Infleqtion Spearheads UK’s Largest Quantum Computing Breakthrough with £2.2M Project
In a landmark development for the UK’s quantum computing landscape, Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum information technologies, has been awarded a £2.2 million grant to turbocharge the performance of its neutral atom quantum computing platform, Sqale. This ambitious initiative aims to deliver a staggering 10–100x improvement in gate execution rates, a critical step toward making quantum systems commercially viable and scalable.
The project will be conducted at the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, one of the UK’s most advanced quantum testbeds. By advancing the capabilities of its neutral atom quantum computer, Sqale, Infleqtion is poised to solidify its position as a cornerstone of the UK’s national quantum infrastructure. The programme, named SQALE2, will unfold over 12 months and involve collaboration with leading UK research institutions, including the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the University of Strathclyde, and the NQCC’s Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh.
Pushing the Boundaries of Quantum Performance
At the heart of this initiative is Infleqtion’s innovative neutral atom technology, which manipulates individual atoms—nature’s ideal qubits—using laser light. This approach eliminates the need for fabricated solid-state qubits, offering unparalleled stability, flexibility, and control. Neutral atom systems are also inherently scalable, making them a promising candidate for large-scale quantum computing applications.
“Infleqtion’s UK team is pushing the limits of what’s possible in quantum computing performance,” said Tom Noel, VP of Quantum Computing at Infleqtion. “By leveraging the unique strengths of neutral atom technology alongside advanced optical control and characterisation frameworks at the NQCC, we are enabling faster, deeper, and more reliable quantum circuits.”
The SQALE2 programme will focus on developing cutting-edge optical and control technologies that allow multiple quantum operations to run simultaneously. This parallel processing capability is expected to significantly accelerate the effective rate of gate execution, a key metric for evaluating quantum hardware performance. Faster gate speeds are essential for running complex quantum algorithms efficiently, unlocking new possibilities across industries such as pharmaceuticals, finance, logistics, and artificial intelligence.
A Collaborative Effort to Advance Quantum Capabilities
Collaboration lies at the core of this groundbreaking project. Infleqtion will work closely with the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics to deploy next-generation optical technologies that enable parallelised gate execution. These advancements will not only accelerate circuit speeds but also enhance gate fidelities, paving the way for deeper quantum workflows and broader application readiness.
To ensure transparency and build trust in the results, the project includes independent verification and benchmarking by partners at the NPL, the University of Strathclyde, and the Quantum Software Lab at the University of Edinburgh. These teams will rigorously validate performance improvements using both industry-standard benchmarks and novel verification frameworks developed specifically for this programme.
Professor Elham Kashefi, Chief Scientist at the NQCC, emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort: “Advancing gate speed is essential for unlocking the full potential of quantum computing. This partnership with Infleqtion and the Quantum Software Lab exemplifies the UK’s commitment to building world-leading quantum capabilities that are both scalable and application-ready.”
Building on a Foundation of Innovation
This latest funding award builds on Infleqtion’s ongoing contributions to the UK’s quantum ecosystem. The company has already made significant strides with the deployment of its Sqale quantum computer at the NQCC and through various collaborative efforts with government and academic partners. These initiatives underscore Infleqtion’s dedication to advancing quantum technologies while fostering a culture of innovation and shared progress.
Ryan Hanley, President of Infleqtion UK, highlighted the transformative potential of the SQALE2 project: “Neutral atom systems have long demonstrated compelling architectural advantages. This project shows that performance and speed can scale too, thanks to the strength of the UK’s collaborative innovation ecosystem.”
Reinforcing the UK’s Leadership in Quantum Technologies
The SQALE2 project represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s journey toward becoming a global leader in quantum computing. By addressing key challenges related to scalability and performance, Infleqtion is helping to bridge the gap between theoretical promise and practical application. The anticipated 10–100x performance gains could revolutionize how quantum computers are used, enabling them to tackle problems that were previously considered intractable.
Moreover, the project reinforces the UK’s growing role in shaping the future of scalable, high-performance quantum technologies. With strong support from the government and active participation from academia and industry, the UK is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.
About Infleqtion
Infleqtion is a world-leading quantum technology company pioneering transformative solutions that enhance precision and performance across multiple essential industries. With more than 18 years of experience commercialising quantum technology with neutral atoms, Infleqtion specialises in atomic clocks, quantum software, quantum RF, and neutral-atom quantum computing. We deliver state-of-the-art solutions for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), compute, precision timekeeping, and optimisation. Our unparalleled expertise makes us the preferred partner for global customers seeking advanced quantum solutions for defence, enterprise, and compute applications. For more information, please visit us at www.infleqtion.com.
