** Shares of quantum computing stocks gain premarket after Microsoft says 2025 is the year to become "quantum-ready" in a blog post

** Rigetti Computing RGTI.O up 8.5%, D-Wave Quantum QBTS.N gains 15.6%, Quantum Computing QUBT.O climbs 14.1% and IonQ IONQ.N rises 4.4%

** "We are right on the cusp of seeing quantum computers solve meaningful problems and capture new business value. As we look toward the next 12 months, the pace of quantum research and development is only going to accelerate, making this a critical and catalyzing time for business leaders to act" - MSFT says

** The year-long rally in quantum computing stocks paused last week after Nvidia NVDA.O CEO Jensen Huang said the technology's practical use was likely two decades away

** In the past 12 months, IONQ has more than doubled in value, QMCO shares up ~300%, QUBT 800% and RGTI over 700%

** Defiance Quantum ETF QTUM.O rose 0.8% on Weds, after rising 47% in the past year

(Reporting by Medha Singh)

((medha.singh@thomsonreuters.com))