Quantum computing has been on the horizon for what feels like decades. But with the explosion of artificial intelligence (AI) over the past year or so, the quantum computing future could be upon us. In 2025, there are several stocks that could benefit. Some are big tech businesses; others are specialty start-ups focused on a particular niche.

Last year, investors poured into artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, and the biggest players -- from Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) to Amazon -- helped the general market soar. Quantum computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems that classical computers can't handle.

Valued at a market capitalization of just $116,000, Zapata Computing (ZPTA) may appear tempting to investors. Its business touched quantum computing software solutions, such as through its Orquestra product.

Alphabet recently made breakthroughs with its Willow chip that caused shares of quantum computing stocks Rigetti and D-Wave to soar. Many industry experts estimate useful quantum computing is one or two decades away,