Helion Energy
Energy
Founded: 2013
Last Round Valuation: $3.6B
Seattle-based Helion is the pioneering developer of the world's inaugural fusion generator. This groundbreaking technology is engineered to generate a consistent, environmentally friendly, and plentiful energy supply by harnessing the fusion of deuterium, readily available in water, and helium-3, a byproduct of deuterium atom fusion. Established in 2013 by Chris Pihl, David Kirtley, George Votroubek, and John Slough, Helion is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
Helion Energy Overview:
Helion is a Seattle-based company founded in 2013 by Chris Pihl, David Kirtley, George Votroubek, and John Slough. As pioneers in the field, Helion has made significant advancements in fusion energy technology by developing the world's first fusion generator. This groundbreaking technology is designed to produce clean, reliable, and abundant energy by harnessing the power of fusion reactions.
Fusion, the process that powers the sun, involves combining atomic nuclei to release energy. Helion's fusion generator focuses on utilizing deuterium, an isotope of hydrogen found abundantly in water, and helium-3, a product of fusing deuterium atoms. By controlling these fusion reactions, Helion aims to unlock a new era of clean and sustainable energy production.
The potential of fusion energy lies in its ability to provide a virtually limitless supply of power without greenhouse gas emissions or long-lived radioactive waste. Unlike traditional nuclear fission reactors, fusion reactors offer inherent safety features, as the fusion process is self-limiting and cannot run out of control. This makes fusion energy a promising candidate for addressing the global energy crisis and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Helion's fusion generator technology focuses on a compact and efficient approach known as magneto-inertial fusion. This approach combines elements from magnetic confinement and inertial confinement fusion to create a controlled fusion reaction. By using a combination of magnetic fields and compression techniques, Helion aims to achieve the conditions necessary for sustained fusion reactions and the subsequent generation of clean energy.
The potential applications of Helion's fusion generator are vast. From powering cities and industries to supporting space exploration missions, fusion energy has the capacity to revolutionize our energy systems. By providing a virtually limitless and carbon-free energy source, Helion aims to contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
With its headquarters in Seattle, Helion benefits from the rich innovation ecosystem in the region, including collaboration opportunities with renowned research institutions and technological expertise. The company has assembled a team of scientists, engineers, and industry experts dedicated to advancing fusion technology and bringing it to commercial viability.
Through their groundbreaking research and development efforts, Helion is pushing the boundaries of what is possible in fusion energy. By harnessing the power of fusion reactions, they strive to provide a clean, reliable, and abundant energy source that can help address the world's growing energy demands while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Founders:
Chris Pihl
David Kirtley Ph.D
George Votroubek Ph.D
John Slough
Top Investors:
Capricorn Investment Group
Dustin Moskovitz
Mithril Capital Management
Sam Altman
Y Combinator
Funding History:
**We are currently working on gathering Helion Energy’s financial history.**