Quantum computing is a nascent technology that's currently in an experimental phase, thanks to the high cost of quantum computers, which limits them to certain specialized applications such as drug discovery, cryptography, financial and risk modeling, and supply chain solutions. Additionally, quantum computers' sensitivity to environmental factors makes them prone to errors.

However, IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a company that develops and builds quantum computers using trapped-ion technology, is likely to prove the doubters wrong and could play a central role in bringing quantum computing to the mainstream. Let's look at the reasons why that may be the case.

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IonQ's results suggest its quantum computers are gaining traction

IonQ's trapped-ion technology enables the company to build quantum computers with low error rates. That's because the qubits (which are the basic unit of information used in quantum computing) in trapped-ion quantum computing are stored in a vacuum, enabling them to sustain their fidelity for longer periods.

IonQ pointed out on its latest earnings call that it can deliver quantum computers "at a far more accessible cost for both commercial and government customers" thanks to this technology. The company noted that in September 2025 that the cost of each quantum computing system that it manufactures is less than $30 million, well below the $1 billion that's needed to manufacture systems based on the superconducting quantum computing technology.

IonQ's systems can be deployed with minimal cooling requirements and in standard data center racks, which explains why they are way cheaper than other technologies that require specialized cooling infrastructure and a huge real-estate footprint, limiting their adoption. All this explains why IonQ is pushing the envelope in quantum technology, and that's resulting in impressive growth for the company.

IonQ claims that it is the first publicly traded quantum computing company in history to achieve more than $100 million in annual revenue. Its 2025 revenue came in at $130 million, which was triple the revenue it generated in 2024. IonQ is confident it will achieve solid growth in 2026, as evidenced by its guidance of $225 million to $245 million.

The company should be able to sustain such terrific growth rates in the future as well. Its focus on enhancing the computational power of quantum computers by lowering error rates and achieving a 5 times increase in the number of logical qubits created between 2028 and 2029 to scale up calculations, enabling IonQ's machines to solve more complex tasks, should be a tailwind.