Core Insights - Nuclear fusion energy is transitioning from "science" to "energy," becoming a global competitive focus [2] - The 2026 Nuclear Fusion Energy Technology and Industry Conference held in Hefei, China, showcased significant industry achievements and fostered collaboration [3] Industry Developments - The conference featured over 1,500 professionals from academia, research institutions, and industry, exceeding expectations and highlighting the growing interest in nuclear fusion [3] - Key highlights included the establishment of a comprehensive platform for fusion science and engineering, aiming to cover various fields within nuclear fusion [3][4] - The conference announced the launch of a 1 billion yuan investment fund for future fusion energy projects, with 15 financial institutions forming a fusion finance alliance [4] Technological Achievements - The conference revealed the top ten innovative achievements in fusion technology for 2025, including the EAST project setting a world record and the initiation of the BEST project [4] - The Hefei University of Technology established a new Fusion Science and Engineering College during the conference [4] Investment Trends - The nuclear fusion sector is experiencing a surge in financing, with global cumulative funding reaching $9.766 billion in 2025, an increase of $2.643 billion from 2024 [6] - The establishment of 58 fusion device companies globally, with 14 based in China, indicates a 24% share in the global market [6] Project Opportunities - A project roadshow at the conference attracted significant interest, featuring 13 companies presenting various fusion-related projects [7] - The rapid growth of the nuclear fusion sector in China is highlighted by the increase in investment opportunities and the emergence of competitive companies in the supply chain [7] Market Potential - The market for fusion diagnostics is projected to reach a scale of hundreds of billions in the next decade, with applications extending beyond fusion energy to sectors like aerospace and medical devices [8]