Quantum computing isn’t “here” in the everyday sense yet. These machines promise to solve problems that would take today’s computers forever to crack. That makes the potential upside huge, but it also means most companies in this space are years away from steady profits. Think of it as investing in future tech pioneers, not stable dividend payers building predictable revenue from quantum computing solutions.
Two names stand out this year because they embody that moonshot spirit. They’re small, they’re risky, and if quantum computing goes mainstream, they could reward early believers looking for exposure to next-generation quantum computing solutions.
1. IonQ (Ticker: IONQ)
Why It’s Compelling:
IonQ is one of the few pure-play quantum computing companies you can buy publicly. It builds actual quantum computers using trapped ions, a technology known for high precision as qubit counts scale. Recent data shows IonQ holds a world record for two-qubit gate fidelity, a big deal for reducing error rates in advanced quantum computing solutions.
Investors like pure plays because you’re not getting quantum as a side project. You’re betting on the entire company rising with the adoption of commercial quantum computing solutions.
Analysts have pointed to meaningful upside tied to future technical milestones and deeper cloud partnerships with major tech platforms.
The Risks:
IonQ isn’t profitable yet. Revenue still comes from early research contracts and cloud access deals, not broad commercial demand. Recent acquisitions, including SkyWater Technology, add integration and execution risk.
Quick Look:
• Pure quantum play
• High upside if its machines scale
• Also high execution and financial risk
2. D-Wave Quantum (Ticker: QBTS)
Why It’s Compelling:
D-Wave has been around longer than most quantum names and was one of the first companies to sell real systems. Its focus on quantum annealing makes it especially relevant for optimization-focused quantum computing solutions used in logistics, energy, and scheduling today.
More recently, D-Wave has expanded into gate-model systems, which many believe will unlock the highest long-term value in quantum computing solutions. The acquisition of Quantum Circuits was a major step toward accelerating that shift.
This mix of near-term commercial traction and longer-term ambition makes D-Wave appealing to speculative investors. Some see it as a bridge between today’s usable quantum computing solutions and tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
The Risks:
Like IonQ, D-Wave isn’t producing stable profits yet. The stock can be volatile, and its pivot toward gate-model systems puts pressure on execution and capital management.
Quick Look:
• Early commercial traction with real customers
• Multiple pathways to monetizing quantum computing solutions
• Still speculative and price-volatile
A Bit of Grounded Perspective
Quantum computing is still a long game. Most companies developing quantum computing solutions are spending more than they earn, and timelines remain uncertain. That’s why this fits best in the speculative corner of a portfolio, not the foundation.
If you take a position, keep it small. You might also balance pure plays with larger tech companies that have exposure to quantum computing solutions as part of broader businesses, which can help manage downside risk. Still, for investors chasing big moves driven by breakthroughs and headlines, pure plays like IonQ and D-Wave are where the action usually is.
