Accelerating Commercial Fusion: the role of Industry and Academia

Is fusion energy just around the corner? Recent years have seen several dramatic advances in this field: fusion ignition by lasers at the National Ignition Facility, 59 megajoules of fusion energy by the magnetic approach in the United Kingdom, and most importantly the emergence of a vibrant fusion private sector backed by $7 billion of venture capital funding.

How can progress in fusion be accelerated? This panel and event will explore the progress and plans in the private sector, discuss the ambitious timelines of leading fusion startup companies, and identify the challenges facing the sector.

What is academia’s role? Hosted by Columbia University, one of the nation’s premier academic programs in this field, the panel will also discuss the essential role of university programs in performing early-stage R&D, developing new concepts, and building the fusion workforce of tomorrow.

You are invited to participate in this public event, which will feature a panel discussion, tour of the ,">span>, and reception. A part of ,">span>, come visit a working laboratory at the cutting edge of this exciting clean energy technology.

Schedule of Events
3:00-3:30 PM Registration, lobby, Davis Auditorium, 412 CEPSR
3:30-3:35 PM Opening Remarks
3:35-5:00 PM Panel Discussion, Davis Auditorium, 412 CEPSR
5:00-6:00 PM Tour of Columbia's Plasma Physics Laboratory, 101 Mudd
6:00-7:00 PM Reception, 200 Mudd

Speakers:
Opening remarks by shih-fu-chang,">span>, Dean of Columbia Engineering

Panelists

• alexis-abramson-appointed-next-dean-columbia-climate-school,">span>, Dean of the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth and Incoming Dean of Columbia Climate School
• ,">span>, CFO and General Counsel, Type One Energy
• ,">span>, University of Wisconsin-Madison Professor of Physics and Co-Founder, CTO of Realta Fusion
• ,">span>, President, Tokamak Energy LLC
• ,">span>, Senior Director, Open Innovation, Commonwealth Fusion Systems
• ,">span>, Founder, Fusion Energy Base

Venue
Registration and the panel discussion will take place in Davis Auditorium, 412 CEPSR, (campus level), at 530 W. 120th Street, between Broadway and Amsterdam. The lab tour and reception will take place in the Mudd Building, 500 W. 120th Street.
davis_auditorium_cepsr-2.pdf

Accessibility
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Columbia University makes every effort to accommodate individuals with disabilities. If you require disability accommodations to attend an event at Columbia University, please contact the Office of Disability Services at 212.854.2388 or [email protected].

Photography/Videography
Columbia Engineering reserves the right to capture and use images (including video, photo, audio) of student participants at this event in its current or future marketing materials. These materials include but are not limited to: social media, digital and/or print posters, email and web-based materials. By attending and participating in this event, you are consenting to having your image captured for these purposes. If you have concerns about your likeness being used, please reach out to [email protected] and we will accommodate your request.

This event is part of climate-week-nyc-2024.