Industry Overview - Quantum computing is currently less popular among investors, presenting potential buying opportunities as stock prices are driven by hype [1] - Experts predict that broad real-world advantages of quantum computing over classical computers will not be realized before 2030, indicating a long wait for identifying industry winners [2] Company Analysis: Alphabet - Alphabet has leveraged its dominance in Google Search to fund various ventures, including quantum computing, which shows promise [5] - The company announced its Willow chip demonstrated a verifiable quantum computing advantage, suggesting that viable quantum computing may be closer than previously thought [6] - Alphabet's diversified business model allows it to use excess cash flow for quantum research, potentially enhancing its AI and cloud computing efforts [7][8] Company Analysis: Nvidia - Nvidia is not developing a quantum processing unit but is focusing on maximizing its traditional GPUs while also addressing the quantum realm through hybrid systems [9] - The release of NVQLink positions Nvidia as a key player in interfacing traditional and quantum computing technologies [10] - With strong demand for its AI accelerators, Nvidia is expected to be a solid investment while waiting for quantum technology advancements [12] Company Analysis: IonQ - IonQ is a high-risk company focused on developing practical quantum computing solutions, utilizing trapped ion qubits for greater accuracy [13][14] - The company holds a world record for two-qubit gate fidelity at 99.99%, significantly outperforming competitors [15] - IonQ is considered a leading start-up in quantum computing, with potential for substantial returns if its technology succeeds [17]

Should you add it to your own portfolio?Quantum computing could be the next major technological breakthrough. While many tech giants are developing quantum systems, there are also a few pure-play quantum computing companies -- and one has been getting significant attention recently.That would be Rigetti Computing (RGTI 8.55%), which develops superconducting quantum computers. Rigetti's up 61% year-to-date as of Dec. 24, and recent SEC filings show that it has been a popular investment. Asset managers have b ...

Core Insights - IonQ has secured a significant sale of a 100-qubit quantum system to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), aimed at advancing hybrid quantum-classical computing methods [1][8] - The financial specifics of the KISTI deal remain undisclosed, and the delivery timeline for the system is not clear [2] - Despite the impressive nature of the sale, the current market valuation of IonQ, with a market cap of $18.3 billion and a price-to-sales ratio of 229, raises concerns about the sustainability of its stock price [7][9] Quantum Computing Context - The 100-qubit system, while notable, is limited in practical application as IonQ's most advanced system in 2025 will only feature 36 qubits, highlighting the challenges in achieving meaningful quantum computing tasks [3][5] - Theoretical research indicates that transformative quantum computing applications will necessitate thousands of algorithmic qubits and millions of physical qubits, emphasizing the gap between current capabilities and future requirements [4][8] - After accounting for error correction, the effective number of algorithmic qubits available for research from the 100 physical qubits is reduced to 64, further illustrating the limitations of IonQ's offering [5] Market Perspective - The current enthusiasm among investors for IonQ's stock may be misplaced, as the company is perceived to be priced for perfection in a market that is still developing [7][9] - The potential for quantum computing to generate significant wealth in the long term is acknowledged, but the uncertainty surrounding which companies will succeed makes IonQ's stock a risky investment at present [9]

Group 1: Company Achievements - Rigetti Computing achieved significant hardware milestones in 2025, including the demonstration of the industry's largest multichip quantum computer and the introduction of a 100+-qubit chiplet system with 99.5% fidelity [1] - The company secured commercial success with two orders totaling $5.7 million for its Novera quantum computing systems, to be delivered in the first half of 2026, and a three-year $5.8 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory for developing a superconducting quantum network [2] - Rigetti became one of the first companies to join Nvidia's NVQLink platform, which integrates quantum computers with artificial intelligence supercomputers [2] Group 2: Challenges and Limitations - Rigetti was not selected as one of the first 11 companies by the U.S. government's Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for the second phase of its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, which aims to assess the progress towards building a fault-tolerant quantum computer [3] - Despite having fast superconducting qubits, Rigetti's 99.5% fidelity is considered error-prone, with data scientists recommending that error-reducing techniques should not be introduced until hardware reaches 99.9% fidelity [4] - The company is experiencing cash burn and has minimal revenue, making it a highly speculative stock with significant risks [5][6] Group 3: Industry Comparison - IBM is transforming into a quantum-computing-first company, supported by its legacy business, and is not treating quantum computing as a side project like some competitors [8]

