Sector: Deep-tech
Invested: March 2023
Founder:
Co-investors:
OpenStar Technologies is a highly ambitious start-up that seeks to master fusion — the process that powers the stars. Once this process is mastered, they’ll be able to create safe, clean, carbon-free, base-load electricity in a way that is economically scalable, to help find a solution to the climate crisis.
OpenStar was founded in late 2021 by Founder/CEO Ratu Mataira out of his Mt Victoria flat in Wellington. Since then, they have assembled a team of driven and talented world-class individuals who are passionate about seeing the world powered by fusion energy.
What is fusion?
Fusion involves the merging of light atomic nuclei – such as the isotopes of hydrogen – to make new, heavier elements and thereby produce the kind of energy we see emerging from the sun and other stars.
Fusion has been a key field of research for years, to help humanity unlock an efficient and effective energy source, and while New Zealand scientists and the Robinson Research Institute have played a huge part over the years, OpenStar’s particular approach is giving fresh hope of a breakthrough. OpenStar’s point of difference to other fusion companies is in the design of its reactor.
Learn more about OpenStar's technology via this Newshub special:
Inside OpenStar's ambitious attempt to build a nuclear fusion reactor in New Zealand | Newshub
Plus, check out Caffeine's podcast 'Seed to Success' where Ratu, Professor Rod Badcock (Deputy Director at the Robinson Research Institute), and our Invesment Manager Byron van Vugt discuss the journey of OpenStar - covering the unique challenges of commercialising innovative technologies, like fusion energy, the support and investment landscape in New Zealand, and lessons on dealing with uncertainty and risk.
