Helion's approach uses a linear fusion system with pulsed magnetic compression that differs from traditional tokamak designs, operating at 1 Hz by injecting plasma, compressing it to fusion conditions, and recovering energy to produce electricity. In May 2023, Helion announced the first commercial agreement for fusion energy, providing 50 MWe to Microsoft starting in 2028. CEO David Kirtley claims Helion is best positioned to generate electricity from fusion this decade, operating under the sector's most ambitious timeline.
Cyborg Score Rationale
Helion achieved 150 million degrees Celsius deuterium-tritium fusion as of February 2026. The company raised $465 million in June 2026 at a $15.5 billion valuation with strong investor backing including Thrive Capital and Ford Motor Company. Construction began in July 2025 on a 50-megawatt fusion plant planned to be operational by 2028, supplying power to Microsoft datacenters.
Top Insights
Polaris prototype became the first privately developed fusion energy machine to demonstrate measurable deuterium-tritium fusion and achieve plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (February 2026)
First commercial fusion energy agreement signed with Microsoft in May 2023 for 50 MWe delivery starting 2028
Series G funding of $465 million in June 2026 raised valuation to $15.5 billion with participation from Thrive Capital, Lightspeed, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, and Ford Motor Company Executive Chairman Bill Ford
Unlike most fusion competitors using steam turbines, Helion intends to harvest electricity straight from magnets themselves
Named Competitors
Commonwealth Fusion Systems — Tokamak-based fusion using high-temperature superconductor magnets
General Fusion — Magnetized target fusion approach
TAE Technologies — Aneutronic fusion with hydrogen-boron fuel
Recent Developments
(June 2026) Raised $465 million Series G funding at $15.5 billion valuation led by Thrive Capital