Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Wants to Buy a Quantum Computing Company — And He’s Playing 4D Chess
In January 2025, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang dismissed the quantum hype cycle with a single, scathing statement, declaring that useful quantum computers were likely “decades away,” triggering a sector-wide collapse . The impact was immediate and brutal. I discussed this in a January 8, 2025 Substack article entitled Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang Kills Quantum Stock Momentum.
Once high-flying quantum computing stocks fell off a cliff:
Rigetti (RGTI) dropped over 35%
Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) fell 32%
D-Wave Quantum (QBTS) lost nearly 30%
Investors read the remark as a sector death knell. After years of hopeful projections, quantum computing appeared to be relegated back to the realm of science fiction.
But in the weeks that followed, Huang did something unexpected. Rather than distancing himself further,hosted its first-ever “Quantum Day” at GTC and announced the formation of the NVIDIA Accelerated Quantum Research Center (NVAQC). —a gathering of quantum CEOs, researchers, and ecosystem leaders. While officially a knowledge exchange, the move was widely interpreted as a strategic probe.
And that’s where this story turns.
The Real Game: Strategic Optionality, Not Dismissal
Jensen Huang didn’t say quantum computing was worthless. He said it was far away. That’s not the same thing—and it’s crucial to understanding his likely motives. Huang has a history of downplaying technologies just before Nvidia pivots into them. He also has a record of buying into distressed sectors early, positioning Nvidia to dominate once the ecosystem matures.
The current quantum meltdown could represent such a moment. If the public markets have overcorrected—and the leading quantum players are now available at fractions of their former valuations—this could be an opportune time for Nvidia to selectively acquire intellectual property, software stacks, or even entire teams.
The strategy would mirror Nvidia’s past behavior in networking (Mellanox), AI inference hardware (several stealth acquisitions), and simulation platforms. Rather than building everything in-house, Nvidia waits until prices collapse—then it strikes.
Why Nvidia Wants a Quantum Wedge
Quantum computing may not be profitable today. But its long-term relevance to AI and accelerated computing is undeniable. Potential use cases include:
Quantum chemistry and materials simulations
Optimization problems in logistics and energy
Secure communications and post-quantum cryptography
Hybrid compute models integrating classical GPUs with quantum cores
Nvidia’s existing quantum initiative—cuQuantum—already enables simulation of quantum circuits on GPUs. But these libraries are built for emulation. The real value will come when Nvidia can control both the classical and quantum ends of a hybrid system.
Owning even a slice of that interface layer—hardware, compiler, or control system—could ensure Nvidia's future dominance across classical and quantum computing.
Now Is the Time to Buy Nvidia: Distress Creates Opportunity
What makes 2025 the right time for Nvidia to move? The public quantum startups are facing existential pressure. Their technologies haven’t failed, but their business models are collapsing under the weight of overpromised timelines and evaporating funding.
Nvidia doesn’t need to bet the farm. It just needs to acquire selectively and quietly—while competitors wait on the sidelines.
Financial Breakdown: Who Could Nvidia Target?
If Huang is circling, here’s what he sees.