5 Quantum Computing Penny Stocks Set to Explode

Quantum computing was once just a science headline — now it’s pushing real trades. The sector’s top players are racing to scale early hardware, and investors are betting on big breakthroughs. That attention has spilled over into a group of small-cap stocks, giving traders high-volatility setups worth tracking.

Check out my complete AI + Quantum penny stock watchlist here!

Most of these names have no profits, limited revenue, and unpredictable funding. But that’s exactly why they’re penny stocks. In my experience teaching traders over the last two decades, these types of plays attract speculation, and when they move, they move fast. These aren’t long-term investments — they’re momentum trades driven by sector news, market sentiment, and short-term price action.

Before you decide to buy anything, remember: penny stocks aren’t about buying and holding. They’re about reacting. That means watching the chart, tracking catalysts, and planning every move. Here are five quantum penny stocks with setups worth monitoring right now.

5 Quantum Computing Penny Stocks to Watch in 2026

Before you send in your orders, take note: I have NO plans to trade these stocks unless they fit my preferred setups. This is only a watchlist.

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Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: RGTI) — The Quantum Leader in Post-Bubble Reset

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Quantum had a mania phase — then the bubble popped. That’s the simplest way to explain the last few months.

RGTI was a leader into the peak, and now it’s in the post-mania stage: big pullback, choppy base attempts, and traders waiting for the next “quantum is back” moment.

Going into January, the stock is more about base-building than chasing. You want it to prove it can hold support and reclaim key areas before you get excited.

When a sector comes back, leaders usually lead again. RGTI is one of the main quantum tape tickers traders chase when the story turns hot.

Trade Potential:

• Bullish Scenario: If RGTI stabilizes and starts reclaiming major prior breakdown zones, it can spark another momentum wave as quantum sympathy returns.
• Bearish Scenario: If it loses the most recent base area cleanly, it can slide toward lower prior support zones and keep unwinding.

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) — The CES 2026 Catalyst Quantum Stock

QBTS has a simple near-term hook for January: CES 2026 visibility. Event catalysts matter because they give traders a date to anchor hype to.

Like the rest of quantum, it had a big run and then cooled. The key question now is whether it holds a base and curls into the event — or whether it’s just another spike-and-fade.

It’s liquid, it moves, and it trades with the sector. If quantum heats up again, QBTS is one of the names that can run hard with it.

Trade Potential:

• Bullish Scenario: If QBTS holds its base and pushes back through recent resistance zones, you can get a momentum breakout into the next overhead supply area.
• Bearish Scenario: If it breaks down under its base support, it can fade quickly as traders bail and the sympathy bid disappears.

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SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) — The Post-Quantum Security Stock

LAES lives at the intersection of two hype-friendly narratives: “quantum” and “security.” More specifically, it’s a post-quantum security hardware story — the kind of theme traders can latch onto fast when headlines hit.

Into January, it’s also had a steady drip of story fuel: pipeline talk, partnerships, and broader “quantum-resistant” positioning. 

Read more: SEALSQ Corp Expands Global Presence with Major Innovation

Whether it holds up depends on the tape — these names can fly in risk-on weeks and sink when the market gets defensive.

Post-quantum security is an easy narrative for traders to understand — and small caps with a hot theme can move violently when the crowd shows up.

• Bullish Scenario: If LAES holds its base in the $3–$4 zone and starts pushing higher, it can trigger a momentum run as traders chase the security + quantum story.
• Bearish Scenario: If it loses the low-$3s and can’t reclaim quickly, it can fade into the $2s where liquidity gets thinner and moves get uglier.

Quantum Computing Inc (NASDAQ: QUBT) — The NASA Contract Quantum Computing Stock

Quantum Computing just landed another high-profile government win: A subcontract with NASA’s Langley Research Center worth up to $406K.

The project aims to use QCi’s Dirac-3 quantum computer to tackle a critical problem: Removing sunlight noise from space-based LIDAR systems.

For NASA, this could mean cleaner, more reliable daytime atmospheric data without the need for bulky, expensive optics. That’s a breakthrough that could cut costs and enable more compact satellite payloads.

CEO Dr. William McGann called the deal an expansion of QCi’s growing relationship with NASA, and emphasized its potential to reshape how Earth observation data is collected.

Beyond CALIPSO and ICESat-2 satellites, the technology could support future climate and atmospheric science missions.

