Kyoto Fusioneering and Astral Systems join Culham fusion hub

18th June 2025

UKAEA's Culham Campus welcomes Kyoto Fusioneering and Astral Systems as its latest tenants.

Two pioneering companies, Kyoto Fusioneering and Astral Systems, have joined the growing cluster of fusion technology and AI organisations at United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority's (UKAEA) Culham Campus.

The arrival of Kyoto Fusioneering and Astral Systems marks another significant step in the evolution of Culham Campus as a community of like-minded people. The site has organisations across sectors including fusion energy, robotics, autonomous vehicles, and computing, supporting the UK's ambition to lead the global quest for commercial fusion energy.

Kyoto Fusioneering, a leading developer of fusion technologies, and Astral Systems, a leader in compact fusion innovations, bring cutting-edge capability to Culham, enhancing the dynamic ecosystem of science and technology tenants already based on site.

Tim Bestwick, Deputy CEO, UKAEA, said:

We are delighted to welcome Kyoto Fusioneering and Astral Systems to Culham Campus. Their presence demonstrates the growing momentum in the UK's fusion technology sector and the strength of our innovation ecosystem. Culham is not just the home of the UK's fusion programme - it is the UK's first AI Growth Zone and is fast becoming the go-to location for industry, academia and investors focusing on high technology innovation.

Richard Pearson, Co-founder and Chief Innovator at Kyoto Fusioneering, added:

Being part of the Culham Campus community is an important milestone for Kyoto Fusioneering. Culham represents a world-class environment for fusion innovation, and we are excited to contribute our expertise and collaborate with the brilliant minds here to help realise a fusion-powered future.

Talmon Firestone, Co-founder and CEO, Astral Systems, said:

Securing space at Culham Campus marks another important step in deepening our relationship with UKAEA. With its world-class facilities and collaborative environment, Culham is the ideal home for our work on the Small-Scale Experiment for Tritium Breeding (SSETB) and future Fusion Futures initiatives. We're excited to grow our presence here and continue contributing to the UK's fusion ecosystem.

PHOTO
Culham Campus site in Oxfordshire
Image Credit: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority.

Culham Campus
A national centre for fusion research since 1965
Culham Campus, formerly known as the Royal Naval Air Station HMS Hornbill, has a rich history dating back to its commissioning in 1944. In the late 1950s, the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority selected Culham as an ideal location for a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to plasma physics and fusion research. Construction began in the early 1960s, and the laboratory officially opened in 1965. Today, Culham Campus is home to the largest Fusion Technology Cluster and supporting fusion energy technologies.

Culham Innovation Centre is managed by Oxford Innovation and provides specialist workspace and business support services for start-ups and growing businesses in the science and technology sector.

For further information, visit: culham-ic.co.uk