Here's How Quantum Computing's EQC Approach Supports Growth - Yahoo Finance

Here's How Quantum Computing's EQC Approach Supports Growth Sridatri Sarkar Fri, September 18, 2026 at 9:18 AM EDT 3 min read QUBT -0.53% RGTI -1.38% IONQ -2.51% Quantum Computing Inc. QUBT or QCi is advancing its quantum computing strategy through Entropy Quantum Computing ("EQC"). Traditional quantum systems rely on costly error correction and highly controlled environments, while EQC uses quantum entropy and decoherence as resources for computation. This approach could reduce the need for cryogenic cooling and isolation while enabling integrated photonic systems designed for greater scalability and operational flexibility. Leveraging the EQC approach, QCi's Dirac-3 platform is a third-generation, rack-mountable system designed to solve complex, real-world optimization problems at room temperature. The platform reflects QCi's focus on applying EQC to practical computing applications without relying on the highly controlled environments typically associated with conventional quantum systems. Further supporting the development and adoption of its quantum technology, QCi signed a three-year Framework Agreement with Hamad Bin Khalifa University ("HBKU") in Qatar. Under the agreement, QCi will provide HBKU with cloud-based access to the Dirac-3 system, along with an installation in Qatar to support the country's quantum ecosystem and regional leadership.

Quantum Technologies Used by QUBT's Peers IonQ's IONQ commercialization thesis remains tied to technical milestones that can move IonQ from prototype systems toward repeatable semiconductor-based deployments. By the second quarter of 2026, IonQ had progressed through three rounds of tape-outs for its first semiconductor quantum chip and received 256-qubit prototypes, which met the critical quality metrics required for production-grade systems. IONQ also reported key elements of its walking-cat architecture and quantum error-correction work on a Tempo engineering system. Rigetti's RGTI superconducting qubit platform is built around an in-house modular chiplet design intended to scale systems without relying on ever-larger monolithic processors. Its 36-qubit Cepheus system uses four 9-qubit chiplets, while Cepheus-1-108Q uses 12 interconnected 9-qubit chiplets and became generally available in April 2026. The 108-qubit system is currently operating at about 99.1% median two-qubit gate fidelity, 99.9% median single-qubit fidelity and gate speeds near 60 nanoseconds. Smaller systems continue to provide a development path for higher fidelity. 36-qubit system reached 99.6% median two-qubit fidelity, while the 9-qubit system reached 99.8% at 40-nanosecond gate speeds using its adiabatic CZ gate scheme. Story Continues QUBT's Share Price Performance Over the past year, QCi's shares have plunged 52.4% compared with the industry's 10.9% decline.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research QUBT's Expensive Valuation QUBT currently trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) of 40.24X compared with the industry's average of 4.20X.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research QUBT Stock Estimate Trend Over the past 30 days, QCi's loss per share estimate for 2026 has moved south.

Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research QUBT currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) : Free Stock Analysis Report IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).