Key Points
D-Wave will help more companies streamline their workflows.
IonQ aims to build smaller, more accurate systems using its “trapped ion” technology.
QCi’s photonic chips could make it easier to manufacture quantum computers.
Quantum computers can store more data and process specific computing tasks much faster than classical computers. However, they're also larger, pricier, and consume more power than their classical counterparts. They also tend to have higher error rates.
As a result, quantum computers are still primarily used for niche research projects rather than mainstream applications. Yet that could change over the next decade, as the early movers in this nascent market develop smaller, cheaper, and more power-efficient systems with lower error rates. Let's take a closer look at three of those companies -- D-Wave Quantum(NYSE: QBTS), IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), and Quantum Computing Inc.(NASDAQ: QUBT) -- and see how they might generate millionaire-making gains for their patient investors.
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Three different approaches to quantum computing
Most quantum computing companies accelerate electrons through "superconducting loops" to achieve a quantum state. These systems are fairly easy to manufacture, but they're large, expensive to operate, and require cryogenic refrigeration.
D-Wave Quantum is one of those electron-based quantum computing companies, but it specializes in quantum annealing services for streamlining business operations. By feeding their workflows, supply chains, and logistics networks into D-Wave's systems, large organizations can identify the processes that consume the least computing power as the most efficient ones. D-Wave designs its own quantum processing units (QPUs) and quantum systems, and it provides remote access to those systems through its cloud-based Leap platform.
IonQ aims to replace electron-based systems with its ion-driven systems, which use tiny lasers to trap ions in a quantum state. These systems are more delicate and challenging to manufacture than electron-based systems, but they don't require cryogenic chilling. They're used for a broader range of applications than D-Wave's systems, and they have higher error detection rates than most electron-based systems. IonQ sells its own quantum systems, and it also provides a cloud-based quantum computing platform for developers.
Quantum Computing, more commonly known as QCi, goes a step further by using photonic chips that beam photons (particles of light) through chips, fibers, and optical circuits to achieve a quantum state. It can manufacture these chips -- which don't require delicate lasers and can operate at room temperature -- at its own foundries. However, photonic chips aren't ideal for larger quantum systems, since photons are absorbed and scattered as they pass through additional optical components, and they're not cost-efficient unless mass-produced.
In other words, all of these quantum technologies have distinct strengths and weaknesses. However, these three companies could all grow much larger over the next few years as the quantum computing market expands and evolves. From 2026 to 2034, Fortune Business Insights expects the quantum market to grow at a 31.6% CAGR -- so there could be plenty of room for these first movers to expand without trampling each other.
What are their near-term catalysts?
Wall Street expects all three companies to grow rapidly over the next few years.
Company | 2025 Revenue | 2028 Revenue (Estimated) | 3-Year CAGR |
|---|---|---|---|
D-Wave Quantum | $24.6 million | $146.5 million | 81.3% |
IonQ | $130.0 million | $568.4 million | 63.5% |
QCi | $0.7 million | $59.5 million | 339.7% |
Data source: Marketscreener.
D-Wave's growth should be driven by its new Advantage 2 systems, which can solve certain tasks 25,000 times faster than its first-gen Advantage system while consuming less power. IonQ's revenue should surge as its new Tempo system -- which complements its older Aria and Forte systems -- significantly boosts its total quantum computing power. QCi's sales should surge over the next few years once it begins mass-producing its first photonic chips.
All three of these companies are unprofitable, and their stocks look expensive right now. D-Wave already trades at 48 times its 2028 sales, while IonQ and QCi trade at 23 times and 29 times that estimate, respectively. However, they could grow into those premium valuations if the quantum computing market explodes over the next few decades. Therefore, these stocks could deliver millionaire-making gains for investors who can ride out the near-term volatility.
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Leo Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
