A*STAR and Commonwealth Fusion Systems Sign a Collaborative Research Agreement to Advance Fusion Supply Chain Capabilities in Singapore

A*STAR’s partnership with Commonwealth Fusion Systems, the world's largest and leading fusion energy company, will focus on the research and development of technologies for CFS’ ARC fusion power plant, positioning Singapore for early entry into the global fusion supply chain.

SINGAPORE – Singapore is strengthening its position in the emerging fusion energy ecosystem through a strategic research agreement between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS), the world’s largest and leading private fusion energy company that has raised about S$3.85 billion (US$3 billion) from prominent investors, including Temasek and Google.

The five-year collaboration will focus on developing technologies for commercial fusion power plants, including CFS’ ARC power plants, and will help to support Singapore in its effort to be an early entrant in the global fusion energy supply chain. 

The agreement builds on an earlier collaboration between A*STAR, CFS, and ST Engineering — a leading technology, defence and engineering group — to produce components for CFS’s SPARC fusion demonstration machine, building on Singapore’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.

"Fusion energy is at an inflection point, with the global industry moving closer to the commercial deployment of clean, reliable power," said Professor Lim Keng Hui, Assistant Chief Executive, Science & Engineering Research Council (SERC), A*STAR. "This partnership with CFS brings A*STAR’s strengths in translational research into real-world fusion systems, drawing on capabilities in advanced materials, precision manufacturing and materials testing. Such collaborations position Singapore to contribute to the emerging fusion supply chain, while making it more accessible for local industry to build capabilities in high-value, next-generation manufacturing.”

Fusion energy works by fusing light atomic nuclei together to release large amounts of energy, and has the potential to provide a reliable, carbon-free source of power at scale. With global investment in fusion surpassing S$19.1 billion, private companies like CFS are accelerating commercial deployment of fusion power. CFS aims to generate carbon-free electricity at commercial scale by the early 2030s, and this agreement allows A*STAR to be a part of that commercialisation process. Temasek, a global investment company with a net portfolio value of S$434 billion portfolio as of 31 March 2025, is an early investor in CFS, having been a lead investor in one of the company’s Series A rounds. They also collaborate with A*STAR across areas of research and innovation.

"Singapore possesses major capabilities in advanced manufacturing and materials engineering. They have deployed these capabilities in the shipbuilding, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors. With our partnership with A*STAR, we envision that these capabilities will accelerate our commercialisation journey,” said Mr Bob Mumgaard, CEO and co-founder of CFS.

Beyond fusion, the partnership will develop capabilities in materials science, advanced manufacturing, and plasma diagnostics that can be applied in industries operating under similarly demanding environments, including aerospace and other advanced engineering sectors.

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For media queries and clarifications, please contact:

Aefy Raib
Manager, Corporate Communications
Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)
Email: aefyraib@a-star.edu.sg

Christine Dunn
Head of External Communications
Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Email: press@cfs.energy

About the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR)

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) is Singapore's lead public sector R&D agency. Through open innovation, we collaborate with our partners in both the public and private sectors to benefit the economy and society. As a Science and Technology Organisation, A*STAR bridges the gap between academia and industry. Our research creates economic growth and jobs for Singapore, and enhances lives by improving societal outcomes in healthcare, urban living, and sustainability. A*STAR plays a key role in nurturing scientific talent and leaders for the wider research community and industry. A*STAR’s R&D activities span biomedical sciences to physical sciences and engineering, with research entities primarily located in Biopolis and Fusionopolis.

About Commonwealth Fusion Systems

Commonwealth Fusion Systems is the world’s largest and leading private fusion company. The company’s marquee fusion project, SPARC, will generate net energy, paving the way for limitless carbon-free energy. The company has raised more than $3 billion in capital since it was founded in 2018.

SPARC® and ARC™ are trademarks of Commonwealth Fusion Systems®.