IonQ’s Stock Surges on Pentagon’s Quantum Computing Announcement

DURHAM, N.C., April 11, 2025 — Shares of IonQ Inc. experienced a substantial surge this week, gaining 25% as of late Wednesday. This increase comes amidst a tumultuous week for the S&P 500, which has seen significant fluctuations. The surge in IonQ’s stock is largely driven by a recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), which selected IonQ as one of the participants in its ambitious quantum computing initiative.

DARPA announced late last week that it has selected 15 companies to engage in a program aimed at developing a quantum computer capable of achieving utility-scale operation by 2033. This initiative aims to explore whether quantum systems can deliver computational value that surpasses their cost. Historically, DARPA has been responsible for many groundbreaking technologies, such as the internet and GPS, making its involvement a significant endorsement for IonQ.

The selection aligns with the Department of Defense’s strategy to advance swiftly in quantum technology, particularly to maintain a competitive edge over nations like China. Investor excitement about IonQ’s inclusion in such a prestigious program reflects confidence in the company’s potential to innovate in this emerging field.

IonQ recently unveiled its quantum computer, IonQ Forte Enterprise, which is now accessible to clients worldwide via Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the IonQ Quantum Cloud. This rollout emphasizes IonQ’s commitment to deploying quantum technology for real-world applications and positions the company as a leader in the burgeoning quantum computing industry.

However, experts caution that the leap from the currently available technology to a fully functional and commercially viable quantum computer remains significant. Quantum computing is still in a nascent stage, and the DARPA initiative underscores the long timeline required to reach maturity by 2033.

Investments in quantum computing carry inherent risks, particularly due to the extensive research and development expenses ahead, with uncertain revenue prospects. Nevertheless, for investors willing to embrace these challenges, IonQ is emerging as a top choice in the sector.

It is important to note that John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, is currently a board member at The Motley Fool which recommends Amazon. The organization does not have a position in IonQ but acknowledges the potential of stocks in this evolving market.