If the Pace of AI Is Slowed, Investors Can Turn to Quantum Computing. 4 Quantum Stocks to Buy Now.

Major frontier artificial intelligence (AI) labs, including Anthropic, OpenAI, and Space Exploration Technologies, have recently publicly called for AI companies to slow the pace of development over worries that the technology could eventually become dangerous. With the AI market suddenly in flux, it could be time for investors to look at the next big technological race: quantum computing. With quantum computing still early in its development and the U.S. government investing in the sector, there likely will be no slowing down the development of this technology anytime soon.

Let's look at four quantum computing stocks to consider buying.

1. IonQ

One of the largest hurdles that quantum computing needs to overcome is accuracy, and IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) is currently the leader in this regard. Using the trapped-ion method, along with embedding microwave antennas directly into its chips, the company has been able to achieve 99.99% 2-qubit fidelity, which is the highest accuracy in the space.

IonQ is also trying to control the entire quantum ecosystem, having made acquisitions in the areas of quantum networking, transmission, and sensing. It has also acquired its own quantum foundry, which will let it advance prototypes faster and eventually scale more quickly.

2. Quantinuum

Backed by industrial conglomerate Honeywell, Quantinuum (NASDAQ: QNT) also uses the trapped-ion modality, although it has decided not to use microwave antennas due to speed reasons. The company has hit 99.92% 2-qubit gate fidelity with its system, but it is aiming to reach 99.999% logical fidelity in 2027 with its new Sol system.

In addition to its accuracy achievements, Quantinuum is also known for its software prowess. Its open-source quantum computing language, Guppy, can perform advanced error correction directly in the code, while its TKET quantum software development kit (SDK) acts as a universal translator. Meanwhile, its Nexus all-in-one quantum computing platform simplifies quantum workflows to streamline the deployment of quantum algorithms.

3. Infleqtion

One of the more intriguing approaches to quantum computing outside of the trapped-ion method is the neutral-atom approach used by Infleqtion (NYSE: INFQ). It's like the trapped-ion approach in that it uses individual atoms suspended in a vacuum and controlled by lasers, but instead of charged ions, it uses uncharged atoms, which don't repel each other. Because atoms don't repel each other, it allows for higher qubit density. The goal is for this approach to achieve a similar accuracy to the trapped-ion modality at a faster speed. The company hit 99.73% 2-gate fidelity back in 2024 and is looking to reach 99.9% this year.

At the same time, Infleqtion is a leader in quantum sensing. It makes quantum sensing and precision timing tools used by the U.S. and U.K. governments, which gives it a nice revenue-generating business and ties to the government as it pursues its full quantum system.

Image source: Getty Images.

4. D-Wave

D-Wave (NASDAQ: QBTS) is a leader in quantum annealing, which is an optimization technique that can help customers find the best solutions for their problems. Its Advantage II systems are already being used commercially in the logistics, defense, and financial industries. However, it is now looking to apply its annealing learnings to a gate-based quantum system.

For its gate-based quantum systems, it will use fluxonium qubits, a type of superconducting qubit that has similar properties to those it deploys for its annealing technology. Meanwhile, earlier this year, it acquired Quantum Circuits, giving it a dual-rail gate-model processor with built-in error detection. Its long-term objective is to create a system with the accuracy of trapped-ion systems and the much faster speed of superconducting qubits. It's still early, but if it can pull this off, it would put it in the quantum computing driver's seat.

Geoffrey Seiler has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Honeywell Technologies and IonQ. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.