Shares of Quantum Computing Inc. (QUBT) surged 13.25% in pre-market trading on Thursday, following reports that the Trump administration is in talks to take equity stakes in several quantum computing companies. The dramatic rise comes as investors react to the possibility of significant federal funding and government backing for the emerging quantum technology sector.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, the U.S. Commerce Department is discussing agreements with multiple quantum computing firms, including QUBT, that would involve the government becoming a shareholder in exchange for funding. These potential deals, which are part of a broader initiative to support critical technologies, could involve minimum funding awards of $10 million per company.

The news has sparked a rally across the quantum computing sector, with several companies seeing double-digit gains in early trading. Investors appear to be betting on the transformative potential of quantum technology and the positive impact that government support could have on the industry's development and commercialization efforts.

While the deals have not been finalized, the prospect of federal investment has heightened interest in quantum computing stocks. The government's potential involvement is seen as a vote of confidence in the sector and could accelerate the advancement of quantum technologies, which are expected to revolutionize fields such as drug discovery, materials science, and complex problem-solving across various industries.