Quantum computing is often framed as a far-off technological leap: powerful, promising, and perpetually "a few years away." But as artificial intelligence strains power grids and data centers push energy demand to new highs, parts of the quantum ecosystem are already finding relevance in a very real-world problem, and that is keeping the lights on.
That shift is quietly reshaping how investors are accessing the theme through ETFs like the Defiance Quantum Computing ETF (NASDAQ:QTUM), which has increasingly behaved less like a speculative tech bet and more like an infrastructure play tied to today's computing and energy challenges.
Quantum's Returns Are Showing Up Before The Breakthrough
According to Sylvia Jablonski, Chief Investment Officer at Defiance Investments, QTUM's returns are not being driven by futuristic breakthroughs alone. "Right now, returns are coming from the quantum ecosystem including semiconductor companies, cloud providers, advanced hardware makers, and software platforms that are also big beneficiaries of AI," she told Benzinga in an interview. "Think of it like this: as the full quantum engine gets built out, the roads, fuel stations, and mechanics around it are already creating real value today."
That framing matters as AI-driven data centers consume massive amounts of electricity, intensifying pressure on already complex power grids. While quantum computers won't replace existing grid systems anytime soon, hybrid classical–quantum models are emerging as tools to optimize congestion, balance renewables, improve forecasting, and reduce waste.
Why Power Grids Are Becoming Quantum's First Real Use Case
"Quantum, especially hybrid classical–quantum models, could help optimize complex systems like power grids, manage congestion, balance renewables, and reduce waste," Jablonski said. "It won't replace today's grids, but it can make them smarter and more efficient."
Several companies held within QTUM are already collaborating with utilities and grid operators in pilot programs focused on forecasting, optimization, and system reliability. "These are early steps, but they're real-world use cases, not just lab experiments," she added.
For investors, that helps explain why QTUM has delivered performance even as direct quantum revenue remains limited. "Investors are being paid for infrastructure, tools, and enabling technology that already have strong businesses today and that will be critical for quantum tomorrow," Jablonski said. "It is about participation in the companies building the foundation of the next computing era."
An Infrastructure ETF Disguised As A Deep-Tech Bet
That positioning also differentiates QTUM from newer, narrower quantum ETFs that concentrate heavily on small, experimental firms. QTUM blends early-stage innovators with established semiconductor, cloud, and high-performance computing companies — a structure Jablonski says helps manage volatility.
"By not betting everything on one timeline or one company," she said, QTUM is diversified across hardware, software, and infrastructure, allowing performance to persist even if some parts of the quantum rollout move slower than expected.
The overlap between AI and quantum, often seen as thematic dilution, is instead a strength. "AI and quantum are becoming intertwined — they often rely on the same chips, cloud platforms, and data centers," Jablonski said.
AI's Energy Appetite Is Strengthening The Quantum Case
"AI data centers are massively energy-hungry, which makes grid efficiency more important than ever," she added. "That actually strengthens the investment case for quantum optimization tools because smarter grids mean lower costs, fewer outages, and better management of energy demand."
As governments increase spending on grid resilience, advanced computing, and national security, interest in quantum-linked infrastructure is also becoming more institutional. Advisors and family offices are increasingly viewing quantum exposure less as a moonshot and more as a strategic extension of AI and semiconductor allocations.
The biggest misconception, Jablonski argues, is timing. "That it is too early," she said. "In reality, much of the value is being created right now in the tools, chips, and infrastructure that will make quantum possible — and QTUM is capturing that today."
For investors watching the intersection of energy, AI, and next-generation computing, the quantum story may be less about distant breakthroughs — and more about who's quietly powering the system in the meantime.
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