Shares of Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) skyrocketed 5.11% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following Microsoft's bullish stance on the future of quantum computing. The tech giant declared 2025 as the year for businesses to become "quantum-ready", fueling a broader rally in the quantum computing sector.
In a blog post earlier this week, Microsoft unveiled its new "Quantum Ready" program aimed at helping business leaders understand and leverage the potential of quantum computing. The initiative includes workshops, industry forums, and tools to develop hybrid quantum-classical applications, invest in quantum skills training, focus on quantum security, and prepare for large-scale quantum adoption.
Microsoft's positive outlook on quantum computing provided a much-needed boost to the sector, which had recently experienced a slump due to skepticism from industry leaders like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Their comments questioning the near-term usefulness of quantum computers had sent quantum stocks tumbling.