Helion Seeks $175M Chips Boost for Fusion Reactor Semiconductors

WHO:

GeekWire - Helion is an Everett, Washington-based fusion startup.

TechCrunch - Helion is developing semiconductors for its fusion power plants.

TechCrunch - Microsoft is due to receive electricity from Helion’s first fusion power plant.

WHAT:

GeekWire - Helion is pursuing a potential $175 million federal CHIPS award to expand its semiconductor work.

GeekWire - Helion plans to create more than 100 local jobs through the semiconductor work.

TechCrunch - Helion is developing semiconductors that could double the output of its power plants.

TechCrunch - Helion has another $225 million to accelerate development of its first fusion power plant.

WHERE:

GeekWire - Helion’s semiconductor expansion and planned jobs are associated with Everett, Washington.

WHY:

GeekWire - The semiconductor work aims to develop U.S.-made chips that can handle the large electrical pulses required by Helion’s fusion systems more efficiently.

TechCrunch - The additional $225 million is intended to speed development of Helion’s first fusion power plant.

HOW:

GeekWire - Helion aims to improve its fusion systems’ handling of electrical pulses by developing advanced semiconductors.

TechCrunch - Helion’s first fusion power plant is planned to provide electricity to Microsoft in 2028.

(UPDATED October 22, 2026 19:22 UTC)

Helion, a fusion startup based in Everett, Washington, is seeking a potential $175 million federal CHIPS award to expand its semiconductor work. The company plans to create more than 100 local jobs through the expansion. Helion is developing U.S.-made chips designed to handle the powerful electrical pulses in its fusion systems more efficiently. The advanced semiconductors could also double the electricity output of its power plants. Separately, Helion has another $225 million to speed development of its first fusion power plant. That facility is planned to supply electricity to Microsoft in 2028. The chip work and the power plant are part of Helion’s effort to develop fusion energy and the technology needed to operate its systems.