11:56 AM EDT, 10/23/2025 (MT Newswires) -- (Updates with responses from Rigetti Computing ( RGTI ) and Quantum Computing ( QUBT ) starting in the fourth paragraph.)

IonQ ( IONQ ) , Rigetti Computing ( RGTI ) , D-Wave Quantum ( QBTS ) , and Quantum Computing ( QUBT ) are in talks to give the US Commerce Department equity stakes in exchange for federal funding, The Wall Street Journal reported late Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The potential agreements could make the government a shareholder in exchange for minimum funding awards of about $10 million each, according to the report.

Privately-held Atom Computing is also considering similar arrangements, the report said.

A spokesperson for Rigetti Computing ( RGTI ) told MT Newswires that the company was engaging with the US government for funding opportunities.

"Government investment has long been vital to maintaining America's technological leadership - early public funding helped ignite the internet, GPS, and semiconductor industries. The same holds true for quantum computing today. If the US does not lead in supporting these breakthroughs, others will - posing significant risks to our economic competitiveness and national security," the Rigetti spokesperson said.

A Quantum Computing ( QUBT ) spokesperson told MT Newswires the company is aware of reports relating to potential equity-based funding talks with the US Department of Commerce but declined to comment on market rumors or speculation.

IonQ ( IONQ ) declined to comment while D-Wave Quantum ( QBTS ) did not immediately respond to a request for comment from MT Newswires.

Shares of IonQ ( IONQ ) were up 6.4%, Rigetti Computing ( RGTI ) rose 7.7%, D-Wave Quantum ( QBTS ) gained 12%, and Quantum Computing ( QUBT ) was up 10%.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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