OUR FUSIONEERS

Maki joined Kyoto Fusioneering in October 2021. Before that, she developed medical X-ray tube equipment for Canon Electron Tubes and Devices. As a grad student, she conducted R&D on gyrotrons for plasma heating.

As an engineer in the electromagnetic division, I oversee the design and development of microwave heating sources (gyrotrons). Working at KF, I have the opportunity to learn directly from world-leading experts – some of whom may have even originally developed that technology! It’s really special to be able to work alongside them while also tapping into their expertise. With a working environment that doesn’t shy away from learning from failure and that encourages people to try new things, I feel like I can really enjoy my work and develop my skills at the same time.

Mune joined Kyoto Fusioneering in April 2024. He worked at Google in sales and business development before KF. Bachelor of Laws from the University of Tokyo.

I manage the business development for Plant Technology such as fuel cycle and thermal cycle systems. For my work focusing on the Japan market, I support joint research with private companies and research institutions and develop the domestic supply chain. For my global-facing work, I develop partnerships our international clients, who are primarily government-affiliated research institutions and startups. I really enjoy exploring new business areas together with such a talented team.

Tim joined Kyoto Fusioneering in February 2024. Previously, he worked as a research associate at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology and holds a doctoral degree in the field of the fusion fuel cycle systems from the same institution.

I work on the technical development for the fusion fuel cycle at Kyoto Fusioneering Europe GmbH. As a team, we are developing innovative technologies for the fuel cycle of today’s fusion experiments and tomorrow’s fusion power plants. I enjoy the technical challenge and the collaboration with world-leading experts across the international teams at Kyoto Fusioneering and our partners.

Sosuke joined Kyoto Fusioneering in January 2024. Before that, he worked on the development of discharge components for gas lasers and control systems at a semiconductor manufacturing equipment company. As a student, he conducted research on the non-destructive diagnostics of plasma-facing materials for nuclear fusion.

I work on the design and development of gyrotron systems, inclduing the testing and evaluation of our products. While there are day-to-day challenges, I find the process of working together as a team, sharing ideas, and finding solutions very fulfilling. At Kyoto Fusioneering, we’ve developed a culture where experts from different fields can discuss openly, and I strongly feel that this collaborative approach significantly contributes to the tech advancements we’ve made.

Eri joined Kyoto Fusioneering in December 2023. She honed her finance skills at a Japanese metals manufacturer, handling the accounting for factories, multiple business divisions, and the corporate headquarters. She also worked internationally for the manufacturer. She then worked as the controller at an Italian electrode manufacturer, followed by a role in accounting at an AI startup.

In the accounting department, I oversee financial operations, including cash flow management, expenses, monthly and annual closings, and tax compliance. As a startup, we work in close partnership with multiple departments to establish and improve workflow efficiency, enabling us to prepare accurate financial statements that are compliant with local, national and international statutes. Additionally, I’m looking into how to improve our business and accounting structures for an industry that has few previous business cases.

John joined Kyoto Fusioneering in April 2023. After earning his PhD from University of Manchester, he moved to Japan to develop methods for the safe disposal of nuclear waste and has a broad range of experience in fields such as nuclear engineering, radiation chemistry and materials science.

As a Senior Engineer in the Fuel Cycle Department, I develop and design components and systems related to the pumping, storage, separation and recycling of tritium, a key fuel for fusion energy. My work involves hands-on R&D as well as computational modelling, giving me the opportunity to use and develop a wide variety of skills across multiple aspects of fusion technology, which has been very rewarding.

Carli joined Kyoto Fusioneering in August 2024. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at UC Santa Cruz, studying both astrophysics and particle physics. She then completed her Master’s at Penn State University, working to answer fundamental questions related to hydrogen retention in plasma-facing components for fusion machines. She also has a keen interest in bringing her technical perspective to fusion energy policy and public outreach.

As a Fusion Researcher at Kyoto Fusioneering America Ltd, I bring my unique technical perspective to engage with others in the private industry to communicate and deliver KF’s capabilities in both the fusion fuel and thermal cycles. I also engage with the public sector via US Department of Energy grants, working on various R&D projects that bring value to KF’s technical knowledge base, as well as give public entities the means to develop technologies that can be commercialized.

Yushi joined Kyoto Fusioneering in July 2023. He previously worked in engine development at an automobile manufacturer. He is committed to advancing innovative technologies as a way to establish a new industry with a broad ecosystem, similar to the automotive sector, that will lead to a decarbonized society. Master of Energy Science, Kyoto University.

I develop equipments and systems for transporting liquid metals and molten salts used in thermal recovery and fuel generation for fusion energy in the Thermal Cycle Department. Working alongside talented members from diverse industries both in Japan and internationally, I find it very rewarding to take on the challenge of developing technologies for alternative energy.

Satoshi joined Kyoto Fusioneering in Februry 2024. He had been conducting R&D primarily in the aerospace field, including power unit development for the Honda eVTOL and engine development for next-generation fighter jets. He holds a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Kyoto University and has a background in thermal fluid dynamics.

I research and develop thermal fluid-related components, including blankets, heat exchangers, and high-temperature heat transfer piping, in the Plant Technology Division. At UNITY-1, our power generation test plant, I lead the testing and evaluation of MHD (magnetohydrodynamics) and the proof of concept (PoC) for blankets. As the head of the analysis team, I ensure that we carry out numerical analysis within the plant technology department.