Rigetti Computing Secures Landmark Quantum Computing Deal

Rigetti Computing announced a significant commercial breakthrough this Tuesday, securing a single order that dramatically overshadows its recent financial performance. The deal arrives at a pivotal moment for the quantum computing firm, which has recently navigated technical delays, and serves as a tangible signal of growing market validation for its technology.

The company has landed an $8.4 million order from India's Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a premier research and development wing under the nation's Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The contract is for the supply and on-site installation of a 108-qubit quantum computer at C-DAC's data center in Bengaluru, with commissioning targeted for the second half of 2026.

The financial magnitude of this contract becomes clear against Rigetti's latest quarterly results. For Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of approximately $1.95 million. This new standalone order exceeds that entire quarter's sales by more than four times and is poised to substantially impact the firm's balance sheet.

Should investors sell immediately? Or is it worth buying Rigetti?

Timing Amidst Technical Refinement

This commercial success comes during a critical phase. Rigetti had recently postponed the general availability of its flagship 108-qubit system to the end of Q1 2026 to allow for further optimization. Despite this schedule adjustment, the substantial order from a government-backed institution demonstrates continued confidence in the company's technology roadmap from sophisticated customers.

Market sentiment had already been turning positive. Investment firm Rosenblatt initiated coverage of Rigetti's shares on January 14 with a "Buy" rating. Since the start of the year, the stock has advanced by 15.7 percent.

Operational Execution and Future Roadmap

Attention now shifts to operational execution. Investors will be looking for further delivery details in the next quarterly report, estimated for March 4, 2026. A smooth installation and deployment at C-DAC would establish a crucial reference case, bolstering Rigetti's ambitious development timeline. The company aims to deploy a system with over 150 qubits by the end of 2026, followed by a machine boasting 1,000-plus qubits by the close of 2027.