Fuse Energy Technologies is a privately held, California-based startup focused on accelerating the world’s transition to fusion energy. Founded in 2019, the company is pioneering a pulsed-power approach to nuclear fusion, developing advanced machines that serve both as stepping stones toward commercial fusion and as platforms for nuclear effects testing. Fuse’s strategy is to generate near-term revenue by providing radiation testing services to government and private sector clients, while progressively scaling its technology toward a practical, abundant, and clean fusion energy source. Their long-term vision is to provide a safe, on-demand, and globally accessible energy solution, positioning themselves as a key innovator in the fusion energy sector.
Leadership
JC Btaiche (Founder & CEO): Founded Fuse in Montreal at age 19, bringing a vision for a less capital-intensive, iterative path to fusion by leveraging pulsed-power machines for both radiation testing and eventual energy generation. Btaiche has attracted top talent to the team, including nuclear scientists and defense experts.
Laura Thomas (Chief Strategy Officer): Former Pentagon official and investor in Fuse, Thomas transitioned to a full-time role in 2024 to help guide the company’s strategic direction.
Lisa Gordon-Hagerty (Board Member): Former head of the National Nuclear Security Administration and Energy Department Undersecretary, Gordon-Hagerty brings deep expertise in nuclear security and government relations.
Doug Greenlaw (Advisory Board): Former Lockheed Martin Corp. Asia Chief Executive, Greenlaw provides strategic defense and business development insights.
Vahid Damideh (Senior Scientist): Noted nuclear scientist from Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, contributing to technical leadership and innovation.
Core Technologies
Pulsed-Power Fusion Machines: Fuse develops and operates high-powered Marx generators, notably the TITAN (1 TW) and Z-Star (15 TW) systems, which are designed to drive Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion (MagLIF) targets. These machines are modular, rapidly iterated, and built for both research and commercial applications.
MagLIF (Magnetized Liner Inertial Fusion): Fuse’s approach centers on MagLIF, a method that uses powerful magnetic fields and pulsed energy to compress plasma and achieve fusion conditions.
Radiation Testing Platforms: Their machines are used for nuclear effects testing, providing critical services for defense and aerospace clients who need to understand how electronics and materials perform under intense radiation.
Proprietary Components: Fuse is developing advanced subsystems such as the Fulmineo switch to improve reliability and performance of their pulsed-power devices.
Recycling Radioactive Waste: The company is also exploring technologies for recycling radioactive waste, contributing to a safer, more sustainable nuclear ecosystem.
Key Capabilities
Rapid Prototyping and Iteration: Fuse has demonstrated the ability to design, build, and operate multiple generations of pulsed-power machines in a short timeframe, including achieving thousands of test “shots” per machine.
Nuclear Effects Testing: Providing radiation testing services to government agencies (including the US Air Force and National Nuclear Security Administration), private companies, and research institutions.
Scalable Fusion Pathway: Fuse’s iterative approach allows for incremental increases in machine power and complexity, using revenue from testing services to fund the development of larger, more capable fusion systems.
Regulatory Compliance: Fuse holds a license from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and is working with US authorities to license its California facility.
Collaborative R&D: Engaged in cooperative agreements with institutions such as Sandia National Laboratories.
Investors
Buckley Ventures
Tamarack Global
Bracket Capital
Mantis VC (venture arm of The Chainsmokers)
Abstract Ventures
Individual Investors: Including Lisa Gordon-Hagerty and Doug Greenlaw.
Total Funding: Approximately $52 million as of late 2024, including a recent $32 million round.
Valuation: Over $200 million as of the most recent funding round.
Company Status: Privately held.
Notable Clients
US Air Force: Awarded Fuse a $1.25 million contract to develop a new prototype in collaboration with the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency.
National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA): Major collaborator for nuclear effects testing.
Sandia National Laboratories: Entered a cooperative R&D agreement with Fuse in 2024.
Other Private and Government Clients: Fuse rents its pulsed-power machines for radiation testing to a range of customers in the defense, aerospace, and energy sectors.
