TechCrunch Startup News Thea Energy previews Helios, its pixel-inspired fusion power plant
Dec 15, 2025
Thea Energy reveals an innovative fusion power plant that promises cheaper construction through AI-driven controls. Their unique Stellarator-inspired design utilizes a network of small magnets to enhance efficiency. By publishing a detailed design paper, they aim to share their groundbreaking approach with the world. Testing has shown that AI can fine-tune imperfections, leading to higher reliability. With ambitious plans for a prototype by 2030, Thea is gearing up to revolutionize energy production with the Helios project.
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Software First Lowers Fusion Precision Needs
- Thea Energy believes software can tolerate hardware imperfections in fusion plants.
- Their approach lets them build first and refine confinement with controls later.
Virtual Stellarator From Identical Magnets
- Thea's design reimagines the stellarator using many small identical magnets.
- Arrays of controllable coils create a 'virtual Stellarator' instead of complex custom shapes.
Iterating Magnets And Stress-Testing Controls
- Thea iterated its magnet design more than 60 times in two years to speed development.
- They also tested a 3x3 array and intentionally introduced misalignments and bad materials to challenge controls.