Two Government Pushes Potentially Boosting Quantum Computing Shares, Including Companies Like D-Wave Quantum, Rigetti Computing, and IonQ
The Quantum Leadership Act of 2025, a bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, is creating a wave of optimism in the quantum computing industry. This legislation, which aims to increase research and development for quantum information purposes, including quantum computing, could potentially benefit stocks like Rigetti, D-Wave, and IonQ.
The Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), a program spearheaded by The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is a three-stage process that companies can apply to and go through. In Stage A, companies describe a utility-scale quantum computer concept with a plausible near-term realization path. DARPA selected 20 quantum computing companies for Stage A, including Rigetti and IonQ, but not D-Wave. D-Wave was not selected because it is not focused on gate model quantum computing.
In Stage B, companies describe a Research and Development Plan, associated risks, and risk mitigation steps, and list the prototypes needed to burn down these risks. In Stage C, companies work with the Government to verify and validate that their utility-scale quantum computer concept can be constructed as designed and operated as intended.
The bill also clarifies who can receive funding and provides new goals and priorities for quantum technologies. It could authorize up to $2.5 billion in funding over five years. The bill has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Stock Market Impact
The passage of this law is positively influencing investor confidence and stock performance for quantum computing companies. D-Wave’s stock rose by about 6.7% in early August 2025 amidst investor optimism tied to advances in quantum AI, machine learning, and collaborations with entities such as NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Analysts also cite the Quantum Leadership Act as a catalyst for revised price targets and buy ratings, reinforcing long-term growth potential.
Rigetti’s share price has surged on technical breakthroughs, notably achieving a 99.5% two-qubit gate fidelity and plans to scale to systems with over 100 qubits by the end of 2025. These quantum performance leaps, coupled with legislative backing, have led analysts to raise price targets and view Rigetti as a serious commercial contender despite ongoing financial losses.
IonQ maintains substantial cash reserves ($1.6 billion) and strong sales despite losses, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of quantum computing. The Act may support continued R&D investments and strategic moves amidst market volatility, though IonQ and peers have recently faced valuation pressure, indicating potential near-term sell-offs even with legislative support.
Challenges Ahead
While the Quantum Leadership Act provides a positive macro environment, individual stock volatility and risks persist. Quantum computing remains an emerging, capital-heavy sector with ongoing profitability challenges. As such, investors should approach these stocks with a long-term perspective and a keen understanding of the industry's complexities.
- The Quantum Leadership Act, which promises funding for quantum technologies, has triggered excitement in the finance realm, particularly investing in quantum computing companies.
- With its robust financial reserves and strong sales, IonQ, like other quantum computing firms, may utilize the Act's provisions to bolster research and development while navigating the sector's volatile market and profitability challenges.
- The advancement of artificial-intelligence and machine learning in the context of quantum computing, as seen in D-Wave's collaborations, offers enticing opportunities for investors to finance innovative technologies and potential future returns.
