Quantum computing: Where we stand in 2026

Quantum computing has quietly matured in 2026 and is moving from laboratory research to engineered systems that are increasingly being deployed. However, quantum computing remains technologically immature.

Among the key themes in quantum computing based on earnings call transcripts and recent news:

• Full stack platforms are replacing processor-driven themes. Companies are looking to build quantum ecosystems.
• Commercialization is progressing but it is uneven. Quantum computing revenue depends on government customers and experimentation in key industries with defined use cases.
• Sovereign quantum computing is seen as critical and vendors are looking at supply chain control and manufacturing as strategic assets.
• Applications are focused on optimization and scientific workloads.
• Hybrid deployments combining quantum computing, AI and supercomputing are emerging.

Here’s a look at the individual companies in the quantum computing sector.

D-Wave: Dual bets on quantum

D-Wave CEO Alan Baratz has argued that the company is at an inflection point and has a path to growth with differentiated technology. Notably, Baratz has pivoted D-Wave to focus on dual platforms. A recent investor day also laid out D-Wave's strategy.