Infleqtion Advances ARPA-E Quantum Computing Grid Optimization Program

February 09, 2026 at 09:00 AM EST

Execution phase advances quantum-enabled approaches designed to improve energy grid efficiency, resilience, and operational scale

Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum computing and quantum sensing, today announced it has executed its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), formally launching development under its $6.2 million Enhancing Neutral-atom Computers for Optimizing Delivery of Energy (ENCODE) project. This program, which includes key collaborations with Argonne National Laboratory, the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NRL), EPRI, and ComEd, is the first quantum project for the department focusing on advancing the application of quantum-enhanced computational methods to revolutionize energy grid optimization. This announcement follows Infleqtion’s plans to go public through a merger with Churchill Capital Corp X (NASDAQ: CCCX).

Expanding Energy Capability

As electricity demand rises due to rapid electrification and power-intensive AI computing, grid operators face optimization challenges that exceed the capacity of classical systems. While industry-standard solvers like Gurobi and CPLEX have delivered billions of dollars in annual value by optimizing these systems, they are reaching their computational limits. The ENCODE program addresses this gap by applying quantum-enhanced logic to provide the precision and speed necessary for a secure and stable energy future. Infleqtion’s unique quantum solutions have the potential to improve energy affordability and increase grid stability by enabling more efficient dispatch, transmission, and resource optimization across increasingly complex power systems.

The Full Stack Advantage

Achieving quantum progress in the energy sector requires co-design across the full computing stack. Infleqtion’s end-to-end capabilities, from our neutral-atom processors to the Superstaq optimization layer, uniquely position us to accelerate development in grid optimization. Our platform offers a dual benefit for critical infrastructure: it is built on a foundation of large-scale neutral-atom arrays, having already demonstrated 1,600 qubit array, and operates on kilowatts of energy. This scalability is further validated by our recent achievement of 12 logical qubits with error detection, paving the way for fault-tolerant computing without the megawatt-scale demands of traditional supercomputers.

"As the surge in power-intensive computing and new demands on domestic energy production push our infrastructure to its limits, securing the grid has become a matter of national capability," said Matt Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion. "We are grateful for ARPA-E’s leadership in prioritizing the use of quantum computing to solve the hyper-complex optimization problems facing modern power networks, ensuring a resilient national system that is truly equipped for the next decade of demand."

A Trusted Partner in National Security

This contract execution marks another milestone in Infleqtion’s 19-year history as a trusted supplier to the U.S. government and its allies. With hundreds of successful contracts for government and commercial entities, Infleqtion’s deep-rooted experience ensures its solutions are grounded in technical stability and a proven track record of advancing quantum technology for emerging and critical infrastructure.

Strategic Collaboration for Critical Infrastructure

Beyond this specific contract, Infleqtion’s work across the Department of Energy laboratory system includes ongoing efforts with Argonne National Laboratory and the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), including this recently awarded ARPA-E initiative. Together, these partnerships underscore Infleqtion’s broad commitment to supporting national labs with scalable quantum software and technologies that accelerate both foundational research and real-world impact.

About Infleqtion

Infleqtion is a global leader in quantum sensing and quantum computing, powered by neutral-atom technology. We design and build quantum computers, precision sensors, and quantum software for governments, enterprises, and research institutions. Our commercial portfolio includes quantum computers as well as quantum Radio Frequency (QRF) systems, quantum clocks, and inertial navigation solutions. Infleqtion is the partner of choice for governments and commercial customers seeking cutting-edge quantum capabilities. Infleqtion announced in September 2025 it plans to go public via a merger with Churchill Capital Corp X (NASDAQ: CCCX). For more information, visit Infleqtion.com or follow Infleqtion on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.

About Churchill Capital Corp X

Churchill X (NASDAQ: CCCX) is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. It may pursue an initial business combination target in any business or industry.

Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction and Where to Find It

The proposed transaction will be submitted to shareholders of Churchill X for their consideration. Churchill X has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC, which was declared effective by the SEC on January 23, 2026, and which includes a definitive proxy statement/prospectus. The definitive proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant documents have been mailed to Infleqtion stockholders and Churchill X shareholders as of January 13, 2026, the record date established for voting on the proposed transaction, in connection with Churchill X’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Churchill X’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction and other matters described in the Registration Statement, as well as the prospectus relating to the offer of the securities to be issued to Infleqtion stockholders in connection with the completion of the proposed transaction. Before making any voting or investment decision, Churchill X shareholders, Infleqtion stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed with the SEC by Churchill X in connection with the proposed transaction, as these documents contain important information about Churchill X, Infleqtion and the proposed transaction. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other documents filed by Churchill X with the SEC, without charge, at the SEC’s website located at www.sec.gov or by directing a written request to Churchill Capital Corp X, 640 Fifth Avenue, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10019.

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