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Google DeepMind alumni are building tools to accelerate fusion power for thegrid
Federico Felici and Jonas Buchli, alumni of Google DeepMind, founded Fusionality to create control systems for fusion power technologies. Their company aims to address a gap in the fusion industry by providing essential components for reactor control, with $3.7 million in pre-seed funding. Fusionality focuses on magnetic confinement fusion, leveraging AI for optimization while building a flexible suite of technologies for future applications.
Key points
- Felici and Buchli founded Fusionality due to a demand for control systems in the fusion power industry.
- They raised $3.7 million in pre-seed funding to build their company.
- Fusionality addresses the issue that 80% of control systems across fusion companies are identical, thus offering a scalable solution.
- Fusion plants require precise control of superheated plasmas for energy production, presenting complex challenges.
- AI will enhance but not fully control fusion systems, as acknowledged by Felici.
- Fusionality will initially focus on magnetic confinement fusion and plans to expand its technology offerings.
Why it matters
- Artificial intelligence is becoming integral in optimizing complex systems within various industries, including energy.
- Fusion energy is gaining traction as a sustainable power source, connecting to global efforts to transition from fossil fuels.
- The startup atmosphere surrounding fusion power reflects a broader trend in technology focusing on innovative energy solutions.
Fusionality represents a promising step forward in fusion power technology, aiming to streamline control systems, enhance energy production efficiency, and establish a vital supply chain for the future of clean energy.