Core Viewpoint - A Chinese research team has made a significant breakthrough in quantum error correction, marking a key step in the global race to develop practical quantum computers, becoming the second team worldwide to achieve this milestone after Google, and surpassing Google in efficiency [1][5]. Group 1: Breakthrough Details - The Chinese team, led by Academician Pan Jianwei, successfully crossed the "fault-tolerant threshold" using the superconducting quantum processor "Zuchongzhi 3.2," which is crucial for the stable operation of quantum computers at scale [1][4]. - The concept of the "fault-tolerant threshold" is essential as it determines whether error correction can enhance system stability; below this threshold, error correction can introduce more errors than it eliminates [4][5]. - The team utilized a microwave-based control method that does not significantly increase hardware complexity, contrasting with Google's approach that relies on additional hardware to suppress errors [1][5]. Group 2: Technical Achievements - The Chinese team achieved a logical qubit with a code distance of 7, demonstrating that as the system scales, the overall error rate decreases, with an error suppression factor of 1.4, indicating operation below the fault-tolerant threshold [5]. - This achievement suggests a more flexible and scalable technical route, potentially paving the way for quantum computers to reach tens of thousands or even millions of qubits [5]. Group 3: Industry Context - Quantum computers differ from traditional computers by utilizing quantum physics principles, theoretically capable of performing complex tasks in a fraction of the time required by classical computers [3]. - The field of quantum computing has faced significant challenges due to the instability of qubits, which are highly sensitive to environmental disturbances, making errors almost inevitable during operation [3][4].

Core Insights - Quantum computing stocks are gaining momentum as they outperform the S&P 500, with companies like IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum leading the charge [1] - Major tech companies, including Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft, are exploring quantum computing alongside their generative AI initiatives, indicating a broader interest in the technology [2] - Nvidia is developing a comprehensive quantum computing suite, positioning itself as a key player in the AI infrastructure era [3] Quantum Computing Landscape - Currently, quantum computing is primarily an exploratory field, with companies focusing on research and development rather than enterprise-level applications [5] - Pure-play quantum developers like IonQ and Rigetti are utilizing gate-based approaches, while D-Wave specializes in quantum annealing for optimization tasks [6] - The focus of these companies is on the physics of creating and configuring qubits within new computing architectures [7] Nvidia's Unique Position - Unlike its competitors, Nvidia aims to bridge the gap between software and hardware for quantum computing, rather than building its own quantum computers [9] - Nvidia's software platform, CUDA-Q, allows developers to create applications that operate across CPUs, GPUs, and QPUs, enhancing the integration of quantum computing [10] - The NVQLink interconnect facilitates seamless communication between QPUs and GPUs, reducing latency and bandwidth strain [10] Market Potential and Growth - Nvidia is well-positioned to benefit from increased capital expenditures in AI infrastructure, with hyperscalers projected to contribute nearly $500 billion in 2026 [14] - The AI infrastructure market is expected to grow to nearly $7 trillion by the end of the decade, presenting a long-term opportunity for Nvidia [14] - As quantum computing becomes more integral to AI, Nvidia's products like CUDA-Q and NVQLink may play a significant role in its growth narrative [16] Investment Outlook - Nvidia's stock is currently trading at a forward P/E multiple of 24, which is considered reasonable given its growth prospects [17] - Quantum computing is viewed as an additional growth pillar for Nvidia as AI continues to dominate the market [19] - The company is expected to experience valuation expansion as it heads into 2026, making it an attractive buy-and-hold opportunity for long-term investors [19]

