Quantum computing stocks have been white hot to start 2025, with companies like Rigetti Computing (RGTI), IonQ (IONQ), and D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) surging in recent months. These pure-play startups are all piggybacking on the success of Google (GOOGL), which unveiled its Willow super computing chip in December. Willow represents a new milestone in terms of quantum capabilities, solving complex mathematical problems in mere minutes.
For investors and analysts, Willow has served as a “green light” to supercharge investment in related companies. Many of these firms are still building and scaling commercial businesses, instead focusing on honing the underlying technology and achieving certain necessary breakthroughs, like milestones in quantum error correction.
The outsized gains in quantum computing stocks have also drawn attention from a number of prominent figures in the tech world. Nvidia (NVDA) CEO Jensen Huang affirmed that his company continues to invest in quantum research and development, but cautioned that the most useful quantum computers were 15-30 years away. Meta Platforms (META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg echoed his thoughts, and Mad Money host Jim Cramer said 2025 was far too early for meaningful investment in quantum computing.
Notably, one voice has been largely absent from this discussion: Elon Musk.
Elon Musk and Quantum Computing
With his hands in most emerging tech trends, including electric vehicles, batteries, energy storage, solar power, artificial intelligence, and spaceflight, it is likely surprising to investors that Musk has not been more vocal about quantum computing. Perhaps it is because he is gearing up for his stint co-heading the new Department of Government Efficiency under President-elect Donald Trump.
However, in a brief conversation with Google’s Sundar Pichai on X, Musk may have revealed his intentions with quantum.
In December, Pichai posted about Willow on his X account, writing that it was a “state-of-the-art quantum computing chip.” Musk responded, simply saying “Wow.”
Then, Pichai quipped that “We should do a quantum cluster in space with Starship one day.”
Musk’s response to that was “That will probably happen,” suggesting that he is interested in Pichai’s idea, as well as quantum computing in general.
Although this brief X exchange was far from a true business idea, it suggests that Musk or one of his many companies may start formal work on this emerging tech in 2025.
As for his SpaceX, the company has had a busy start to the new year, launching two separate moon missions on Jan. 15.
The Best Quantum Computing Stocks to Buy Now
Until Musk makes it clear that Tesla (TSLA) or one of his other firms is a way to leverage quantum computing, how should investors play the space?
Some of the best stocks to buy will have “Strong Buy” consensus ratings from analysts. Two names that stand out are D-Wave, which has a “Strong Buy” rating and 50% upside potential to its Street-high price target, and Rigetti, which also has a “Strong Buy” rating.
Mega-cap companies that are investing in quantum computing like Nvidia could also be smart bets. Nvidia has a “Strong Buy” rating and its average analyst price target of $176.55 represents 30% upside from current prices.