Read more: QUBT: What’s Next For Investors.

The market loved this news. QUBT shares ripped 250%* since April 30 and are now consolidating above $20.

Most quantum computing names are still theory-driven. QUBT is one of the few applying its tech to real-world, funded projects. With NASA as a partner.

That’s powerful validation.

Trade Potential:

• Bullish Scenario: A decisive push above $24 could set off a run toward $27, the all-time highs from December ‘24.
• Bearish Scenario: Weakness under $18 could spark a retest of $16 support, its post-spike floor.

Quantum + NASA = serious credibility.

With government contracts stacking up, QUBT has the narrative and the chart setup to keep traders engaged.

IONQ Inc (NYSE: IONQ) — The Higher-Priced Quantum Computing Stock

This is the higher-priced leader of the sector, with deep-pocketed backing and a roadmap that could reshape the industry.

The company sells cloud access to its quantum computers through AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, while also advancing quantum-safe networking, detectors, and hardware systems.

A standout partnership with AstraZeneca underscores its push into healthcare and life sciences, applying quantum computing to chemistry and drug discovery.

Investor sentiment started to spike in late August after B. Riley Securities initiated coverage with a Buy, citing IonQ’s potential to top $1B in revenue by 2030. Shares climbed 10.5% in a week, adding fuel to a trend that’s been building since early 2025.

In September it surged to new all-time highs.

The long-term plan: Deliver a cryptographically relevant machine by 2028 and scale to 2 million qubits by 2030.

Read more: IONQ: A Closer Look Behind The Curtain.

The company also has a $1.6B cash position, the kind of balance sheet strength to fund its aggressive expansion.

IONQ is positioned as the “establishment” quantum stock. It’s a well-capitalized, institutionally backed player that’s already integrating into global cloud platforms.

Trade Potential:

• Bullish Scenario: A breakout over September highs at $76 could set up a push into the $80s.
• Bearish Scenario: If momentum fades, downside support sits near $50, where the stock’s prior highs were in January 2025.

With institutional backing, credible partnerships, and the strongest roadmap in quantum, IonQ is the sector heavyweight that’s looking for its next move.

* Past performance isn’t indicative of future results.

Key Considerations for Buying Quantum Computing Penny Stocks

Buying quantum computing penny stocks is not about jumping on hype—it’s about recognizing patterns and knowing when setups align with your strategies. These are low-capitalization, innovation-driven plays that can move fast and break expectations just as quickly. Traders need to evaluate more than just prices or Reddit posts—they should analyze accessibility to news, market data, and company information to manage risk with discipline.

Penny stock markets rise and fall on random YouTube people’s advice and world trends and issues that don’t always involve these assets—just look at the DeepSeek shock in January that affected the entire tech market!

Over the years, I’ve taught thousands of traders to approach high-risk, future-focused stocks with a mix of caution and opportunity. These aren’t S&P 500 blue chips—they’re typically market-sensitive symbols tied to emerging sectors like AI-integrated quantum computing. Use trade ideas to compare setups, and build a diversified watchlist that accounts for volatility and growth potential.

If you’re serious about quantum penny stocks, you need more than hype—you need a watchlist. Picking the right targets takes research and timing, especially in a market this early. Most of these stocks trade on potential, not earnings, so knowing which ones even belong on your watchlist is half the battle. Here’s a full list of quantum computing stocks to start with.

Potential Risks Associated with Quantum Penny Stocks

Quantum penny stocks carry significant risks. They’re speculative, often tied to early-stage companies with inconsistent earnings, limited capital, and unproven technologies. Market shifts, low float, and fast-changing sentiment on platforms like Reddit or in news headlines can all amplify volatility, making it critical to monitor your portfolio closely.

In my teaching, I highlight the importance of reading beyond the banner or icon—dig into real analysis and evaluate each asset’s performance history. These stocks often show sharp dips after rallies, and traders who ignore these cycles risk locking in losses. Treat these opportunities like any high-risk investment: hedge, allocate carefully, and keep your exit plan in place.

You also need to know these stocks’ history. Here’s a watchlist from when quantum was on its all-time march in December 2024.

Should I Buy Quantum Penny Stocks?

Buying quantum computing penny stocks depends on your risk tolerance and your ability to manage high-volatility setups. These stocks can present strong short-term moves, but the odds of success increase when you wait for proper confirmation—whether it’s a catalyst, breakout pattern, or volume surge. I never recommend buying just because something is trending.

