Commonwealth Fusion Systems’ Brandon Sorbom and Helion’s David Kirtley on bringing fusion to the grid at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

For years, the dream of harnessing fusion power for commercial use has felt elusive. However, two innovative companies, Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) and Helion, are now making strides to transform this dream into reality by aiming to supply fusion-generated electricity to the grid. CFS is working on SPARC, a demonstration fusion reactor designed to lead the way toward its first commercial plant, known as ARC. Meanwhile, Helion is developing Orion, a 50-megawatt fusion facility intended to provide energy to Microsoft starting in 2028. At the upcoming TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, CFS co-founder and Chief Science Officer Brandon Sorbom, alongside Helion founder and CEO David Kirtley, will take to the Smart Systems Stage to discuss their efforts in a session titled “Bringing Fusion to the Grid.” They will delve into the advancements pushing fusion technology forward, the hurdles that lie ahead, and the requirements for scaling fusion power to meet grid demands. Sorbom, who co-founded CFS in 2018 with the vision of commercializing fusion energy to combat climate change, has a pivotal role in directing the company’s scientific initiatives and research. His background includes significant contributions to the original ARC design during his Ph.D. studies at MIT. Recently, CFS became the first fusion entity to apply to PJM Interconnection, the largest wholesale electricity market in the U.S., marking a crucial step toward connecting ARC to the power grid. With recent funding boosts bringing their total to $4 billion, CFS is forging ahead with SPARC as a key milestone. On the other hand, Kirtley established Helion with the goal of creating fusion technology that can produce electricity at a commercial scale. As a recognized expert in high-Beta plasmas, Kirtley leads Helion through the complexities of developing fusion power. Earlier this year, Helion's Polaris prototype achieved a significant milestone by heating plasma to an astounding 150 million degrees Celsius. The company is also making progress toward regulatory approvals necessary for constructing Orion, which recently concluded a funding round, raising $500 million to further its ambitions. Both CFS and Helion are navigating the transition from scientific advancements to the practicalities of operating commercial power plants. Their discussion at Disrupt promises to shed light on the journey toward making fusion energy a reality, addressing the essential steps needed to translate scientific breakthroughs into reliable electricity for consumers. The TechCrunch Disrupt event, scheduled for October 13-15 at Moscone West in San Francisco, is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees, including founders, investors, and industry leaders eager to engage in networking and discussions about the future of fusion energy. As fusion technology moves from theoretical research to practical applications, insights from Sorbom and Kirtley will be invaluable in understanding how the energy landscape may evolve in the coming years. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from the pioneers leading this transformative journey.