Infleqtion, a global leader in quantum information technology, has received $11 million funding award from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) under the Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies (APFIT) program. This award supports the deployment of Infleqtion’s groundbreaking Tiqker™, a Rack Mounted Optical Clock designed to deliver advanced quantum timing solutions critical for modern defense applications.
Revolutionizing Precision Timing for Defense Operations
The funding is part of a $22 million APFIT allocation for Infleqtion’s Rack Mounted Optical Clocks project. These state-of-the-art optical clocks provide highly accurate, stable, and resilient timekeeping solutions that overcome the limitations of legacy systems. Tiqker™ is tailored to enhance secure communications, GPS-independent navigation, and the synchronization of precision-guided systems, ensuring operational readiness in contested environments.
“From secure communications to navigation and synchronization of complex systems, the ability to provide highly accurate and reliable timing is vital for defense operations,” said Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion. “This funding accelerates the integration of these technologies into defense systems, granting the U.S. military a critical operational edge.”
APFIT Program: Fast-Tracking Innovation for National Security
The APFIT program, established under the National Defense Authorization Act for FY22, emphasizes rapid transitioning of mature technologies to production. With $300 million allocated for FY24, the program prioritizes solutions developed by small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors, aiming to shorten the timeline for deploying mission-critical capabilities to U.S. warfighters.
Tiqker™ exemplifies this mission by leveraging rapid optical transitions between quantum states of atoms. Its unmatched accuracy and stability enhance defense areas such as:
- Assured Communications: Enabling secure and robust communication links.
- GPS-Denied Navigation: Providing precise navigation in environments where GPS is unreliable or unavailable.
- Anti-Spoof Timing: Ensuring synchronization for systems defending against emerging threats like attack drones.
With seamless integration into defense systems, Tiqker™ supports complex operations in highly contested environments, cementing its role as a key asset for national security.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Precision Timing
As global reliance on GPS technology increases, vulnerabilities like signal jamming and spoofing pose significant risks to operational continuity. Tiqker™ mitigates these challenges, offering a resilient alternative that reduces dependency on traditional systems. This technological leap forward bolsters defense capabilities while opening avenues for civilian applications.
Leadership in Quantum Innovation
Infleqtion’s APFIT award reaffirms its leadership in the quantum technology sector. With over 17 years of expertise in neutral atom quantum technology, the company remains committed to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the evolving demands of defense and security.
“Through the APFIT program and partnerships like this, we are ensuring that our warfighters have access to the most advanced tools available, maintaining the U.S. military’s technological superiority,” Kinsella added.
Click here to learn more about Tiqker.
