EX-Fusion

About EX-Fusion

EX-Fusion is a Japanese startup focused on commercializing laser-based nuclear fusion energy, positioning itself as a key player in the pursuit of clean and stable power. The company was founded in 2021 as a spin-out from Osaka University, an institution with over 50 years of leadership in laser technology. Its founders include CEO Kazuki Matsuo, a former postdoctoral research fellow at the University of California San Diego and a leading researcher in fast ignition fusion; Shinsuke Fujioka, a professor at Osaka University's Institute of Laser Engineering; and Yoshitaka Mori, an associate professor at the Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries. The decision to create a private entity was driven by Matsuo's belief that a corporate structure would be more effective in bringing a commercial fusion reactor to reality.

The company's core technology revolves around a laser-driven inertial confinement fusion method, specifically focusing on the "fast ignition" approach, which has the potential to be more efficient than other methods. This process involves irradiating fuel pellets, containing deuterium and tritium sourced from seawater, with powerful, high-repetition lasers to trigger a fusion reaction. This generates substantial power without producing greenhouse gases, offering a stable energy source not dependent on weather conditions. EX-Fusion is developing the two critical subsystems required for continuous operation: a continuous target supply system (CTSS) and a laser target tracking system (LTTS). The goal is to achieve a high-frequency repetition of about 10 reactions per second. A recent joint experiment with Hamamatsu Photonics successfully demonstrated the continuous irradiation of simulant fuel targets for one hour, a key step towards this objective.

EX-Fusion operates on a multi-faceted business strategy. The primary long-term goal is the development and operation of commercial fusion power plants, with a roadmap targeting a technical demonstration by 2029 and a prototype reactor by 2035. In the nearer term, the company plans to generate revenue by leveraging its advanced laser and optical control technologies for various industrial applications. These include space debris removal and precision laser processing, which also serve to fund the core fusion research. The company has successfully raised significant capital to fuel its development, securing a total of $38.7 million over four funding rounds, including a Series A round in June 2025. This financial backing comes from a wide range of investors, including venture capital firms like ANRI and Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, as well as corporate partners.