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.

Toward the end of 2024, shares of quantum computing stocks such as IonQ, D-Wave Quantum, Quantum Computing, and Rigetti Computing all experienced significant run-ups. Curiously, each of these companies was a penny stock at the beginning of 2024 -- only to see its valuation soar well into the billions during a rather short time period.

Valued at a market capitalization of just $116,000, Zapata Computing (ZPTA) may appear tempting to investors. Its business touched quantum computing software solutions, such as through its Orquestra product.