We recently compiled a list of the 10 Best Emerging Technology Stocks to Buy Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) stands against the other emerging technology stocks.
The technology sector is constantly evolving, with emerging technology companies leading the charge in groundbreaking innovations. From quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to biotechnology and autonomous systems, these companies are reshaping industries and unlocking new economic opportunities. Emerging technology firms focus on disruptive advancements that have the potential to transform traditional markets. These businesses operate across various fields, including AI, quantum computing, genomics, space technology, and robotics.
AI remains the Driving Force Behind Emerging Technologies
Among the technologies, AI stands out as the most influential technology of today. Many other advancements, such as automation, autonomous driving, and DNA analysis, are now seen as derivatives of AI. The World Economic Forum’s January 2025 white paper highlights how emerging technologies could significantly impact productivity by 2030. The commercialization of disruptive innovations—particularly AI—has the potential to drive substantial economic growth. According to the World Bank, a technology shock could increase productivity by 1.5% in advanced and 4.5% in emerging economies over a decade. However, AI’s actual impact will depend on how effectively businesses integrate it into their operations.
The report also underscores the importance of overcoming key challenges such as access to capital, talent shortages, and digital infrastructure gaps to fully realize productivity gains. While frontier technologies hold immense promise, broader adoption of accessible innovations can drive widespread economic improvements. For instance, advancements in energy and irrigation technologies are projected to enhance agricultural productivity, with precision farming increasing crop yields by up to 15%. Addressing these challenges is critical to harnessing the full potential of technology-driven growth.
In September 2024, McKinsey released an analysis of 15 key technology trends, highlighting the growing interest, innovation, and investment in robotics. Their experts noted that robots are becoming more versatile, expanding beyond traditional roles. With the integration of generative AI, robotics is now enhancing analytical capabilities, particularly in areas like inventory management.
The McKinsey report also pointed to rising interest in electrification, renewable energy, and quantum computing. Advances in cloud computing and connectivity are accelerating the global spread of innovations, shortening the time from scientific discovery to large-scale implementation. While this rapid progress drives economic and societal benefits, it also presents challenges, as disruptive technologies may outpace society’s ability to adapt. The report emphasizes the need for thoughtful planning to manage the broader implications of large-scale technological adoption.
Despite these challenges, the future of emerging technology companies remains highly promising, with continued innovation and investment set to reshape industries and economies worldwide.
We explored some of the relevant emerging technologies and have curated a list of 10 best names. While we looked at companies with as low as $300 million in market capitalization, the majority of our shortlisted companies are above $1.0 billion in market cap. Let’s have a look at these 10 companies.
Our Methodology
To determine the 10 best emerging tech stocks to buy now, we conducted extensive research to identify U.S.-listed companies at the forefront of innovative, emerging, and disruptive technologies. Our selection criteria included a market capitalization of at least $300 million. Additionally, we focused on stocks with a minimum potential upside of 10%, highlighting those with strong growth prospects. From the companies that met these criteria, we narrowed down the top 10 and ranked them in ascending order based on hedge fund ownership, using data from Q4 2024. This approach ensures that the selected stocks not only exhibit high innovation potential but also attract hedge funds’ interest.
Note: All pricing data is as of market close on March 7.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 373.4% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 218 percentage points (see more details here).
A quantum computer on a countertop in an engineering laboratory with a technician at work.
IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ)
Focus Area: Quantum computing solutions
Potential Upside: 131%
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28
IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) specializes in quantum computing hardware and software, developing a general-purpose trapped-ion quantum computer along with software designed to create, optimize, and execute quantum circuits.
The company’s appeal as an emerging technology leader is evident in its mission: “To build the world’s best quantum computers to solve the world’s most complex problems, transforming business, society, and the planet for the better.” IonQ, Inc. (NYSE:IONQ) was among the first to successfully commercialize quantum computing and generate revenue, securing partnerships with several of the world’s largest enterprises.
Its stock has experienced significant volatility, delivering a 237% return in 2024 but losing 50% of its value in 2025 year-to-date following unfavourable remarks from Nvidia’s CEO. Despite this, the potential for quantum computing remains immense. According to the McKinsey Quantum Technology Monitor, the industry’s total addressable market could reach approximately $85 billion by 2035. Additionally, with expanding applications, quantum computing and networking could generate up to $880 billion in economic value by 2040 (source: company presentations).
After reporting strong quarterly earnings on February 26, a Benchmark analyst reaffirmed a Buy rating on the stock, though the price target was revised down from $50 to $45. The analyst remains optimistic about the company’s future, citing “strong progress across technical and operational fronts”.
Overall IONQ ranks 3rd on our list of the best emerging technology stocks to buy now. While we acknowledge the potential of IONQ as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than IONQ but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
