Quantum-Enabled Breast Cancer Diagnostics Project Launches
A new research project tests whether laser-ultrasound imaging can reduce unnecessary breast biopsies starting in 2026.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Quantum Computing
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Deep Light Vision and three clinical partners have secured NOK 4.5 million in funding for the NORDIC LIGHT project, which develops a breast cancer diagnostic tool combining laser light, ultrasound, and quantum-enabled optical filtering. The effort is currently in the research stage, with a clinical pilot scheduled to run from August 2026 through December 2028.
Why it matters
The project seeks to improve the accuracy of breast cancer screenings by providing detailed physiological data on tissue oxygenation and vascularisation. By potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies, the initiative aims to refine diagnostic workflows for indeterminate breast lesions.
The system integrates ultrasound and laser light with quantum-enabled optical filtering to analyze physiological tissue properties. While the project is backed by three patent applications, performance data against clinical benchmarks remains pending for the upcoming pilot.
The players
Deep Light Vision
A Swedish developer founded in 2021 specializing in medical device applications for quantum optics and imaging technology.
Lund University
A Swedish academic research institution providing scientific collaboration for the development of the UOT diagnostic prototype.
The details
The project utilizes a methodology called UOT (ultrasound-modulated optical tomography), which combines the high contrast of optical imaging with the deep-tissue resolution of ultrasound. This approach uses quantum-enabled filters to isolate specific light signals returning from deep tissue, allowing researchers to map oxygenation and blood volume. These data points provide a physiological profile of breast lesions, which developers hope will differentiate benign from malignant tissues more effectively than standard imaging.
Timeline
August 2026: Project NORDIC LIGHT commences.
December 2028: Project NORDIC LIGHT concludes.
The Tech Race
This project represents a specific clinical application of the broader regional commitment outlined in the 2025 Nordic prime ministers joint statement on quantum technologies. It moves quantum-enhanced diagnostic research from foundational lab studies into a multicenter clinical pilot across three nations.
The technology is currently restricted to a research-stage clinical pilot and is not yet available for patient diagnostic use. Patients and clinicians can expect updates on the potential to reduce follow-up biopsies once the pilot reaches its final completion in late 2028.
The takeaway
The project represents a concerted effort to translate quantum-enabled imaging into practical oncology diagnostics. Observers should track the pilot study results expected in December 2028 to see if the technology meets clinical efficacy targets for identifying indeterminate breast lesions.
Further reading
Explore more developments in Quantum Computing regarding how these technologies transition into clinical environments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nordic Innovation.
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