The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has finalized its selections for the Quantum Computing for Computational Chemistry (QC3) program, a $37 million initiative targeting ten high-impact projects. The program focuses on moving quantum computing from theoretical research to industrial-scale energy applications. Two key recipients, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) and Infleqtion, are leading efforts to revolutionize materials discovery—from magnetic storage to the future of the American electric grid.
LLNL: Developing Stronger, Lighter Magnetic Materials
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has been awarded $4.1 million to develop software that combines machine learning with hybrid classical-quantum algorithms. The project aims to discover ultra-strong, lightweight magnets essential for the next generation of electric motors and wind turbines.
By integrating electronic structure simulation codes with quantum processors, LLNL intends to offload the complex “many-body” physics problems associated with magnetic spins. To ensure the accuracy of these atomic-scale simulations, the lab is utilizing a redundancy strategy that groups 10,000 physical qubits to generate 100 logical qubits. This approach provides a “closed-loop” model for fault-tolerant instructions, allowing researchers to simulate material performance at a resolution beyond the reach of classical supercomputers alone.
Infleqtion: Unlocking High-Temperature Superconductivity
Joining the QC3 initiative, Infleqtion (NYSE: INFQ) has been selected to receive $3.9 million to discover new high-temperature superconductors. While current superconductors power MRI machines, their use in the electric grid is restricted by the need for ultra-low temperatures and expensive liquid helium cooling. Infleqtion’s project utilizes its neutral-atom quantum computer and a pioneering new algorithm to identify materials that can conduct electricity with zero losses at significantly higher temperatures.
This award builds on Infleqtion’s previous successes in neutral-atom technology, including its recent achievement of a 1,600-qubit array and the demonstration of 12 logical qubits with error detection. Matthew Kinsella, CEO of Infleqtion, noted that the neutral-atom platform is uniquely suited for the “hyper-complex optimization” required to transform global energy transmission and storage.
Synergy with Grid Optimization: The ENCODE Project
Infleqtion’s new QC3 funding complements its ongoing $6.2 million contract for the Enhancing Neutral-atom Computers for Optimizing Delivery of Energy (ENCODE) project. ENCODE is the first Department of Energy project focused specifically on applying quantum-enhanced computational methods to revolutionize the efficiency and resilience of the national energy grid.
Collaborating with Argonne National Laboratory, the National Laboratory of the Rockies, EPRI, and ComEd, Infleqtion is developing solutions to address the capacity limits of the aging U.S. grid as electricity demand surges from rapid electrification and the power-intensive needs of AI data centers. Unlike classical supercomputers that require megawatts of power, Infleqtion’s neutral-atom processors operate on kilowatts, offering a sustainable path for real-time grid management.
Strategic Importance for National Capability
The combined efforts of LLNL and Infleqtion represent a paradigm shift in how the U.S. approaches critical infrastructure and material science:
- Supply Chain Independence: Discovering rare-earth-free magnets would reduce dependence on foreign-controlled supply chains for critical automotive and aerospace components.
- Economic Impact: High-temperature superconductors could slash power losses in transmission lines, while more efficient magnetic memory (MRAM) could lower the electricity footprint of global IT infrastructure.
- Fault-Tolerant Leadership: By prioritizing logical qubits and error detection, these projects establish a baseline for achieving “practical quantum advantage” in the materials science sector.
You can find the official announcement regarding the LLNL magnet research project here. Additional details on the ARPA-E QC3 program and the full list of the 10 selected quantum computing projects are available here. For more details on Infleqtion’s contributions to superconductivity and grid optimization, visit the company’s newsroom here.
May 2, 2026
