X is the name of Alphabet’s moonshot research and development organization.
X was established inside Google as Google X and became associated with ambitious projects intended to address major technological or social challenges. Its work has included experimental efforts in areas such as internet access, robotics, energy, and transportation.
The organization was initially known as Google X and was later shortened to X. It became part of Alphabet’s structure after Google reorganized under Alphabet in 2015.
X is not the same as Alphabet’s investment businesses. GV, formerly Google Ventures, invests in companies, while CapitalG is a growth investment fund. Calico focuses on aging and life sciences; X focuses on developing “moonshot” technologies.