TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Helical Fusion Co., Ltd., a fusion energy company developing Helical Stellarator-based power plants, has announced the launch of the “Helix Program Official Partners,” a strategic partnership initiative aimed at building a long-term industrial coalition to accelerate the commercialization of fusion energy.
The new framework brings together established Japanese companies committed to supporting the transition of fusion technology from scientific research to real-world energy deployment. Alongside the announcement, Helical Fusion also confirmed the successful first close of its Series B funding round.
The Helix Program serves as Helical Fusion’s core roadmap toward achieving commercially viable fusion power in the 2030s. Instead of focusing solely on reactor development, the company designed the program around three critical requirements for practical fusion energy generation:
Based on these objectives, Helical Fusion selected the Helical Stellarator reactor approach, leveraging decades of Japanese research and development in stellarator fusion technology.
The first three companies joining as founding Official Partners are:
Each company brings a business legacy spanning nearly a century or more and will participate as long-term industrial collaborators rather than traditional suppliers or investors.
Takaya Taguchi, Co-Founder and CEO of Helical Fusion, stated that commercial fusion energy cannot be achieved by startups or scientific research alone. He emphasized the importance of building a coalition of industrial partners capable of applying decades of manufacturing, logistics, and operational expertise to one of the most significant energy challenges of the future.
Unlike standard sponsorship arrangements, the Helix Program Official Partners framework is designed for companies actively contributing to the industrialization of fusion energy. Participation includes both strategic collaboration and capital investment.
The initiative will support manufacturing and construction activities for:
NICHIAS Corporation, founded in 1896, specializes in insulation, sealing, and industrial performance materials used across sectors such as shipbuilding, energy, petrochemicals, construction, automotive, and semiconductors. The company views its participation as an opportunity to apply long-established industrial technologies to next-generation energy systems.
Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., established in 1887, has developed deep expertise in advanced textile and material technologies over more than a century of manufacturing. Its involvement highlights the growing importance of advanced materials in future fusion infrastructure.
Seno Kisen Co., Ltd., founded in 1946, contributes decades of experience in maritime logistics, industrial transportation, and fleet operations. The company’s participation underscores the importance of operational and logistical expertise in deploying large-scale energy systems globally.
Helical Fusion is already progressing with hardware development under the Helix Program. Manufacturing and construction activities are currently underway for magnet demonstration projects related to Helix HARUKA at a dedicated Helical Fusion facility located within the campus of the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki, Gifu.
The company also announced the first close of its Series B funding round, raising approximately JPY 2.7 billion. Investors include:
Including grants and loans, Helical Fusion’s total funding has now reached approximately JPY 9.8 billion. The company stated that the new capital will support continued reactor development and expansion of its industrial partnership ecosystem.
Founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the National Institute for Fusion Science, Helical Fusion focuses on commercializing fusion energy through the development of Helical Stellarator reactor technology. The company builds upon decades of fusion research conducted in Japan and aims to develop commercially operational fusion power plants in the 2030s.
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