Quantum computing stocks have seen quite a run-up in recent months, but determining which companies are leading the charge can be tough to navigate.

Quantum computing stocks were red-hot recently, but Jensen Huang just offered optimistic investors a reality check.

The stock market roared higher last year, and some of the biggest gainers operate in one specific field: artificial intelligence (AI). The technology promises to revolutionize many industries -- from healthcare to automobiles -- with innovations such as AI-powered medical devices and autonomous driving systems.

Quantum computing has been an up-and-down investment theme over the past few months. The rage kicked off when Alphabet ( GOOG 1.16%) ( GOOGL 1.13%) announced a breakthrough with its Willow quantum computing chip, and any stock associated with quantum computing rose on the news of the announcement.

Quantum computing has the potential of being the next big innovation. At the right size and the right price, it might even be investable.

Quantum computing stocks have been losing ever since Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said widespread applications of quantum computing are still decades away. But investors are rewarding these companies once again on Wednesday after Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ: MSFT) made a statement that starkly differs from Huang’s view on quantum computing.

Jensen Huang’s comments at last week’s CES about quantum computing being decades away stirred up discussion within the quantum industry.

Alphabet subsidiary Google recently announced two major technical achievements with its Willow quantum computing chip. In response to the news, shares of Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI) and D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS) during the next three weeks advanced 280% and 110%,

Stocks and ETFs tied to quantum computing rose significantly Wednesday after Nvidia and Microsoft highlighted the industry's enormous potential.