Oxford researcher lends expertise to global micro-fusion tech firm

Alpha Ring International, a global leader in micro-fusion technology, has sought the help of Prof Gianluca Gregori at the University of Oxford on a new research project.

The partnership was facilitated through a consultancy agreement with Oxford University Innovation, the university’s technology transfer company.

Prof Gregori, a renowned physicist whose work spans laboratory astrophysics, quantum plasmas and fusion energy, is acting as a consultant to Alpha Ring.

His insights will help progress the firm’s research projects, including advancing experiments with the Alpha-E fusion system – designed to offer hands-on research opportunities to scientists and educators worldwide.

Peter Liu, CEO of Alpha Ring, said: “Collaboration with world-class institutions and scientists is at the core of Alpha Ring’s mission to pioneer groundbreaking micro-fusion technology.

“Prof Gregori’s expertise in high-power laser physics and fusion energy will help us accelerate our research and bring us closer to realizing the full potential of micro-fusion, with applications from energy to healthcare and education.”

Prof Gregori has previously held senior research roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California and the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Oxford.

He added: “Alpha Ring’s micro-fusion technology represents an exciting step forward for fusion research and education.

“Its innovative approach has the potential to revolutionize how we think about clean energy, making fusion more accessible and scalable than ever before.

“I look forward to contributing to this work and helping to unlock new possibilities for clean energy, scientific discovery and the future of sustainable technology.”

Alpha Ring’s micro-fusion approach is distinct in its focus on aneutronic proton-boron reactions, a process that produces energy without generating harmful radiation – unlike traditional nuclear fusion methods.

The firm sees this clean and safe approach as a fast pathway to the commercialisation of fusion technology.

By eliminating complex shielding requirements and radioactive waste, it’s looking to make fusion technology more practical and scalable for real-world applications.

Jaci Barnet, chief operating officer at Oxford University Innovation, said: “We’re delighted to support this collaboration between Alpha Ring and Prof Gregori.

“This partnership exemplifies the innovative work taking place at Oxford and reflects our commitment to connecting world-class research with forward-thinking companies to drive real-world impact.

“We look forward to seeing how this collaboration advances fusion technology and its applications in the energy sector and beyond.”