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Quantum Computing Stocks: Complete 2026 Investing Guide

Published: Dec 17, 2025 
Disclosure: Briefs Finance is not a broker-dealer or investment adviser. All content is general information and for educational purposes only, not individualized advice or recommendations to buy or sell any security. Investing involves significant risk, including possible loss of principal, and past performance does not guarantee future results. You are solely responsible for your investment decisions and should consult a licensed financial, legal, or tax professional before acting on any information provided.
Summary:

Quantum computing stocks had an explosive 2024 - with some showing huge returns.

The market is transitioning from research to commercialization.

No on knows when consistent profits will come, but these stocks could be potential opportunities for some investors.

Companies like Google are trading in regular computers for quantum computers.

Why? These computers are so powerful they may be able to do things like break the blockchain in the future.

Breakthrough technology in quantum computing created incredible excitement on Wall Street - with some companies jumping over 500%.

But then, reality set in - companies that announced record-breaking achievements also simultaneously missed earnings expectations and delayed profitability timelines.

This caused shares prices to fall in the quantum computing space - but it is also creating unique opportunities for investors.

Quantum excitement is now growing among investors again because of one thing: AI.

Take the world’s smartest computer and combine it with AI, and you have the ultimate piece of technology.

The applications for businesses could be huge - so, let’s break down what quantum is, how investors can get in on it, and everything else you need to know.

But before you go - we already covered this topic in-depth in our Market Briefs Pro weekly investment report.

If you want to skip straight to the opportunities, subscribe to Market Briefs Pro.

What Is Quantum Computing? (The 30-Second Version)

Before we dive into the opportunities, we have to answer: What the heck is quantum computing?

Regular computers - like your laptop or smartphone - use bits. A bit is either a 0 or a 1. This is a math equation that basically tells the computer what to do.

Quantum computers use qubits. A qubit can be 0, 1, or both at the same time. This sounds impossible, but it's real, and it's what makes quantum computers so powerful.

Why does this matter?

Quantum computers can solve certain problems exponentially faster than regular computers. 

We're talking about calculations that would take traditional supercomputers thousands of years - done in minutes.

The applications? Breaking encryption, discovering new medicines, optimizing global supply chains, and supercharging artificial intelligence.

The catch? The technology is still being perfected. Most quantum computers struggle with errors, require extreme cooling, and aren't commercially viable yet.

But that's changing - fast.

Quantum Investments: Research to Commercialization

Quantum computers are entering the commercialization phase.

Here’s how things are shifting, by the numbers:

Rebecca Krauthamer, CEO of quantum cybersecurity startup QuSecure, told our analysts:

"In the next year to two years we're going to start seeing those instances of quantum advantage coming out. And if I was a betting person, this is when I would be putting my money in."

Translation: Quantum computers are moving from lab experiments to real-world applications.

But here's the reality - this transition isn't smooth, and it's not guaranteed.

Companies are racing to be first to create the first commercially viable quantum computer.

Billions will be spent, and companies will lose. 

And for investors, that creates two very different types of opportunities.

Two Paths to Quantum Profits

When it comes to investing in quantum computing, you essentially have two choices:

Path 1: Infrastructure Players (Lower Risk, Steady Growth)

These are the companies building the tools, chips, and systems that make quantum computers work—without actually building quantum computers themselves.

Think of them as selling picks and shovels during the gold rush.

Nvidia (NVDA) for example doesn't build quantum computers, but it's become essential to the quantum ecosystem. 

In 2025, Nvidia announced the world's largest quantum research supercomputer and unveiled NVQLink - an open system that integrates quantum processors with Nvidia's AI chips.

The result? Nvidia now supports 17 quantum processor builders labs in the U.S. and has invested in multiple quantum hardware companies through its venture arm.

Shares are up 26% as of November 2025, and the company is on track to earn $500 billion in revenue by the end of 2026 - mostly from chip sales, with quantum infrastructure quietly growing behind the scenes.

AMD (AMD) took a different approach.

AMD partnered with IBM to run quantum error-correction algorithms on their field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). 

In English: These chips can be reprogrammed for different tasks - making them incredibly versatile for quantum, AI, and robotics applications.

AMD shares are up 60% over the past year, outpacing both the S&P 500 and Nvidia.

These companies are already profitable - giving them an advantage in the space.

Quantum is just one piece of their business - so if the industry takes years to develop, they should still earn revenue from AI, gaming, and data centers.

But if you want direct exposure to quantum computing, you need to look at pure-play quantum stocks.

Path 2: Pure-Play Quantum Companies (High Risk, Explosive Potential)

These companies are building the actual quantum computers, and they're betting everything on this technology reaching commercialization.

Rigetti and D-Wave are examples of pure-play quantum computing companies that show potential in this space.

But, they also come with high risk - neither of these companies have reached profitability yet.

They could deliver explosive returns if quantum computing takes off - or they could go to zero if the technology doesn't commercialize as expected.

Our analysts broke down the risks, potential, and more about these two quantum computing stocks in our Market Briefs Pro report.

If you want the actual data and research, subscribe to Market Briefs Pro.

