Quantum Computing Stocks Surge! Why Does the Market Believe the Government Will Enter the Quantum Race?

TradingKey - Recent market rumors suggest that the Trump administration is preparing to “bet” on quantum computing companies through equity investments.

Following the news, quantum computing stocks surged collectively in pre-market trading on Thursday, though the U.S. Department of Commerce later stepped in to deny the reports. By Friday morning (U.S. Eastern Time), anticipation remained high, with shares in the sector still posting gains of varying degrees.

[Source: Futu — Quantum Computing Stock Gains at Thursday’s Close]

Multiple media outlets reported that the Trump administration has recently engaged with several quantum computing firms — including IonQ, Rigetti Computing, and D-Wave Quantum — to discuss providing federal funding in exchange for equity stakes.

However, the U.S. Department of Commerce clarified that no such equity negotiations are currently underway, stating that the government is instead “considering instruments like warrants or loans.” In other words, while direct equity investment may not be on the table, official involvement is still possible — just in a more policy-driven form.

This strategic thinking isn’t baseless. In recent years, the U.S. government has increasingly used capital tools to shape critical industries:

• Taking a 10% stake in Intel,
• Acquiring equity in rare earth miner MP Materials,
• Investing in lithium project Lithium Americas

These moves reflect a dual focus on industrial security and long-term financial return. Quantum computing, with its potential to revolutionize fields like drug discovery, materials science, and cybersecurity, holds a strategic position comparable to rare earths and artificial intelligence.

Quantum technology is widely seen as the next disruptive frontier after AI. Its computational power could enable exponential breakthroughs across multiple domains.

Google recently claimed its quantum computer operated 13,000 times faster than classical supercomputers — further fueling the sector’s strategic appeal.

Therefore, even though the “government equity stake” rumor was denied, the episode sent a clear signal: The U.S. may be moving toward a new model of technological competition — one built on capital engagement, policy support, and supply chain resilience — to reshape the global tech landscape. Quantum computing may just be the beginning.