Quantum computing startup Infleqtion has appointed Matthew Kinsella as its new CEO, embarking on a transformative journey into quantum clocks and related technologies.
Kinsella succeeds Scott Faris, who has stepped down to focus on quantum industry policy and national security investments. This leadership transition has been planned for about a month, according to Kinsella in a recent media interview.
Kinsella previously served as a partner at Maverick Capital, where he directed investments across various technology sectors, including Infleqtion. He has been a board member since 2018, and the company employs around 250 people, primarily based in Boulder, Colorado.
Cathy Lego, chair of Infleqtion’s board, stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Matt as our new CEO during this pivotal time for the company and the broader industry. His deep understanding of Infleqtion, combined with his proven expertise in guiding technology companies through product development and revenue growth, will be instrumental as we scale our business and enter high-growth markets.”
Kinsella explained that appointing a board member familiar with the company would help minimize disruption during this transition.
“Infleqtion is poised to lead as quantum technology moves from the lab to commercial applications,” Kinsella said. “I’m honored to guide the company through this crucial phase. With our solid foundation, exceptional team, and commitment to scalable solutions, we're ready to leverage quantum technology to transform industries. Our focus on clocks, RF, computing, and quantum-enabled AI software presents lucrative near-term revenue opportunities.”
Infleqtion’s quantum clocks offer precision far exceeding that of current atomic clocks, making them suitable for applications where GPS timing is unreliable. Additionally, quantum sensors can detect minute environmental changes, potentially enabling underwater and underground object detection, as well as GPS-independent navigation.
Investment Considerations
Kinsella discussed the capital-intensive nature of quantum computing investments, highlighting the significant funding raised by leading modalities like ion trap and superconducting technologies. He noted that while the neutral atom modality has seen less investment, recent developments, particularly from Harvard, indicate substantial advancements. “I view neutral atoms as a capital-efficient path to achieving fault-tolerant quantum computers, making this a compelling investment opportunity,” he explained.
Kinsella emphasized that quantum computers would outperform classical computers in tasks such as simulation, modeling, and optimization. “Traditional binary gate-based systems can take millennia to solve certain calculations,” he added.
Recent progress in the quantum computing sector, such as the successful collaboration between Microsoft and Quantinuum, has energized Kinsella. They ran more than 14,000 experiments using ion-trap hardware and qubit virtualization without encountering errors, a significant step toward achieving fault tolerance.
Kinsella, who has a history of over 18 years with Maverick, became intrigued by quantum computing in 2017. He met Dana Anderson, Infleqtion’s founder, and learned about the advantages of the neutral atom modality. “Dana’s passion for the neutral atom modality, its flexibility, and its potential for developing products today convinced me of its commercial viability,” Kinsella stated.
Commercial Focus
Infleqtion is now recognized as a commercial organization, generating real revenue from products such as advanced quantum clocks. Their clients include governmental agencies like DARPA and the DoD, as well as international partners in Japan, the UK, and leading tech firms like Nvidia.
Kinsella regards current products as Quantum Computing 1.0, with future offerings regarded as Quantum Computing 2.0. He believes that leveraging quantum technology sensitivity can lead to breakthroughs in time measurement, gravity, and motion detection.
Reflecting on the leadership change, Kinsella was motivated by the opportunity to contribute to a mission he considers vital for the U.S. and allies. He expressed gratitude to Faris for his achievements in guiding Infleqtion through Series B funding and expanding its technology initiatives.
Looking Ahead
The global landscape of quantum technology presents transformational opportunities. Infleqtion is at the forefront of developing commercial quantum hardware and software, targeting industries such as finance, defense, energy, healthcare, and life sciences.
Faris remarked, “As we prepare to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technologies, transitioning leadership to Matt is a natural move. He brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with our vision.”
Recent milestones include Infleqtion’s selection for Japan’s Quantum Moonshot program and the development of a quantum computing testbed for the UK's National Quantum Computing Centre. Additionally, the company is leading innovations in gate fidelity, qubit scaling, and quantum error correction, aiming to deliver fault-tolerant quantum computers within five years.
Since raising $110 million in a Series B funding round in November 2022, Infleqtion’s momentum continues. Kinsella emphasized this is not a rescue story, stating that “the company is firing on all cylinders.” He plans to ramp up production and explore new commercial applications, including alternative navigation solutions to GPS.
“This next phase of growth is precisely why I was brought in,” said Kinsella. “We’re making a significant bet on achieving fault-tolerant quantum computers while capitalizing on existing markets for clocks and sensors.”
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