"Quantum Computing Will Take 20 Years," Says Jensen Huang, Leading to Stock Plunge

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, has projected that it will take 20 years for a useful quantum computer to emerge, causing related stocks to plummet.

According to Bloomberg, Huang, who is visiting Las Vegas for the world's largest electronics and IT exhibition 'CES 2025', stated in a meeting with Wall Street analysts on the 8th (local time) that "if it takes 15 years for a very useful quantum computer to emerge, that would be considered very early."

He added, "30 years might be considered a late stage, and if you choose 20 years, many people would believe it," expressing his belief that NVIDIA is playing a "very important role" in building quantum computers and will help the industry reach its goals as quickly as possible.

Unlike traditional computers, quantum computers, based on the principles of quantum mechanics, can perform many more calculations simultaneously. Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and IBM are making significant investments in developing quantum computers.

Due to the anticipation surrounding quantum computers, related stocks like IonQ had surged, but following Huang's remarks, they plummeted on the New York Stock Exchange that day.

By 1:30 PM Eastern Time (10:30 AM Pacific Time), IonQ's stock price had plummeted 41% from the previous day, and Rigetti's stock had fallen 44%. Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing also recorded declines in the 40% range.

Kim Soo-young, Hankyung.com reporter swimmingk@hankyung.com