In recent years, investment has increased dramatically, resulting in the formation of numerous fusion startups. Over 40 private fusion companies operate around the world, with the United States accounting for roughly 80% of them. The remaining companies are spread across the United Kingdom, Japan, China, several European countries, and Israel.
In Australia, research interest has grown, too. Researchers at the University of Sydney are developing an Inertial Electrostatic Confinement, rather than using a magnetic field, allowing for benchtop fusion. At the University of New South Wales, students plan to build a nuclear fusion device to produce the extreme heat necessary to initiate fusion.