These Quantum Computing Stocks May Quietly Emerge as Top Beneficiaries of the AI Surge

Quantum computing hasn't captured as much investor attention as artificial intelligence (AI) has. The spotlight is currently on AI, and understandably so, since that's where companies worldwide are channeling significant investment.

Yet, in the next few years, quantum computing could dramatically enhance the processing power behind AI, and a select group of companies stand to benefit from this breakthrough. For those willing to take on more risk for the possibility of higher returns, these businesses present an intriguing opportunity.

IonQ

IonQ ( IONQ 5.14%) is among the most recognized quantum computing stocks, largely due to its status as the first company focused solely on quantum computing to go public. Beyond this, its technology is impressive and could have a significant impact on AI.

Unlike most rivals that rely on superconducting quantum computing, IonQ employs a different strategy. The company uses trapped-ion quantum computing, which brings two main advantages.

Firstly, trapped-ion quantum computers do not require extremely low temperatures and can function at room temperature. This greatly reduces operational costs and eliminates the need for specialized infrastructure.

Secondly, trapped-ion quantum systems deliver much higher accuracy compared to superconducting models. IonQ currently holds two global records for quantum computing precision. While this accuracy comes at the expense of speed, early users of the technology often prioritize reliable results over rapid processing.

IonQ anticipates that quantum computing will significantly enhance AI performance. The company recently revealed that its Tempo system has achieved the #AQ 64 performance benchmark, meaning its quantum computing capacity has doubled since its previous milestone nine months ago. This progress strengthens IonQ's prospects in supporting AI, as hybrid systems can cut energy usage considerably when running these models.

Whether IonQ's approach will prove commercially successful remains to be seen, but current indicators suggest it could become a major player in the hybrid quantum computing sector in the near future.

Alphabet

Alphabet ( GOOG -0.04%) ( GOOGL -0.14%) is also making strides in quantum computing with its own chip. The Willow quantum chip has shown promising results, and Alphabet has the financial strength to heavily invest in this field.

Alphabet recognizes the advantages of integrating quantum computing with AI and is working to develop its own solutions, aiming to avoid relying on third-party providers for computing hardware as it currently does for AI.

If Alphabet succeeds in creating a practical quantum computing platform, its generative AI model, Gemini, would immediately benefit from enhanced computational power. This could position Gemini as a leader among AI models, making Alphabet an even more attractive investment.

Moreover, Alphabet could offer its quantum computing technology through Google Cloud, enabling customers to access quantum computing resources on demand. This would likely drive significant demand for the service. By developing its own hardware, Alphabet could also maximize profits, especially if few other commercial quantum solutions exist. Even if Alphabet's quantum computing efforts fall short, it could still source quantum hardware from companies like IonQ for its Google Cloud infrastructure. As demand for quantum computing grows, Google Cloud stands to benefit, regardless of whether Alphabet's in-house projects succeed.

If Alphabet manages to launch a successful quantum computing solution, it would gain two major advantages and could see its stock price surge. This development could help Alphabet become one of the world's largest corporations, making it a compelling investment choice today.