@openstartech

OpenStar is developing the levitated dipole concept for practical fusion energy solutions to power a sustainable future.

 Wellington, NZ
openstar.tech/
Joined February 2026
  • Tweets27
  • Following40
  • Followers94
19Media
At our first showcase we confined plasmas around “Junior”, our prototype device, as it levitated entirely disconnected from external supports. Junior weighs over half a tonne and must levitate freely so plasma can wrap around it unobstructed, unlocking maximum plasma performance.
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Over the past few weeks, we've been travelling around the country to recruit the best and brightest from New Zealand universities. This includes Auckland University of Technology @AUTuni , University of Auckland @AucklandUni , and Victoria University of Wellington.
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Next up is the University of Canterbury @UCNZ . We'll be attending the STEM expo on Tuesday May 12th. If you're keen on a career in fusion, make sure to see us there. Otherwise, get in touch to learn more about upcoming internship opportunities. . . .
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OpenStar Technologies retweeted
Madison Malone
@maddireidyMar 13
OpenStar Technologies@openstartechMar 13
Replying to @openstartech
During an experiment, one of our junior engineers "Emerson Magnets-Bane" noticed an abnormality in the magnet's temperature and called for it to be discharged to prevent further damage (2/4)
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For the second consecutive year, we had the honour of hosting a reception at the @NZembassyUS in Washington, D.C. A fitting close to the Annual @Fusion_Industry Association Conference. (1/6)
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OpenStar CEO @RatuMataira closed the evening on a personal note of pride. For our team in the States, our team in New Zealand, and the milestones we have reached together. (5/6)
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Achievements that once seemed extraordinary have been realised at pace, and we are just getting started. Fusion is a global challenge. We are meeting it head-on, and are proud to stand alongside world-class leaders committed to the same mission. (6/6)
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At @AUTuni this morning showcasing OpenStar's cutting edge science and engineering built on New Zealand's strong legacy of innovation. We'll be encouraging the next generation of innovators to join us in our mission and tackle one humanity's toughest problems!
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Our CTO Rod Badcock had the privilege of hosting New Zealand Prime Minister’s Chief Science Adviser, Dr John Roche, at OpenStar this week. We dug into how real atoms, high fields, extreme temperatures - is going to drive the next wave of economic growth in New Zealand.
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To levitate the core of levitated dipole machine, we use a second, fixed superconducting magnet atop the vacuum chamber. It's what enables us to unlock fully levitated plasmas (1/4)
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To many, this would be the end of the road. However, our team was able to improve the design, disassemble, re-wind and integrate a newly refurbished magnet in under a month (3/4)
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This is the rapid iteration pace that OpenStar prides itself on and in doing so, we were able to unlock levitated plasmas at an unprecedented pace. (4/4)
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A testament to our ambition, more stable plasmas from our Junior machine! We are proving that we can develop and test with breakneck speed and a fraction of the cost.
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OpenStar Technologies retweeted
Fusion Industry Association
@Fusion_IndustryMar 5
Major advance at @openstartech in New Zealand; China researchers pass barrier; Japan-based Helical Fusion completes coil manufacturing machine; Germany's @proximafusion announces new facility. Learn about the latest fusion development around the world in this week's #FusionNews.
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Our plasma showcase was more than a technical demonstration. It was an opportunity to bring together a community of supporters who believe in our journey to make fusion a reality with the levitated dipole. If you missed it, you can relive it here! youtube.com/watch?si=Axu8KAD…
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Glow discharge cleaning helps to make our plasmas more pure, in other words: what percentage of the plasma is the fuel we put in vs the residual material that was already there. A clean plasma will give us higher performance from Junior and clearer data to inform our next steps.
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OpenStar Technologies retweeted
US Embassy NZ 🇺🇸🇳🇿
@usembassynzFeb 26
On February 17, Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck joined Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Minister Chris Bishop, and Minister Shane Jones to see a live demonstration of OpenStar’s “Junior” prototype device - successfully confining plasma around its levitated dipole superconducting magnet. A major milestone in next-generation fusion research. The technology has roots in experiments conducted in the 1990s to the mid-2010s at the Plasma Science and Fusion Centre at MIT and Columbia University, and the United States looks forward to continued partnership in this critical area. OpenStar Technologies is now developing its next device, “Tahi,” projected to be four times more powerful than “Junior.” Congratulations to founder Ratu Mataira and the OpenStar team on this achievement. Breakthroughs like this demonstrate how research partnerships fuel economic growth, strengthen energy security, and support the advanced industries that underpin long-term prosperity for both our countries, a powerful example of innovation in action as we mark Freedom 250. 🇺🇸🇳🇿 📸 credit: OpenStar Technologies.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, OpenStar founder Ratu Mataira, and Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck standing in front of the “Junior” prototype fusion device following the demonstration.

ALT Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, OpenStar founder Ratu Mataira, and Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck standing in front of the “Junior” prototype fusion device following the demonstration.

Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck observes a live plasma confinement demonstration at OpenStar Technologies.

ALT Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck observes a live plasma confinement demonstration at OpenStar Technologies.

Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck, and attendees applaud following a successful plasma confinement demonstration at OpenStar.

ALT Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck, and attendees applaud following a successful plasma confinement demonstration at OpenStar.

Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck with Minister Bishop, and officials receive a technical briefing beside OpenStar’s “Junior” fusion prototype device.

ALT Chargé d’Affaires David Gehrenbeck with Minister Bishop, and officials receive a technical briefing beside OpenStar’s “Junior” fusion prototype device.

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