Quantum Computing Set to Scale in 2026: IONQ, QBTS, RGTI's Outlook - Yahoo Finance

Quantum Computing Set to Scale in 2026: IONQ, QBTS, RGTI's Outlook Urmimala Biswas Fri, March 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM EDT 4 min read QBTS -0.51% IONQ +0.94% RGTI -0.19% Amid macroeconomic uncertainty and volatile technology spending in 2026, the quantum computing industry is gradually transitioning from research-led experimentation toward early commercialization. The sector remains small but is expanding rapidly. The global quantum computing market was at about $0.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach roughly $1.08 billion in 2026, before potentially exceeding $16 billion by 2035 (as per Global Growth Insights data) as adoption broadens across finance, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. Pure-play vendors are entering this phase with improving commercial traction. IonQ IONQ reported 2025 revenue growth of 202% from 2024 and expects $225–$245 million in 2026 revenues, supported by a $370 million remaining performance obligation backlog and expanding enterprise deployments. D-Wave Quantum’s QBTS revenues were up 179%, while its sales pipeline expanded nearly 1,500% year over year, reflecting growing enterprise demand for optimization workloads and quantum compute-as-a-service platforms. Meanwhile, Rigetti Computing RGTI continues advancing its superconducting roadmap, targeting deployment of a 108-qubit system in 2026 and a 150+ qubit system by year-end, supported by roughly $590 million in cash to fund development. At the industry level, 2026 represents a critical scaling phase. Current machines operate in the NISQ (Noisy Intermediate-Scale Quantum) era with roughly 50–1,000 qubits, where hybrid classical-quantum workflows dominate while researchers work to reduce error rates and enable fault-tolerant systems later in the decade. Hardware roadmaps suggest steady progress, with processors exceeding 300 qubits, improved error-correction techniques and advances across multiple architectures, including superconducting, trapped-ion and photonic systems, during the second half of the decade. Quantum Pure Plays' Growth Outlook, Roadmaps and Key Risks for 2026 IONQ: Despite macroeconomic volatility and cautious enterprise technology spending in 2026, IonQ appears positioned to sustain strong growth momentum, supported by accelerating commercialization and a strong product roadmap. Fourth-quarter revenues reached $61.9 million, reflecting expanding global customer adoption. For 2026, IonQ expects $225–$245 million in revenues, supported by $370 million in remaining performance obligations, providing improved demand visibility. On the technology front, IonQ plans to demonstrate an operational 256-qubit sixth-generation quantum computer in 2026 while continuing deployments of its fifth-generation Tempo systems. The company is also pursuing the planned acquisition of SkyWater Technology, which aims to strengthen semiconductor manufacturing capabilities and support scaling of its quantum platform as commercialization accelerates. Story Continues View Comments Terms and Privacy Policy Privacy Dashboard