Proxima Fusion and Kyoto Fusioneering signed a memorandum of understanding on October 28, 2026, in Tokyo. The agreement expands their cooperation on plasma heating systems and fuel cycle technologies. Proxima Fusion is a German stellarator fusion company, and Kyoto Fusioneering is a Japan-based fusion technology provider.
Partnership scope
Their joint work covers next-generation gyrotrons for plasma heating and fuel cycle technologies. Kyoto Fusioneering will contribute its technologies and engineering expertise to fusion deployment in Germany. This includes support for the national Fusion Hubs initiative of the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
Company background
Proxima Fusion is the first spin-out from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. It is headquartered in Munich and employs around 200 people. Kyoto Fusioneering operates globally across Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and Canada.
How the technologies work
A gyrotron is a high-power source of microwaves used to heat plasma. Heating systems bring plasma to temperatures needed for fusion and help keep it there. The fuel cycle covers how a power plant supplies, handles, and recycles fuel so it can run continuously.
The agreement supports Proxima's roadmap toward Alpha, a demonstration stellarator planned for the early 2030s. It also supports Stellaris, Proxima's first commercial fusion power plant. Kyoto Fusioneering hosted Proxima Fusion at its Tokyo Research Center during Chancellor Merz's visit.