Fusionality: A New Player in Fusion Power Control Systems
In the quest for innovation in fusion energy, two founders, Federico Felici and Jonas Buchli, have struck gold with their startup, Fusionality. Based in Lausanne, the company is stepping into a promising niche by providing essential control systems for fusion reactors—a sector that’s gaining momentum globally.
Identifying the Gap in Fusion Technology
Felici shared insights with TechCrunch that many fusion companies were eager to purchase components for their control systems but faced a significant challenge: there weren’t suppliers who truly understood the fusion industry. “We would ideally buy many of the components to make our control system, but there isn’t really anybody providing them,” Felici noted. This sentiment has inspired the duo to fill this critical void.
The Launch of Fusionality
Taking the plunge into entrepreneurship, Felici and Buchli launched Fusionality in 2023. Their efforts quickly paid off when they successfully raised $3.7 million (CHF 3 million) in a pre-seed funding round backed by Founderful and Playfair. Felici is leading the charge as CEO, while Buchli serves as the CTO.
Meeting the Rising Demand in Fusion Power
Fusionality is part of an evolving supply chain geared toward the burgeoning fusion power industry. Startups like Kyoto Fusioneering are paving the way by developing components that convert engineering breakthroughs into usable electricity. However, the focus on control systems is limited, with many companies creating their designs from scratch. Felici observed, “But actually, 80% of each company’s control system is really exactly the same.” This commonality presents an opportunity for Fusionality to streamline processes across the industry.
The Science Behind Fusion Power
The principle of fusion power involves generating electricity by utilizing the energy released when atomic nuclei fuse, which occurs in superheated plasma. However, maintaining the stability of plasmas poses substantial challenges. Operators must ensure the right temperature, shape, and fuel levels, necessitating rapid and precise decision-making.
Innovative Solutions with Fusionality
Given the intricacies of fusion reactor control, Fusionality aims to leverage the common physical principles familiar across reactor designs. The company’s strategy includes developing a suite of control systems and simulation environments that fusion startups can customize for their specific needs.
Founders United by Passion and Expertise
Felici and Buchli’s journey began at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and fusion research. Their collaboration sparked while teaching AI techniques for managing experimental tokamaks—a type of reactor used in fusion studies. Felici’s experiences at EPFL in Switzerland and later at Google DeepMind have equipped him with vital insights into simulations and machine learning applications pertinent to fusion technology.
The Role of AI in Future Control Systems
While AI is emerging as a crucial factor in enhancing control systems, Felici emphasized caution regarding its comprehensive application. “I wouldn’t be somebody who advocates for AI to take the role of controlling the entire fusion reactor,” he explained. Instead, he sees AI as a tool to “complement or enhance or optimize” various components of the controlling systems.
Focusing on Magnetic Confinement
Initially, Fusionality is concentrating on magnetic confinement fusion, a method that employs powerful electromagnets to maintain the plasma in a dense and heated state suitable for energy generation. The founders aim to broaden their technology portfolio to include other fusion methods in the future.
Future Aspirations and Funding Utilization
The freshly acquired pre-seed funding will enable the seven-person team at Fusionality to focus on developing a select range of control technologies. Felici likens their approach to building with Lego blocks: “We start with a few of these blocks and then we build out more.” The ambition is to cater to the extensive technological needs required to operate a fusion reactor successfully.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Fusionality
Fusionality is well positioned in the fusion energy landscape. As the race toward a sustainable energy future gains speed, the innovative solutions offered by Fusionality could prove pivotal in turning fusion energy into a mainstream power source. The commitment of Felici and Buchli to addressing industry gaps with their expertise and ambition highlights the potential of their vision.
