Global fusion guide for SMEs

The global fusion industry is entering a decade of rapid scale-up. This creates clear and practical routes to market for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across multiple regions.

Fusion companies are shifting from laboratory prototypes to full demonstration power plants. They increasingly rely on external suppliers rather than building everything in-house. This is creating significant opportunities for SMEs with capabilities in:

• engineering
• manufacturing
• materials
• robotics
• software and digital systems

Organisations often do not need prior fusion experience.

Download our full guide and access the fast-growing global fusion energy sector that is building its supply chain now.

Around 68 private fusion companies across 13 countries are currently developing next-generation fusion devices. Major public programmes support these:

• the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)
• the UK’s Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme
• Japan’s planned Japan Demonstration Fusion Power Plant (JA-DEMO)

Private investment now exceeds £10 billion. Global spending on fusion demonstration plants between 2026 to 2035 is expected to rise sharply – over £100 billion in the fusion industry over this timeframe. Maturing fusion firms are beginning to outsource components and systems, keeping only a few complex technologies in-house. The landscape is becoming more open, visible, and navigable for SMEs.

SMEs can engage with the fusion sector through a growing number of practical, low-barrier routes. Many entry points mirror processes used in aerospace, nuclear fission, and advanced manufacturing. This makes them familiar to companies even without prior fusion experience.