How to Invest in Quantum Computing (The 3 Approaches)

Here's how most investors are approaching this market:

Approach 1: Consider Infrastructure Companies

This the most risk-adverse path in quantum computing.

Companies like Nvidia or AMD that benefit from quantum growth but don't depend on it. You get quantum exposure with significantly less risk.

But, you may also miss out on some explosive returns.

Approach 2: Invest in Pure-Play Quantum Stocks

This is the high-risk, high-reward approach. Companies like Rigetti and D-Wave could deliver huge returns, or big losses.

Always do your own due diligence and be prepared for years of volatility.

Approach 3: Use an ETF for Diversification

An ETF (exchange-traded fund) lets you invest in multiple quantum companies at once, spreading out your risk. 

While specific quantum-focused ETFs do exist, investors will want to keep in mind the risks, fees, and asset allocation of ETFs before investing.

ETFs are more passive plays, which may limit exposure to the growth potential of this shift.

What Could Go Wrong: The Real Risks

The biggest risk? Quantum computing might never reach broad commercialization.

There's no guarantee it will ever be profitable or practical at scale. Pure-play quantum companies like Rigetti and D-Wave are burning cash trying to get there - and many won't survive.

Even the safer bets come with risks.

Nvidia and AMD are riding high on AI demand as of 2025. 

Some investors - including Michael Burry, famous for predicting the 2008 financial crisis - are betting against AI stocks, implying we’re in a market bubble.

If we're in an AI bubble that pops, quantum budgets at these companies could shrink significantly - that could also lower the budget for quantum spending.

There's also the commercialization timeline no one knows how long it could take to reach full-scale commercialization.

Lastly,  there's the volatility. 

Rigetti's stock fell almost 50% in 30 days in 2025, with D-Wave facing similar losses. 

Investors who can’t handle volatility may want to consider other options.

The bottom line: If you invest in quantum computing, you're placing a bet that this technology will deliver on its promise.

FAQ: Your Quantum Computing Stock Questions Answered

What is the best quantum computing stock to buy now?

There's no single "best" quantum stock - it depends on your risk tolerance and investment goals. 

For lower risk with quantum exposure, infrastructure companies like Nvidia and AMD offer steady growth. 

For high-risk, high-reward potential, pure-play companies like Rigetti and D-Wave offer direct exposure to quantum's success or failure.

Ultimately, always do your own due diligence and understand that all investing has risks before buying shares.

Is there an ETF for quantum computing?

Yes, quantum-focused ETFs exist and allow investors to spread risk across multiple companies in the quantum ecosystem. 

These funds typically include a mix of infrastructure providers, chip manufacturers, and pure-play quantum companies.

That means they have a focus on quantum, but are not entirely filled with just quantum specific pureplays or infrastructure investments.

ETFs can be a safer approach than betting on individual stocks, especially in a volatile, emerging industry like quantum computing.

Are quantum stocks a good investment?

Quantum stocks are extremely high-risk. Many pure-play quantum companies aren't profitable yet, and there's no guarantee they ever will be. 

Rigetti and D-Wave have both missed earnings expectations while still showing explosive growth. 

If quantum computing commercializes successfully, early investors could see massive returns.

 If it doesn't, these companies could go bankrupt. 

Where can I invest in quantum computing?

Investment options for investors interested in quantum computing include:

(1) Infrastructure companies like Nvidia and AMD that support quantum development.

(2) Pure-play quantum computing companies like Rigetti and D-Wave that build quantum computers directly. 

(3) Quantum-focused ETFs that provide diversified exposure. Each approach offers different levels of risk and potential reward.

What is the most promising quantum computing stock?

Promising depends on your definition. Nvidia offers the safest path - it's profitable today and quantum is just one growth area. 

Rigetti and D-Wave offer high growth potential, but neither are earning a profit as of 2025.

Investors will want to consider their own goals and risk tolerance before investing in quantum computing stocks.

What quantum computing stock did Nvidia invest in?

Nvidia's venture arm has invested in multiple quantum hardware companies, including QuEra Computing, Quantinuum, and PsiQuantum. 

These investments position Nvidia as both an infrastructure provider and a strategic partner across the quantum ecosystem. 

The company also announced partnerships with 17 quantum processor builders and 9 U.S. national labs, cementing its role in quantum development without building quantum computers itself.

The Bottom Line: Is Now the Time for Quantum Computing?

Quantum computing is transitioning from research to reality.

But keep in mind: Most quantum companies aren't profitable and no one knows how long it could take until quantum computers are in every house and business in America.

Rebecca Krauthamer, CEO of QuSecure, believes the next one to two years will reveal quantum's true commercial potential. If she's right, investors who position themselves now could benefit significantly.

If she's wrong? Those same investors could lose everything.

Either way, this shift isn't slowing down - and the companies that survive this transition could define the next generation of computing.

Our analysts discuss these opportunities more in-depth in our Market Briefs Pro report.

You can get the full report with more details, data, and actual research by clicking here.

By subscribing, you’ll also gain access to our exclusive backlog of hundreds of other investing reports, ready to go for you on-demand.


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