Churchill Capital Corp X (CCCX) Surged 13.50% in Pre-Market Trading After Infleqtion Wins Bell Prize for Quantum Research

Churchill Capital Corp X (NASDAQ: CCCX) surged 13.5018% in pre-market trading on Dec. 23, 2025, following news that quantum computing firm Infleqtion, which is set to merge with the SPAC, has been awarded the prestigious John Stewart Bell Prize to its chief scientist, Dr. Mark Saffman. The honor recognizes Saffman’s breakthroughs in quantum simulation and computing with neutral atoms, a critical area for Infleqtion’s roadmap to develop fault-tolerant quantum systems.

The merger with Churchill X, expected to value Infleqtion at $1.8 billion pre-money, is progressing with a planned SEC filing to facilitate the transaction. Recent developments include a $2 million U.S. Army contract for AI navigation technology and the appointment of key executives, including CFO Ilan Hart and General Manager Karl Pendergast. These moves underscore Infleqtion’s strategic push to commercialize quantum technologies and expand its commercial portfolio, which includes quantum clocks and inertial navigation solutions.

Investors have seen CCCX rally 35.52% over six months, though the stock remains volatile with a negative P/E ratio. The Bell Prize award highlights Infleqtion’s leadership in quantum research, potentially boosting investor confidence as the company transitions from laboratory innovation to scalable applications. The pending merger and Saffman’s recognition position Churchill X as a focal point for the quantum computing sector’s growth trajectory.

The Bell Prize is one of the most prestigious awards in the field of quantum computing, often viewed as a precursor to the Nobel Prize in Physics for quantum breakthroughs. This recognition for Dr. Saffman’s work on neutral atoms in quantum computing underscores Infleqtion’s potential to deliver scalable, fault-tolerant quantum systems. The merger with Churchill X is expected to accelerate Infleqtion’s path to commercial deployment and global market expansion, particularly in defense and space applications.

Analysts remain cautious due to the nascent stage of quantum commercialization, but the Bell Prize and Infleqtion’s recent contract wins suggest growing institutional confidence. With Churchill X serving as a public vehicle for Infleqtion’s growth, the company is well-positioned to lead the next wave of technological transformation in the quantum arena.