D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) is off to a dynamite start to 2026 in many ways. The company began the year by closing on its $550-million acquisition of Quantum Circuits, a move that solidifies its growing presence in the traditional gate-model quantum tech space. At the same time, the company has reported multiple new deals for its pre-existing Advantage2 quantum annealing system, so it is not backing down from its original approach to quantum tech as well—the company is now a full-fledged dual-tech operation, which sets it apart from rivals. Finally, a renewed push into defense sector applications has the potential to open up a new set of clients and projects going forward.
Still, investors have punished D-Wave shares with a decline of 30% year-to-date (YTD), despite these multiple wins. What's more, the quantum industry writ large has experienced a pronounced selloff so far this year, bringing share prices down even as technological advances continue to unfold. In the face of these declines across pure-play quantum names, Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT) has managed to escape the worst. QUBT shares are down solidly YTD, but not quite to the same degree as QBTS and several other rivals. Is there something about this firm that stands out and should investors see it as a rival to D-Wave amid the slump?
