Asian software and IT stocks jumped sharply after Nvidia unveiled a new suite of open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models designed to accelerate breakthroughs in quantum computing, reigniting investor enthusiasm across the region’s tech sector.
In South Korea, shares of Axgate Co and ICTK Co briefly hit their daily 30% trading limits, leading a broad rally in software and cybersecurity names.
The momentum spilled across Asia, as China’s GuoChuang Software Co. and QuantumCTek Co. each climbed more than 8%, while Japan’s Fixstars Corp also posted strong gains.
At the centre of the rally is Nvidia’s new Ising AI model, which aims to tackle complex optimisation problems tied to quantum systems, fuelling fresh optimism that artificial intelligence could help make quantum computing scalable and commercially viable.
The announcement has amplified expectations that AI may act as a bridge technology, accelerating progress in a field long viewed as transformative but still largely experimental.
Beyond the tech catalyst, improving macro sentiment also played a role. Regional markets found additional support from signs that the US and Iran were reviving peace talks, easing geopolitical tensions that had weighed on risk assets.
The renewed interest comes against a backdrop of strong long-term growth expectations. The global quantum computing market is projected to expand from about US$1.7 billion in 2024 to over US$11 billion by 2030, underscoring the scale of opportunity investors are positioning for.
For now, Nvidia’s latest move has done more than just push technological boundaries, it has reignited a powerful narrative: That the convergence of AI and quantum computing could define the next frontier of innovation.
