SOSV bets plasma will change everything from semiconductors to spacecraft

Investors at SOSV are making bold moves, believing that plasma technology could redefine various sectors, from energy to aerospace. Their vision includes a significant investment in over 25 startups focused on plasma innovation over the next five years. Additionally, SOSV is collaborating with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to establish a new Hax lab space dedicated to this promising technology. Nuclear fusion stands out as a prominent area for plasma-related ventures. This power generation method relies on compressing fuel into a highly dense plasma, facilitating the fusion of atoms and releasing substantial energy. Duncan Turner, a general partner at SOSV, expressed optimism about the untapped potential within the fusion sector, stating, “The best ideas have yet to come to unlock a lot of potential in the fusion space.” However, fusion is merely one aspect of a broader landscape. SOSV has already backed two startups, including Yplasma, which employs plasma actuators for cooling data center chips and optimizing airflow around wind turbine blades. Exploring plasma's role in semiconductor manufacturing could lead to groundbreaking materials and processes. Furthermore, plasma technology holds promise for spacecraft. Plasma thrusters are known for their fuel efficiency, potentially transforming space travel. The ability to harness plasma might also lead to innovative methods for synthesizing chemicals such as ammonia for fertilizers or converting CO2 into fuel. Turner remarked on the vast opportunities, stating, “There’s actually hundreds of companies here.”