Looking Beyond AI? Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) Offers Exposure to the Next Computing Wave

Investors are still focused on AI, yet another tech theme is gaining traction. Quantum computing is moving from lab work to real-world plans, and markets are beginning to notice. As a result, exchange-traded funds such as the Defiance Quantum ETF QTUM +0.44% ▲ are drawing fresh interest from investors who want exposure to the next wave of deep tech.

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Over the past year, the Defiance Quantum ETF has climbed about 48%, reflecting the growing focus on companies tied to quantum research, advanced chips, and high-performance computing. The fund now trades near $112 and holds more than 80 stocks linked to the field. Many of these firms sit at the center of the next phase of computing development.

Big Tech Pushes Quantum Research

Large tech firms are helping push the theme forward. For example, NVIDIA NVDA -1.08% ▼ is building tools that help scientists design and test quantum systems with classical chips. Meanwhile, International Business Machines IBM -0.68% ▼ continues to expand its quantum network and research labs, where developers can test new quantum software and algorithms.

In addition, both firms see quantum systems as a future layer of the computing stack. That means these tools may one day work alongside AI, cloud, and advanced chips rather than replace them. As a result, the companies already leading in high-performance computing are often the same firms investing heavily in quantum research.

Governments and ETFs Add Momentum

Government funding is also helping support the sector. The U.S., Europe, and China have all committed billions of dollars to national quantum programs. These plans aim to support research labs, build new chips, and train engineers for the next generation of computing.

Meanwhile, ETFs offer investors a simple way to track the theme. The Defiance Quantum ETF holds firms such as NVIDIA, Lockheed Martin (LMT), and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company TSM -2.57% ▼ . These companies build chips, advanced systems, and hardware that may benefit as quantum work expands.

The fund also spreads risk across the broader ecosystem. That includes chip makers, defense firms, and computing hardware companies, many of which already generate strong revenue from existing tech markets.

For now, AI still dominates tech headlines. However, the steady rise of funds such as the Defiance Quantum ETF shows that investors are starting to watch the next frontier as well. Quantum computing remains an early-stage field, yet its growing mix of government funding, corporate research, and thematic ETFs is slowly bringing the sector into the mainstream of tech investing.

However, an ETF like QTUM offers a simpler path. Instead of trying to pick one winner, such as D-Wave Computing QBTS -1.53% ▼ or Rigetti RGTI -2.07% ▼ , investors can gain wide exposure to the broader tech stack that may help power the next wave of computing.

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