Oxford, UK – Oxford Sigma is proud to celebrate six years of transformative progress in fusion technology, a milestone in its mission to lead global development of advanced fusion materials and engineering solutions. Since its inception in 2019, Oxford Sigma has grown from a small team of two to a dynamic workforce of 20 full-time, uniquely specialised engineers, with 95% of its team holding STEM qualifications — including 8 PhDs in materials engineering, physics, and advanced manufacturing. This growth has launched Oxford Sigma from start-up to one of the United Kingdom’s leading fusion technology companies.
At Oxford Sigma, we are committed to transparency and excellence in everything we do. To demonstrate our credibility and capability, we consistently publish our results to showcase the tangible impact of our work. We invite others to judge us by outcomes we deliver as our actions speak louder than words. This approach reflects our dedication to advancing fusion technology and contributing to the global energy transition with integrity and innovation.
A Success Story in the UK Fusion Landscape
Oxford Sigma is a success story in the United Kingdom fusion industry by driving innovation in fusion technology and playing a central role in building and strengthening the UK fusion supply chain. By working closely with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), UKAEA Lithium Breeding Tritium Innovation (LIBRTI), and UK Industrial Fusion Solutions’ (UKIFS) flagship STEP (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) Programme, Oxford Sigma has contributed to the development of critical technologies that will power the next generation of fusion reactors.
The support from UKAEA and STEP has been instrumental in Oxford Sigma’s capabilities scale up and collaboration with other key industry players, both within the United Kingdom and internationally. As the company expands, it is helping foster a robust fusion supply chain that will guarantee UK leadership in the race to develop commercially viable fusion power plants. Ensuring the United Kingdom’s position as a global fusion powerhouse strengthens the national economy by creating high-value engineering jobs and opportunities in research, technology development, and manufacturing for the next generation.
“Six years ago, we started Oxford Sigma to support UK innovation and advancements in fusion technology. I could not be prouder of the accomplishments of our team in advancing Oxford Sigma’s contributions to the strength of the UK’s fusion sector. From developing new materials to contributing to international construction codes, we’re excited to continue leading the way in fusion technology.”
– Prof Thomas P. Davis, Co-Founder and CEO
“Oxford Sigma started with the goal of supporting the fusion industry in materials technology; the company has now transitioned from a purely support role, to delivering key materials to the fusion market. This evolution is evidence of the UK’s fusion expertise and advancements, proving that the UK has positioned itself to be a key player in the global fusion market.”
– Jonathan Musgrove, Co-Founder and COO
“The growth of Oxford Sigma mirrors that of the fusion industries maturation from scientific endeavour to engineering development. The UK fusion sector is filled with deep expertise, which contributes to international confidence in our capabilities. Oxford Sigma benefits from this with the development of our own materials technologies and products, with an international reach.”
– Dr Alasdair Morrison, CTO
Driving Innovation and Excellence
Oxford Sigma has successfully delivered multiple fusion engineering design projects across four continents. The company is currently engaged in more than ten long-term frameworks and partnerships. Oxford Sigma also holds an extensive IP portfolio in fusion materials and reactor technology, with three patents in place, reinforcing its technical leadership.
Oxford Sigma bridges the gap between academia and industry by authoring seven peer-reviewed publications in top journals such as Fusion Engineering and Design and the Journal of Fusion Energy. Team members currently hold visiting academic positions at leading UK institutions, including the University of Oxford, University of Birmingham, University of Southampton, and Bangor University.
Strengthening the Fusion Supply Chain
Oxford Sigma is at the forefront of developing the component construction code and standard for fusion energy systems. Professor Thomas P. Davis, Co-Founder and CEO, serves as the Chair of ASME Section III, Division 4, the international standard for the design and construction of fusion energy devices under the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPV). Professor Davis brings deep domain expertise to the development of these critical standards with a technical background in radiation damage and materials engineering for fusion environments. Under his leadership, Oxford Sigma is also actively engaged with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help shape testing standards for neutron irradiated reduced-activation ferritic martensitic fusion steels.
Global Expansion, Research & Development, and Peer-review Publications
In October 2024, Oxford Sigma launched a subsidiary in the United States, based in the Washington, D.C. area.
In December 2024, Oxford Sigma, Kyoto Fusioneering, and the STEP Programme published new research exploring innovative approaches to tritium breeding in spherical tokamaks. The study investigated advanced materials for breeding, radiation shielding, and structural support in confined spaces, focusing on two novel high-temperature concepts for the inboard breeder blanket design. This collaboration highlights the importance of innovative materials in addressing the coupling of tritium breeding and radiation shielding, demonstrating how advanced materials can help reduce barriers to fusion commercialisation.
In January 2025, Oxford Sigma announced a partnership with Novatron Fusion Group to accelerate the development of the NOVATRON fusion reactor. UKAEA awarded Oxford Sigma funding to lead the Validation in Ceramic Experiments (VICE) fusion breeder experimental program to validate the performance of tritium breeding in the company’s lithium ceramic materials. This initiative, part of the UKAEA LIBRTI, aims to optimise the manufacturing of ceramics and demonstrate measurable tritium production and recovery.
In February 2025, we unveiled a critical study on the tungsten supply chain, conducted in collaboration with Tungsten West Plc and Guardian Metal Resources Plc. This study highlights the importance of ensuring material availability for future fusion power plants and reinforces our role in addressing key challenges in the fusion industry. This work was presented at the ITER Fusion Neutronics Meetings 2025 in March 2025.
In April 2025, Oxford Sigma was awarded two UKAEA-funded projects to design and produce robust plasma diagnostic devices for fusion power plants. Project DEPARTED focuses on real-time measurement of first wall tile erosion to ensure reactor safety and enable timely maintenance. Project PRISM aims to develop robust, radiation-resistant mirrors for plasma diagnostics, enhancing reliability and operational lifetime.
Community and Recognition
Oxford Sigma has also made significant strides outside of technology development. In May 2024, the company was included in the UK’s £1 billion Hypersonic Technologies & Capability Development Framework, which enables direct knowledge transfer in materials for extreme environments.
In June 2024, Oxford Sigma marked UK Armed Forces Day as part of its commitment to supporting the company’s employees in reservist roles, as well as its bronze status in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The company aims to achieve silver status to further its support for veterans and active military personnel.
About Oxford Sigma
Oxford Sigma is a Fusion Technology company with a vision to tackle energy security and climate change by accelerating the commercialisation of fusion energy. Our mission is to deliver materials technology, materials solutions, and fusion design services. Oxford Sigma aims to produce advanced materials technologies, agnostic to fusion approach, for the materials ecosystem. Our fusion core materials are engineered to enable longer term operations for fusion pilot plants, with the aim of roll out to the first-of-a-kind commercial power stations. Oxford Sigma is internationally recognised as a key fusion materials and technological leader.
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