Quantum Computing’s Future: Zuckerberg Joins Nvidia Doubts, D-Wave CEO Pushes Back

Is Quantum Computing Ready to Generate Revenue? Diverging Perspectives Shake Investor Confidence

The debate over quantum computing’s readiness to generate revenue is heating up, with major industry voices offering starkly contrasting views. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has thrown cold water on near-term optimism, while D-Wave Systems CEO Alan Baratz counters with evidence that quantum computing is already driving commercial value. The divide has rippled through the market, leaving investors grappling with whether quantum stocks represent a speculative gamble or an emerging opportunity.

Point: Quantum Revenue Is Decades Away

At CES 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivered a sobering message, suggesting that practical quantum computing could still be 15 to 30 years away. As reported by The Street’s Samuel Bryant, Huang emphasized the challenges of error correction—a critical hurdle for gate-based quantum systems, the approach pursued by many leading firms. Huang’s remarks triggered steep declines across quantum computing stocks, including IonQ Inc. (IONQ), down 39%, Rigetti Computing Inc. (RGTI), tumbling 45.41%, and Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT), off by 43.34%.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg echoed similar skepticism, calling quantum computing “quite a ways off from being a truly practical paradigm” during a recent podcast appearance. Combined, these perspectives have cast doubt on whether quantum computing can deliver revenue in the near term, fueling market concerns about overvaluation.

Counterpoint: D-Wave Delivers Revenue Now

D-Wave Systems CEO Alan Baratz strongly disputes Huang’s timeline. In an interview with The Street, Baratz argued that D-Wave’s annealing-based quantum technology is already commercially viable, bypassing the error-correction bottleneck that hinders gate-based systems. Baratz highlighted partnerships with firms like NTT Docomo, which optimized its cell towers to handle 15% more devices, and Ford Otosan, which slashed computation times from 30 minutes to seconds.

Mastercard (MA) and Pattison Food Group also leverage D-Wave’s quantum systems to enhance loyalty programs and optimize logistics, respectively. According to Baratz, these real-world applications showcase quantum’s ability to generate revenue today, rather than decades from now.

Conclusion: A Divided Outlook for Investors

The split between Huang’s skepticism and Baratz’s optimism underscores the complexity of the quantum computing market. As The Street’s Samuel Bryant notes, stocks like IONQ, RGTI, and QUBT remain volatile, tied to uncertain technological breakthroughs. However, D-Wave’s success in monetizing its annealing technology highlights that not all quantum strategies face the same hurdles.

Investors must weigh the long-term promise of quantum computing against its near-term risks. While some companies may struggle to deliver results within the next decade, others, like D-Wave, demonstrate that targeted solutions can already drive revenue. Ultimately, navigating this nascent market will require a discerning eye on each firm’s technology and strategy.

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