# Quantum Computing Stocks Gain Focus Following Fresh October Business Deals

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/quantum-computing-stocks-gain-focus-following-fresh-october-business-deals-140dfe
- Published: 2026-10-13T18:00:00Z
- Category: company_news; sentiment: mixed; impact: medium
- Symbols: [NYSE:IONQ](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NYSE-IONQ), [NASDAQ:XNDU](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/NASDAQ-XNDU)
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A series of October business deals has refocused attention on quantum computing developers after a challenging start to 2026. On Oct. 12, IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) agreed to buy cybersecurity provider Elisity in an equity-based transaction worth up to $1.3 billion. Meanwhile, Xanadu Quantum Technologies Limited (XNDU) teamed up with GlobalFoundries on Oct. 6 to mass-produce optical hardware components, and D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) opened a beta program for its gate-model simulator on Oct. 1.

The new partnerships arrive as companies seek to turn technical milestones into steady revenue amid high research expenses. Industry estimates project global quantum revenue will grow 22.9% to $869.9 million in 2026 and reach $2.3 billion by 2030. Integrating tools like cybersecurity offers a path to near-term enterprise sales. Public initiatives are also offering validation; a U.S. defense research agency advanced six developers, including IonQ, into the third phase of its quantum program on Oct. 7.

Investors are monitoring whether these commercial steps can offset heavy operational cash burn. Financial performance remains uneven, with IonQ reporting Q2 revenue of $80.1 million—up 287% from a year earlier—alongside an adjusted EBITDA loss of $120.3 million. Moving forward, key catalysts include scaling component manufacturing, refining error correction, and proving practical uses in data security and complex optimization.

## Key points

- IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) signed an all-stock deal worth up to $1.3 billion to buy cybersecurity firm Elisity.
- Xanadu Quantum Technologies Limited (XNDU) partnered with GlobalFoundries to mass-produce optical chips.
- D-Wave Quantum Inc. (QBTS) launched a beta program for its gate-model quantum simulator on Oct. 1.
- Global quantum revenues are expected to rise 22.9% to $869.9 million in 2026 and reach $2.3 billion by 2030.
- IonQ posted Q2 revenue of $80.1 million, up 287% year-over-year, alongside a $120.3 million adjusted EBITDA loss.

## Questions and answers

### Why are quantum computing stocks making headlines in October 2026?

Quantum computing companies saw renewed interest after announcing major October deals, including IonQ buying cybersecurity firm Elisity for up to $1.3 billion and Xanadu partnering with GlobalFoundries to mass-produce optical hardware components.

### What is the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency quantum initiative?

The U.S. defense program evaluates technological approaches for building practical quantum computers. On Oct. 7, six firms, including IonQ, were selected to move into Stage 3 of the evaluation process.

### What is the sales outlook for the quantum computing sector?

Industry estimates project worldwide quantum computing revenues to reach $869.9 million in 2026, up 22.9% from the previous year, and grow to $2.3 billion by 2030.