A Once-in-a-Decade Investment Opportunity: 3 Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy and Hold
The Motley Fool·2026-01-21 08:45

Core Viewpoint - The current decade presents a once-in-a-decade investment opportunity in generative AI and quantum computing, with specific stocks in quantum computing being highlighted as potential long-term investments [2]. Group 1: Alphabet - Alphabet has significantly benefited from the rise of mobile phones and social media, with its Google Cloud division experiencing substantial growth due to the shift to cloud computing and the rise of generative AI [3]. - The Google Quantum AI unit achieved quantum supremacy in October 2019, marking a significant milestone in quantum computing [4]. - In 2023, Google Quantum AI demonstrated the first logical qubit prototype, indicating progress in reducing quantum computing errors and increasing qubit numbers [5]. - Predictions suggest that Google Quantum AI will build a large, error-corrected quantum computer with at least 1 million qubits in the coming years [6]. Group 2: Microsoft - Microsoft shares similarities with Alphabet, being a technology giant and a top-tier cloud service provider, benefiting from generative AI [7]. - The company has developed a unique approach to quantum processing, distinguishing it from competitors [7]. - In February 2025, Microsoft introduced the Majorana 1 quantum chip, utilizing a topological superconductor, which could potentially allow for over 1 million qubits on a single chip [9]. - If successful, Microsoft's topoconductor technology could position the company as a leading player in the quantum computing industry for the next decade [10]. Group 3: IonQ - IonQ currently has a market cap of approximately $18 billion, making it a smaller player compared to Alphabet and Microsoft [11]. - The company employs a trapped-ion architecture for quantum computing, which aims to reduce quantum errors and enhance qubit coherence [12]. - IonQ is also developing quantum networking, sensing, and security solutions, positioning itself as a unique quantum platform company [14]. - Despite being riskier and currently unprofitable, IonQ could offer greater long-term returns if its R&D efforts succeed [15].