Just when you may have finally gotten your head around the opportunity in artificial intelligence (AI), a new investment opportunity has popped up. Quantum computing is the latest “new thing” among technology stocks.

This is what's happening on Wednesday, as quantum computing investors cheer some kind words from Microsoft's strategic missions and technologies chief, Mitra Azizirad, who last night urged quantum investors to get ready, because "we are right on the cusp of seeing quantum computers solve meaningful problems and capture new business value."

Quantum computing is a burgeoning field with the potential to create trillions of dollars. The rising acceptance of quantum computers in finance, life sciences and chemical sectors is expected to help the quantum computing market reach $5.3 billion by 2029 from $1.3 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 32.7%, according to marketsandmarkets.

The same stocks rallied earlier this week after Microsoft unveiled an initiative meant to familiarize business leaders with quantum systems.

Though investors saw this as disappointing, there is some reassuring news. Quantum computing is progressing, meaning these companies will likely report accomplishments and milestones in the months and years to come -- and these represent catalysts for quantum computer stocks to climb.

Trapped-ion quantum computing leader IonQ (NYSE: IONQ) is emerging as a potential leader in the commercialization of quantum computing through its trapped-ion technology approach. Unlike traditional superconducting quantum competitors,

Rigetti Computing is at the forefront of the quantum computing industry, but the company has a speculative stock valuation.

Many quantum computing stocks exploded in value last year as investors hoped to get ahead of the crowd in what could be a transformational wave of new technology. Excitement grew

Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) stock posted explosive gains across 2024. The quantum computing company's share price closed out the year's trading up 1,449.4%, according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Quantum computing, a transformative leap in technology, harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems far beyond the reach of classical computers. In today’s digital world, where data and computational prowess dictate innovation,