The world of quantum computing has its fair share of believers and sceptics. While some call it the technology of the future that could see many modern technologies like cryptography rendered useless, others warn that practical applications might be years away.
On March 19, Wang Xiaoyun, a professor at Tsinghua University’s Institute for Advanced Study, mentioned that China is likely to start developing national standards for post-quantum cryptography within the next 3 years. This suggests early preparations are already underway to deal with the implications of quantum computing. Reuters quotes the professor as saying:
I personally think that the next three-to-five-year period is potentially one of explosive growth for post-quantum cryptography industry migration (in China).
Similar comments came out of Canada on March 27 when Kim Bolton, president at investment firm Black Swan Dexteritas, said the technology may be in early stages, but it is about to arrive on the big stage:
It may be young, but certainly by the end of this year and the beginning of next year, with all the progress that the scientists and the engineers and so on developers have made, it will be front and centre.
To be able to bet on the technology early, we decided to create a list of the 7 best quantum computing stocks to invest in according to analysts. These are companies that are relatively well-established and well-positioned to be leaders in quantum computing.
Our Methodology
To compile our list of 7 best quantum computing stocks to invest in, according to analysts, we considered only companies that either derive a significant portion of their business from quantum computing products or are developing technologies that would significantly alter how future quantum computing systems are built. These companies have a market cap of at least $1.5 billion. We further narrowed the list to stocks with upside of more than 10% according to Wall Street analysts, then ranked them in ascending order of upside potential.
We have limited our final selection to companies that have recently reported noteworthy developments likely to impact investor sentiment. These stocks are also popular among analysts and elite hedge funds.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 498.7% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 303 percentage points (see more details here).
Note: All share price data in the article is as per market close on March 27.
7. Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC)
Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:INTC) secured an important partnership with leading cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike on March 25. CrowdStrike announced an extended partnership with Intel to improve security for AI-powered PCs. The companies are working together to optimize CrowdStrike’s Falco platform for Intel devices, helping organizations detect threats faster and protect sensitive data. As AI workloads move directly onto devices, security risks are increasing. AI assistants now process sensitive data locally, which expands the attack surface and creates new challenges for organizations.
Daniel Bernard, chief business officer, CrowdStrike, commented:
The rise of AI PCs is changing not just how work gets done, but where execution and risk live. As AI moves directly onto the endpoint, security has to operate where those interactions happen. With Intel as a lead AI PC innovation partner, our collaboration extends Falcon directly into that layer, so customers can protect sensitive data and close the gap between detection and containment.
By combining Falcon’s security capabilities with Intel Corporation’s AI hardware across GPUs, CPUs, and NPUs, the partnership enables real-time threat detection and data protection within AI workflows. It also provides better visibility across users, devices, and cloud activity.
The solutions include features to prevent data leaks, support system recovery, and stop advanced threats using hardware-level intelligence. As a result, this increases the security of Intel’s AI products, helping it potentially become the company of choice for other firms to work with.
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) is a designer and manufacturer of semiconductors. It designs and manufactures processors and advanced computing technologies, including work in quantum research. Its clients include OEMs, data centers, and enterprise customers around the globe. The company operates in the computing, data center, and Artificial Intelligence markets and is headquartered in the United States.
6. Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON)
On March 26, BMO Capital started coverage of Honeywell International Inc. (NASDAQ:HON) with an Outperform rating and set a price target of $273. The firm expressed a positive view on the stock ahead of the planned Aerospace spin-off expected in the next three to six months.
Analyst Michael Goldie highlighted that strong fundamentals in the Aerospace and Defense segment are not fully reflected in the current valuation. He also noted that the ongoing transformation of the remaining business portfolio is not yet priced in. According to the firm, the strategic review of the Warehouse and Productivity business, along with spin-off updates, could be key catalysts for the stock.
On the same day, Honeywell International Inc. announced a partnership with Rhombus to expand its cloud-based security solutions with AI-powered video tools. The two companies will offer a single cloud platform that combines video management and access control, making it easier to scale and use.
Billal Hammoud, President & CEO, Honeywell International Inc. Building Automation, said:
This strategic alliance combines the strength of Honeywell’s access solutions portfolio, domain expertise and global reach with modern cloud video capabilities and AI enhancements. Together, we will offer an integrated, cloud-based solution that innovates while ensuring reliability and system resilience.
Honeywell International Inc. is a diversified industrial and technology company. It works in quantum computing through its Quantinuum division. Its clients are industrial units, aerospace companies, and enterprises. The company’s headquarters are in North Carolina, United States.
5. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM)
On March 25, International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) and CrowdStrike announced an expansion of their strategic collaboration to enhance AI-driven security operations. The partnership integrates CrowdStrike’s Charlotte AI™ with IBM’s Autonomous Threat Operations Machine (ATOM), enabling coordinated, faster detection, investigation, and containment across identity systems, endpoints, and cloud environments.
The Falcon platform is also being extended into IBM Consulting’s managed Threat Detection and Response services. It will also integrate with the global X-Force Cyber Range, providing cyber crisis simulations to help organizations prepare for emerging threats.
