Executive Summary
Quantum computing is an approach to computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena such as entanglement and superposition. The goal is to apply a probabilistic model to solve problems more quickly.
While these are the early days of quantum technology, the pace of advancements has increased. The industry has now moved beyond the debate over who will reach quantum superiority and is focusing on go-lives and practical use cases. What matters is that, if vendors demonstrate commercial success in key quantum computing use cases—e.g., annealing, adiabatic optimization, chemistry, cryptography, financial markets, machine learning, search, and simulation—over the next 12 months, CxOs need to pay attention to the technology, platforms, and players. 2023 was a great year for quantum technology, with the first commercial production use cases happening. It also helped reshape the competitor field. And 2024 showed even more progress, with quantum being the most promising technology change maturing (next to AI, of course). 2025 continued the trend with more and more working use cases operational at leading enterprises.
Enterprises are looking for holistic solutions beyond hardware, so vendors included in this list also offer related products and services that accelerate enterprise adoption. These can include platform services, programming languages, administration services, early adjacent products, and more.
Threshold Criteria
Constellation considers the following criteria for these solutions:
- Multiple versions of a working quantum machine
- At least three adjacent products, software, services, or other offerings next to hardware
- Active work on 6-10 enterprise use cases
- At least 500 or more active customer/prospect conversations and/or beta/live customers
- Sufficient funding to remain a player at least in the early rounds of the quantum computing market
The Constellation ShortList
Constellation evaluates more than 30 solutions categorized in this market. The Constellation ShortList is determined by client inquiries, partner conversations, customer references, vendor selection projects, market share, and internal research.
- Atom Computing
- AWS
- D-Wave Quantum Inc.
- IBM
- IonQ
- Microsoft
- PsiQuantum
- Quantinuum
- QuEra
- Rigetti Computing
- Xanadu
Frequency of Evaluation
Each Constellation ShortList is updated at least once per year. Updates may occur after six months if deemed necessary.
Evaluation Services
Constellation clients can work with the analyst and research team to conduct a more thorough discussion of this Constellation ShortList. Constellation can also provide guidance in vendor selection and contract negotiation.