TLDR
- Nvidia released Ising, a suite of open-source AI models aimed at advancing quantum computing
- Quantum stocks surged for a third straight session, with IonQ and D-Wave up over 15%
- Ising includes two models: Ising Calibration and Ising Decoder, targeting key technical hurdles
- Analysts say the models could accelerate quantum commercialization by solving error correction challenges
- Nvidia has shifted from skeptic to partner for the quantum industry after CEO comments hurt stocks in 2025
Nvidia’s new open-source AI models for quantum computing have sent shares in companies like IonQ, D-Wave, Rigetti, and Quantum Computing sharply higher for a third straight session. Analysts say the tools could help the sector clear one of its biggest technical obstacles.
What happened with the stocks
Shares of IonQ and D-Wave Quantum each climbed around 15% on Wednesday, continuing gains that started when Nvidia made its announcement on Tuesday. Rigetti Computing rose about 10%. D-Wave Quantum and Quantum Computing each added around 6.4% in premarket trading Thursday, while Rigetti gained 4.5% and Infleqtion rose 4.2%.
The rally marks three straight sessions of gains for quantum computing stocks as a group.
What Nvidia announced
Nvidia released a set of open-source AI models called Ising on Tuesday. The suite includes two specific tools: Ising Calibration and Ising Decoder.
Ising Calibration uses AI to calibrate quantum processing units. Ising Decoder creates algorithms designed to correct errors that occur in quantum systems.
TD Cowen analyst Krish Sankar described the Ising models as a “key accelerant” for quantum commercialization. He said the tools tackle major challenges that have slowed the development of working quantum systems.
Sankar called quantum error correction, or QEC, a “fundamental” problem and the “next hurdle” every quantum company must clear to move forward commercially.
B. Riley Securities analyst Craig Ellis told MarketWatch that Nvidia had already released quantum tools called Cuda-Q and NVQLink in 2025. He had expected further developments in 2026. Ellis said the new Ising models for QEC calibration and error correction could enable more advanced AI workloads and become a major catalyst for quantum adoption over time.
A Rocky History Between Nvidia and Quantum
Nvidia and the quantum computing sector have not always been on good terms. Early in 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang suggested that practical quantum computers could still be two decades away. That comment sent quantum stocks sharply lower at the time.
Since then, Nvidia has repositioned itself as a partner to the quantum industry rather than a skeptic.
The release of Cuda-Q and NVQLink in 2025, followed now by the Ising models, shows a clearer pattern of Nvidia investing in quantum tools. Analysts see that shift as a positive sign for the sector.
What Analysts Are Saying
TD Cowen’s Sankar sees the Ising models as a step toward making quantum computing commercially viable. He pointed specifically to the calibration and error correction functions as solving real bottlenecks.
B. Riley’s Ellis had been watching for Nvidia to follow up its 2025 quantum tools with new releases in 2026. He believes the Ising models could drive adoption of quantum systems as a platform for more demanding AI tasks.
IonQ shares were up more than 20% and D-Wave was up over 22% as of the latest premarket data on Thursday.
🚨 Our April Stock Picks Are Live!
A new month means new opportunities. Our analysts have just released their top stock picks for April, highlighting companies with strong momentum that rank highly on our KO Score algorithm. We’re also now sharing trade ideas for both long-term and short-term investors, giving you more ways to spot potential opportunities in the market.
Sign up to Knockout Stocks today and get 50% off to unlock the full list and see which stocks made the cut.
Use coupon code Special50 for your exclusive discount!
Get 3 Free Stock Ebooks
Discover top-performing stocks in AI, Crypto, and Technology with expert analysis.
- Top 10 AI Stocks - Leading AI companies
- Top 10 Crypto Stocks - Blockchain leaders
- Top 10 Tech Stocks - Tech giants
