Infleqtion Wins Funding to Develop and Manufacture UK’s First Optical Atomic Clock

Insider Summary

• Innovate UK has provided funding to Infleqtion to expand its manufacturing capabilities for quantum-enabled systems.
• The funding will support the development of a new type of highly accurate and reliable optical atomic clock.
• Company executives say these watches are essential for autonomous navigation, robust power distribution and national security.

PRESS RELEASE — Infleqtion, a global quantum information company, announced today that it has secured funding from Innovate UK to expand its production capabilities for quantum-enabled systems. The funding will support the development of a new type of optical atomic clock that far exceeds the accuracy and reliability of current Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based systems.

The new clock will achieve frequency stability that is more than fifty times better than the best commercially available atomic clocks of comparable size. This level of accuracy will be critical for applications such as autonomous navigation, robust power distribution and national security.

“Infleqtion offers unrivaled expertise, with products and R&D efforts spanning the entire quantum ecosystem, including quantum computing, quantum sensing, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT),” said Scott Faris, CEO of Infleqtion. “With a strong foundation, a highly skilled team and support from Innovate UK, Infleqtion UK is well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver breakthrough solutions that will transform the field of PNT and quantum-enabled systems.”

The quantum-enabled PNT systems market is poised for significant growth, driven by the increasing need for highly accurate, reliable and robust PNT systems across a wide range of applications, including 5G network deployments. Quantum-enabled PNT systems offer significant advantages over traditional GNSS-based systems, including greater accuracy, greater robustness, and reduced size and weight. They are also independent of external signals, making them less susceptible to weather conditions, interference and congestion. This makes them suitable for deployed applications.

Funding from Innovate UK will enable Infleqtion to bring its new optical atomic clock to market and establish the UK as a global leader in the development and manufacture of quantum capable PNT systems. The company has a team of world-leading experts in quantum physics and optical engineering, and has a proven track record of developing innovative quantum technologies. The winning Infleqtion project will also establish a sovereign UK capability to manufacture critical subsystems, such as microfabricated atomic vapor cells and photonic frequency combs.

“This project will deliver the UK’s first commercially available optical atomic clock which will provide an important layer of resistance in many national security applications,” said Dr. Timothy Ballance, General Manager of Infleqtion UK. “The funding will enable Infleqtion to advance its manufacturing capabilities in the UK for the systems needed to build a range of quantum-enabled products. Coupled with our engineering expertise, we are in an excellent position to lead the market in delivering the next generation of commercial atomic clocks at scale.”

New Minister of State in the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology George Freeman MP said, “We are on the cusp of a quantum technology revolution, poised to deliver transformational increases in computer processing speed and power in entirely new areas of capabilities in sensing. , communications, encryption, cybersecurity, and navigation. We make sure the UK is ready to use it for the benefit of all.”

Will Drury, Executive Director, Digital and Technology at Innovate UK said, “Our outstanding researchers, businesses and innovators continue to push the boundaries of Quantum Technology development, putting the UK at the cutting edge of this field. Together, through this support and investment, we will work in partnership to realize the potential of this technology for the UK economy and society.”