Blue Laser Fusion, Inc. (BLF) was founded in 2022 by Shuji Nakamura, Ph.D., 2014 Nobel Laureate in Physics and Professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and co-inventor of the blue / phosphor converted white LED; Hiroaki Ohta, Ph.D., General Partner of Waseda University Ventures (WUV); and Richard Ogawa, a Silicon Valley-based attorney. BLF has developed a novel high-power laser technology to generate nuclear fusion electrical power. BLF’s lasers are capable of achieving both high repetition rate and high power to pursue clean fusion energy production.

The Palo Alto, CA-based company’s goal is to create a commercially-viable, laser-based, nuclear fusion reactor by 2030. The company says that it has just raised $25 Million in seed funding. Investors include two top-tier VC’s in Japan: JAFCO Group Co., Ltd., and SPARX Group Co., Ltd. (via the Toyota-backed Mirai Creation Fund III).

BLF’s technology utilizes megajoule-scale pulses with a fast repetition rate to pursue a viable reactor within seven years. The company plans to have its first prototype in 2025, utilizing a hydrogen-boron fuel known as ‘HB11’ as a fusion target. BLF has also shared that it plans to work with Toshiba and YUKI Holdings to develop the reactor. BLF is one of 10 startup companies working on laser fusion.

Blue Laser Fusion’s website can be found here

Image: bluelaserfusion.com

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and President of Lighting Solution Development, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has co-chaired ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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