Investing in Quantum Computing: The Next Big Opportunity?

Quantum computing is one of those technologies that can feel “too futuristic” to invest in today—yet it may become a major driver of returns over the next decade. In this lesson-style guide, we’ll explore what quantum computing is, why it matters, and how investors can think about gaining exposure in 2025.

When we speak with investors, we notice a consistent pattern: people want exposure to “the next big thing,” but they also want clarity. What is real progress versus hype? What risks come with investing early? And what’s a sensible way to approach it without turning a portfolio into a science experiment?

A common question we hear is: “I saw quantum computing on the news—can I invest in it?” In practice, the answer is yes, usually through (1) shares of companies building quantum technology or (2) a basket of related companies via a thematic Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF). Let’s break this down step by step.

How Do Quantum Computers Work?

Traditional computers process information using bits, which are either 0 or 1. This basic idea sits underneath almost everything digital: phones, laptops, cloud servers, AI models, and the data centres powering the modern internet.

Quantum computers use qubits. A qubit can behave differently from a normal bit because it can represent a combination of states under certain conditions (often described as being “0 and 1 at the same time,” though the practical reality is more nuanced).

The key investor takeaway

Quantum computing is not “a faster laptop.” It’s a fundamentally different approach to computation that may be dramatically better at specific problem types.

Quantum machines are being developed because some categories of problems become effectively impossible for classical computers at useful scale—even if you throw enormous computing power at them.

Where quantum could create value

• Chemistry and materials science: simulating molecules and reactions more accurately (potential impact: batteries, catalysts, industrial materials).
• Drug discovery and biomedical research: accelerating parts of the discovery process through improved simulation and optimisation.
• Optimisation problems: complex logistics, routing, scheduling, and portfolio-style optimisation (not guaranteed, but a major research focus).
• Cybersecurity and cryptography: eventually challenging some widely used encryption methods, and accelerating the shift toward post-quantum cryptography.

The Constraints With Quantum

Quantum machines require extremely controlled environments. Many leading approaches require ultra-low temperatures (near absolute zero), specialised hardware, and substantial physical infrastructure. This is one major reason why quantum computing is still largely in the R&D phase, with limited commercial deployment so far.

Here’s the investor reality: timelines matter. Most quantum-focused companies are not valued like mature businesses. Instead, valuations often reflect future potential, technical milestones, partnerships, and the probability of eventual commercial adoption.

If you’re exploring future-looking technologies with major growth potential, you may also want to read our article: AI Robots: Why Elon Musk Believes This Will Be His Biggest Product Ever.

Investing in Quantum Computing

Investors typically approach quantum exposure in one of two ways: individual shares or a thematic ETF.

1) Individual shares

Below are three examples of very different stocks (available on Hugo’s online investment platforms) that provide exposure to quantum development:

• IonQ (IONQ:xnys)
  Often linked to quantum computing development and commercial partnerships, with investor attention driven more by future growth expectations than current profitability.
• Rigetti Computing (RGTI:xnas)
  A smaller name, typically viewed as earlier-stage and more speculative.
• IBM (IBM:xnys)
  A very different risk profile: an established business with multiple revenue streams, where quantum is one part of a broader strategy (cloud, enterprise software/services, infrastructure).

Investor takeaway: these are not comparable like-for-like. You’re choosing between earlier-stage exposure (higher upside and downside) and diversified incumbents (less “pure-play” quantum exposure, and potentially less volatility tied to quantum headlines).

2) A quantum computing ETF

If you’d prefer to reduce single-company risk, a quantum-themed ETF can be a practical way to start. Examples investors may see on trading platforms include:

• VanEck Quantum Computing UCITS ETF (QNTM:xmil)
• WisdomTree Quantum Computing UCITS ETF (WQTM:xetr)

The same caution applies, though: thematic ETFs can be volatile, and holdings may include companies that are only partially involved in quantum (hardware suppliers, IT infrastructure, software, semiconductors, and more). That means you’re also taking on non-quantum business risks.

A sensible ETF approach

• Keep position sizing modest.
• Expect a bumpy ride.
• Consider staged entries over time rather than trying to time one perfect price.

This future of IT infrastructure also raises a practical question: what will protect these systems from commercial espionage and hackers? If you want to explore that angle and the investment opportunities it may create, see our article: The Cybersecurity Crisis: How Can Investors Profit.

Risks When Investing in Quantum Computing

Quantum computing is exciting, but it isn’t a guaranteed, straight-line investment theme. Here are the major risks to teach yourself to watch for:

• Commercialisation risk: impressive demos don’t always turn into scalable, marketable products.
• Timeline risk: breakthroughs can take longer than markets expect.
• Technology risk: multiple approaches exist, and not all will win.
• Valuation risk: many quantum names can trade more on narrative than fundamentals.
• Dilution/financing risk: early-stage companies often raise capital repeatedly.

If you’re interested in another long-term trend that’s less obvious to many investors—yet potentially enormous in scale—see our analysis: Investing in Longevity/Anti-ageing Stocks: a $38 Trillion Opportunity.

The Bottom Line for Investors

Quantum computing may redefine what computers can do in certain fields, and it’s a technology worth keeping on your radar—especially as demand for computing power rises alongside AI, robotics, security, and advanced manufacturing.

But it’s still early. For most long-term investors, quantum exposure is best treated as a high-volatility thematic allocation—not a core portfolio foundation.