Dave McGinnis, Vice President, Global Managed Security Services, at International Business Machines Corporation, highlighted:
Organizations are under pressure to accelerate response without increasing complexity. By combining IBM ATOM with CrowdStrike’s Charlotte AI and delivering managed Threat Detection and Response services and Cyber Range validation with the Falcon platform, we’re helping enterprises operationalize coordinated, AI-driven response in real-world environments.
Earlier, on March 19, BMO Capital cut its price target on International Business Machines Corporation from $350 to $290 while keeping a Market Perform rating. The firm’s revised price target offers a further 19% upside from the current levels. The firm said there isn’t enough potential upside to give a positive outlook. Though it noted the company’s wide range of product offerings.
International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE:IBM) operates in the technology and cloud computing sector with a strong presence in quantum computing and enterprise IT solutions. Its clients include large enterprises, governments, and institutions worldwide. The company serves the enterprise technology, Artificial Intelligence, and cloud markets. It operates globally and is headquartered in the United States.
4. IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ)
On March 23, IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) announced a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) to expand their collaboration and support South Korea’s quantum development goals. The agreement focuses on four key areas, including education, expanding market opportunities, infrastructure access, and talent and knowledge exchange.
Niccolo de Masi, CEO of IonQ, Inc., commented:
South Korea has been a vital partner in the advancement of quantum computing, and we’re proud to deepen our collaboration with KISTI as we expand our footprint in South Korea. This memorandum reflects a strategic alignment between public sector science policy leadership and private sector innovators to unlock real-world quantum applications, foster local talent, and position the region as a global force in the quantum economy.
Under the partnership, IonQ, Inc. plans to introduce its quantum systems into KISTI and integrate them with the institute’s high-performance computing infrastructure. Both organizations will also work on training programs, internships, and joint initiatives to strengthen the local quantum workforce and research community.
The announcement builds on the company’s existing partnership in South Korea and aligns with the country’s strategy to become a leading global quantum economy by 2035.
IonQ, Inc. operates as a developer of quantum computing systems. The company provides access to its quantum computers through cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud, as well as its own services.
3. Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:QUBT)
Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:QUBT) announced that it completed the $5 million acquisition of NuCrypt on March 5. The deal was paid through a mix of cash and QUBT common stock, and NuCrypt will now operate as a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition strengthens quantum communications as a key focus area for the company and expands its photonics portfolio.
NuCrypt was founded in 2003 and is active in key networks like the Chicago Quantum Exchange and the Quantum Economic Development Consortium. The company has provided technology to organizations such as NASA, universities around the world, and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory.
Quantum Computing Inc. plans to combine its thin-film lithium niobate photonic technology with NuCrypt’s systems to reduce device size, enhance performance, and support large-scale manufacturing. The combined technologies are expected to improve the company’s position in advanced computing and secure communications.
Earlier, on March 3, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Troy Jensen reiterated a Neutral rating on Quantum Computing Inc.. However, the analyst lowered the firm’s price target from $15 to $10. He said that if the company captures 5% of the quantum software, hardware, and services market by 2035, it could generate around $375 million in sales over the next ten years.
Quantum Computing Inc. makes photonics-based equipment for both commercial and government clients. It specializes in thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) photonic chips that convert electrical signals into optimal signals. It is headquartered in Hoboken, New Jersey.
2. Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI)
On March 25, Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:RGTI) announced that it plans to invest up to $100M in the UK. The move is aimed at speeding up quantum computing development and marks its first major investment outside the United States. As part of the plan, the company expects to deploy a quantum computer with more than 1,000 qubits within the next 3-4 years.
Building on its existing presence in the UK, Rigetti Computing Inc. highlighted that the investment includes a 36-qubit system deployed at the National Quantum Computing Centre. The company is also working with partners there on quantum error corrections.
Benchmark analyst David Williams maintained a Buy rating on Rigetti Computing Inc. while lowering the firm’s price target on March 20. The analyst cut the firm’s price target on the stock from $35 to $25. After a meeting with the company’s CEO, Subodh Kulkarni, and CFO, Jeff Bertelsen, the firm said that it feels more confident about its strategy and technology. However, the price target was lowered due to weakness across the quantum sector.
Rigetti Computing Inc. designs and manufactures quantum processors in-house at its foundry in Fermont, California. The company is vertically integrated and offers a full-stack solution, including cloud access to its quantum computers. It is based in Berkeley, California.
1. D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS)
On March 10, Sujeeva De Silva of Roth MKM reiterated his Buy rating on the D-Wave Quantum (NYSE:QBTS) stock and maintained a price target of $30. The price target suggests the stock could more than double from here. This bullish view is supported by the company’s solid cash position of $884.48 million and limited debt of $43.46 million, which together allow funding of operations without the need for financing.
The company’s management reported at the Q4 2025 earnings call last month that during the ongoing quarter, bookings have already exceeded the annual bookings figures for any year in the company’s history. On top of that, the firm expects a much higher revenue growth in the second half of the ongoing year. As a result of this increasing demand, operating expenses are likely to increase 15% QoQ. The increase is also due in part to the launch of the US Government Solutions unit during the previous quarter.
D-Wave Quantum makes quantum computing systems along with the accompanying software and services. Its quantum computing systems are called Advantage and Advantage 2, while the suite of open-source tools is called Ocean. It also offers the Leap Quantum cloud service, which allows people to remotely connect to its quantum computers. The company operates in Canada and the United States.
