Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) stock tumbled 11.41% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following a surge of over 500% since mid-November. Despite securing a contract from NASA to utilize its Dirac-3 quantum optimization machine, concerns about the company's financial sustainability and a potential "quantum computing bubble" appear to have dampened investor enthusiasm.

The stock's meteoric rise in recent weeks has been largely driven by speculation and hype around the promising field of quantum computing, rather than Quantum Computing Inc.'s actual financial performance. The company reported a net loss of $5.7 million in the third quarter and may require urgent new funding to sustain operations, raising questions about the viability of its lofty valuation.

Analysts and short-sellers have voiced concerns that the quantum computing industry, and Quantum Computing Inc. in particular, may be experiencing an overvaluation reminiscent of the dot-com bubble. While the technology holds immense potential, persistent technical challenges, high error margins, and the need for substantial investments have led some experts to caution against speculative fervor outpacing concrete deliverables.