Government Eyes Strategic Stakes in Quantum Firms

Quantum computing stocks surged in premarket trading Thursday following a Wall Street Journal report that the Trump administration is negotiating equity positions in several leading U.S. quantum technology companies.

The move underscores Washington’s growing intent to secure leadership in next-generation computing technologies seen as vital for national security and economic competitiveness.

Key Companies in Discussions

According to the report, IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI), and D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) are in talks with federal officials about potential government equity participation as part of funding agreements under a forthcoming “Critical Technology Investment Initiative.”

Other firms, including Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT) and privately held Atom Computing, are also reportedly exploring similar arrangements.

Market Reaction

Quantum computing stocks rallied across the board:

IonQ (IONQ): +14.3%
Rigetti Computing (RGTI): +13.8%
D-Wave Quantum (QBTS): +13.6%
Arqit Quantum (ARQQ): +11.7%
Quantum Corp (QMCO): +12.7%

The sector’s sharp rise reflects renewed investor confidence that federal funding and ownership stakes could accelerate commercialization and de-risk long-term R&D efforts.

Strategic Context

The administration’s approach mirrors a broader industrial policy shift toward public–private partnerships in critical tech sectors, similar to government equity participation in AI infrastructure and semiconductor fabrication initiatives.

Analysts note that government involvement could:

Provide financial stability for capital-intensive firms
Enhance U.S. quantum sovereignty against global competitors
Spur public–private collaboration in quantum networking and encryption technologies

Industry Outlook

If completed, these deals could mark a historic moment for the quantum industry, elevating it from speculative innovation to national strategic infrastructure.
Investors are watching closely for official confirmation and potential funding details in upcoming federal budget announcements.