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

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 2026-- 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

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In addition, statements that “we believe” and similar statements reflect our beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject. These statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this communication, and while we believe such information forms a reasonable basis for such statements, such information may be limited or incomplete, and our statements should not be read to indicate that we have conducted an exhaustive inquiry into, or review of, all potentially available relevant information. These statements are inherently uncertain and investors are cautioned not to unduly rely upon these statements. An investment in Churchill X is not an investment in any of our founders’ or sponsors’ past investments, companies or affiliated funds. The historical results of those investments are not indicative of future performance of Churchill X, which may differ materially from the performance of our founders’ or sponsors’ past investments.

Participants in the Solicitation

Churchill X, the company and certain of their respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Churchill X’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of Churchill X’s shareholders in connection with the proposed transaction is set forth in the proxy statement/prospectus filed by Churchill X with the SEC. You can find more information about Churchill X’s directors and executive officers in Churchill X’s final prospectus related to its initial public offering filed with the SEC on May 15, 2025. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests are included in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus. Shareholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the definitive proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources described above.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. This press release is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, an advertisement or a public offering of the securities described herein in the United States or any other jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or exemptions therefrom. INVESTMENT IN ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE SEC OR ANY OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITY NOR HAS ANY AUTHORITY PASSED UPON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THE OFFERING OR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

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Matt Stubbs
Voxus PR
mstubbs@voxuspr.com

Source: Infleqtion