore, we examine the impact of graph topology on the performance of the quantum walk, highlighting the potential for tailored algorithms to exploit specific graph structures. The results demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of quantum walk algorithms for significantly accelerating graph traversal and search operations, contributing to advancements in areas such as network analysis, database management, and artificial intelligence.
Drug discovery for a given protein target is a complex, resource-intensive process, often requiring years of research and billions of dollars in investment. Computational techniques, particularly deep learning models, have accelerated molecular generation, but they remain constrained by classical computational limitations and reliance on known chemical patterns. To address these challenges, we propose a hybrid quantum conditional GAN with gradient penalty for drug design, integrating quantum computing to enhance exploration of the vast chemical space. The proposed approach leverages a hybrid classical and quantum generative model to create novel molecular structures while ensuring they adhere to chemical and pharmacological properties. By conditioning the generative model on protein target sequences, we improve molecular specificity, increasing the likelihood of discovering viable drug candidates. Our framework generates chemically valid, diverse, and target-specific molecules, offering a promising avenue for more efficient and precise data-driven drug discovery.