Core Viewpoint - Despite a significant decline in stock price, IonQ continues to be a leader in the quantum computing sector, which has seen fluctuating interest and investment in 2025 [1]. Company Overview - IonQ's stock has decreased over 35% from its peak, currently trading at $49.82 with a market cap of $18 billion [10]. - The company reported a revenue increase of over 200% in the last quarter, reaching nearly $40 million, and has secured over $100 million in contracts from the Air Force Research Lab [10]. Technology and Competitive Advantage - IonQ utilizes trapped-ion technology, which employs real ytterbium and barium atoms, providing a higher accuracy of 99.99% fidelity compared to competitors [5][6]. - The company aims to replicate Nvidia's success by building an ecosystem around its quantum computing technology, including significant acquisitions to enhance its capabilities [7]. Strategic Acquisitions - One notable acquisition is LightSynq, which provides quantum interconnect technology, enabling IonQ to transition to a modular architecture for better scalability [8][9]. - The modular architecture will allow IonQ to connect small traps, enhancing stability and control of individual quantum chips [9]. Industry Position and Future Outlook - IonQ is one of 11 companies selected by DARPA for the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, aimed at assessing the potential for building a fault-tolerant quantum computer within the next decade [11]. - While other systems may be faster, IonQ's focus on accuracy positions it favorably in the long-term quantum computing race, with ample cash reserves for future acquisitions [12].

Core Insights - Quantum computing stocks, particularly Rigetti Computing, have seen significant interest in 2025, driven by the potential of quantum technology to solve complex problems in various fields [1][3] - Despite the excitement, many quantum computers, including those from Rigetti, still face high error rates, hindering their practical application [2] - Rigetti's stock has more than doubled in the past year, reaching a market capitalization of $8.5 billion, but concerns about its revenue and valuation suggest a potential decline in 2026 [3][14] Company Overview - Rigetti Computing, founded in 2013, has developed a vertically integrated supply chain, including its own fabrication facility for quantum chips and a proprietary quantum programming language called Quil [5] - The company has created a cloud computing platform for businesses to access quantum computing resources, which enhances its competitive edge [5] - Rigetti's Cepheus-1-36Q multichip quantum computer boasts a high fidelity of 99.5%, indicating its potential for practical applications [6][8] Financial Performance - In the first three quarters of 2025, Rigetti generated only $5.2 million in revenue, a 39% decrease from the same period in 2024, raising concerns about its financial sustainability [9] - The company reported a net loss of $198 million during the same period, with ongoing increases in operating expenses despite declining revenues [11] - Rigetti has secured purchase orders that could generate $5.7 million in revenue in the first half of 2026, providing a potential for growth [10] Valuation Concerns - Rigetti's stock is currently trading at a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 1,010, which is deemed unsustainable compared to industry peers like Nvidia and Palantir Technologies [14][16] - The significant premium on Rigetti's valuation, combined with its minimal revenue and substantial losses, raises red flags for investors [16] - The stock has already decreased by 53% from its peak in October, and further declines are anticipated if the company fails to scale its quantum systems [16]

AYUTTHAYA, Thailand, Dec. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The achievements and discoveries in science and technology have not only profoundly reshaped how we live but also given us the confidence to confront challenges and embrace the future. Science and Technology Daily, in collaboration with media partners and a panel of academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, has selected the 2025 top 10 science and technology news stories from China and around the world. Top 10 ...

Tyler Crowe: Looking back at some of the stock market darlings of 2025, this is Motley Fool Money. Welcome to Motley Fool Money. My name's Tyler Crowe. Today, I'm joined by longtime contributors, Matt Frankel and Jon Quast. The end of the year is sneaking up on us pretty quick, and I don't know, there's some instinctual feel as investors to look back at the year as December rolls around and take stock, if you will, don't mind my pun of the stock market darlings of 2025. What did well? What worked, and what ...