Startups3 min read
Zap Energy Pivots From Fusion to Also Develop Nuclear Fission Reactors
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TechCrunchยท

Fusion power startup Zap Energy announced it will develop small modular nuclear fission reactors alongside its fusion devices, aiming to generate revenue from fission within a year through Department of Defense and Department of Energy programs and milestone payments from power-hungry companies. The fission SMR market relies on mass manufacturing to reduce costs, with scaling benefits expected to materialize over approximately a decade. The pivot signals a broader trend of fusion startups seeking near-term revenue streams while continuing long-term fusion development.