I've been hearing whispers on social media that quantum computing is "the new artificial intelligence," and IonQ (IONQ +1.18%) is one of the names they're considering. IonQ is just getting startedAt the same time, this is still an early‑stage business under the hood. What makes IonQ interesting in the "quantum is the new AI" narrative is how directly it ties the two together. Expand NYSE : IONQ IonQ Today's Change ( 1.18 %) $ 0.50 Current Price $ 43.03 Key Data Points Market Cap $17B Market cap calculated using publicly traded shares outstanding only. Five-year considerationsThe five‑year question is whether all this turns into a business that looks more like today's AI leaders or more like a perpetual "science project."