The most successful students I’ve worked with are those who treat speculative sectors with a trader’s mindset, not a gambler’s impulse. Quantum-powered equities can be disruptive and scalable, but they’re also vulnerable to broad market changes and funding challenges. Be ready to speculate smartly, hedge your bets, and stay adaptable as these stocks evolve.

This isn’t like buying Apple. Most quantum stocks under $5 are pure speculation. That doesn’t mean they’re all bad—just that you need to treat them like trades, not long-term bets. Want a better idea of how these early-stage tech plays stack up? Check out this piece on SoundHound and what it tells us about buying speculative tech stocks.

Where to Buy Quantum Penny Stocks

You can trade most quantum penny stocks on major U.S. exchanges like the Nasdaq or NYSE. Use a brokerage that provides strong market data, level 2 quotes, and customizable screens to monitor price action and volume—especially on days when things move fast. If you’re watching sectors like AI-integrated or rapidly evolving quantum tech, these tools help you capitalize on emerging trade setups.

When it comes to trading platforms, StocksToTrade is first on my list. It’s a powerful day and swing trading platform with real-time data, dynamic charting, and a top-tier news scanner. I helped to design it, which means it has all the trading indicators, news sources, and stock screening capabilities that traders like me look for in a platform.

I use StocksToTrade to scan for news, tweets, earning reports, and more — all covered in its powerful news scanner. It also has a selection of add-on alerts services, so you can stay ahead of the curve.

Grab your 14-day StocksToTrade trial today — it’s only $7!

Whether you’re following low-priced symbols or emerging tech leaders, your trading success will come down to preparation and execution. Always review the exchange listings, rights offerings, and financial disclosures before making a move.

Key Takeaways

• Quantum computing penny stocks are speculative trades — not long-term investments.
• News, partnerships, and government programs can cause short-term spikes.
• Manage your risk. Always track price action and never chase hype.

This is a market tailor-made for traders who are prepared. Stick to your plan, manage your risk, and don’t let FOMO drive your decisions.

These opportunities are fast and unpredictable, but with the right strategy, you can make them work for you.

If you want to know what I’m looking for—check out my free webinar here!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Quantum Computing Penny Stocks Risky to Buy?

Yes, quantum computing penny stocks carry significant risks—especially for traders who aren’t prepared. These are often venture-backed, early-stage companies operating in a research-heavy, technology-focused field, which makes them highly speculative. I’ve taught thousands of students how to navigate risk in volatile sectors like this—start by reviewing the company’s financials, understanding its place in the broader securities market, and only entering a trade with a clear risk-reward plan.

Are Quantum Penny Stocks Highly Volatile?

They can be extremely volatile, especially around earnings, sector news, or sudden market shifts. These stocks often spike on image-based catalysts like press releases or presentations, and just as quickly drop when expectations aren’t met. If you’re keeping an eye on this sector, understand that timing matters—knowing how to read charts and spot momentum has helped many of my students optimize short-term trades before they unravel.

Are There Any ETFs that Include Quantum Penny Stocks?

While there are no ETFs dedicated solely to quantum penny stocks, a few technology-focused ETFs may include small allocations to companies in this space. These funds offer exposure to growth-oriented names while spreading risk through diversification—an approach I often recommend for beginner traders building a small account. Always open the fund menu or holdings report to check which companies are actually included before you buy.

How Do I Know If a Quantum Stock Is Undervalued?

Undervaluation in quantum penny stocks isn’t always obvious. Since many are pre-profit, you can’t rely on traditional price-to-earnings metrics—instead, look at market cap relative to intellectual property, partnerships, or government grants. In my experience analyzing thousands of penny stocks, some of the best opportunities come when traders identify pricing disconnects during broader sector pullbacks.

What Role Do Dividends and Withdrawals Play in These Stocks?

Most quantum penny stocks don’t pay dividends—they reinvest capital into R&D, which aligns with their high-growth, innovation-driven models. But that also means they offer little to no passive income, and withdrawing profits must come from price appreciation, not steady yield. If you’re trading for performance, focus on entries, exits, and strategy—not just holding for long-term returns. If you want solid finances, and to take advantage of the highs of qubit investment without the lows—you better diversify because you’re in the wrong lane.