The same stocks rallied earlier this week after Microsoft unveiled an initiative meant to familiarize business leaders with quantum systems.

Shares of quantum computing company IonQ ( IONQ 5.48%) raced higher this week. The stock was up by 28.5% as of Friday morning, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence.

D-Wave Quantum's valuation model suggests potential 25-35% annual returns in base and bull cases. See why we are neutral on QBTS stock.

Quantum computing was one of the hot trends of the past few months as stocks have doubled or more following Alphabet's (NASDAQ: GOOG) Willow announcement. Investors looking for any way to play the quantum computing space have pushed microcap stocks into the stratosphere.

This is what's happening on Wednesday, as quantum computing investors cheer some kind words from Microsoft's strategic missions and technologies chief, Mitra Azizirad, who last night urged quantum investors to get ready, because "we are right on the cusp of seeing quantum computers solve meaningful problems and capture new business value."

Quantum computing stocks took a wild turn in early 2025, with Rigetti Computing (RGTI) becoming the center of speculative trading, much like GameStop (GME) a few years ago. The stock skyrocketed by nearly 1,

Rigetti Computing's stock is overvalued and facing tough competition, despite temporary surges driven by industry news. Click here to read why RGTI is a Strong Sell.