Japanese laser fusion company EX-Fusion has closed an oversubscribed ¥1.8 billion ($12.8 million) seed round designed to further accelerate the commercial development of its laser fusion technology. EX-Fusion, which is working to promote the commercialization of laser fusion in Japan, is developing an approach that combines high-output, high-repetition laser technology, continuous target supply devices, and state-of-the-art optical control technology. The company said it aims to realize a commercial laser fusion power plant and to contribute to the development of technology in various optical industries, not limited to the energy sector. The latest round follows the company’s April 2022 close of pre-seed round funding totaling ¥130 million. The 2022 funding enabled EX-Fusion to accelerate development of the continuous target supply system and the laser target tracking system, both of which are fundamental to the commercialization of laser-powered nuclear fusion reactors, the company said. Laser fusion company EX-Fusion raised $12.8 million in seed funding. The company has raised nearly $14 million to date to promote the commercialization of laser fusion in Japan. Courtesy of EX-Fusion. EX-Fusion said it has focused on the development of components for laser control since the April 2022 round. Through the latest round, the company plans to establish its own facility and prepare an environment for integrated testing of these components. The company seeks in-house production of dedicated laser systems and advanced manufacturing technologies. Ex-Fusion’s seed round follows recent funding awards to U.S. laser fusion companies stemming from from the Energy Act of 2020 and the U.S. Department of Energy. Two companies — Focused Energy and Xcimer Energy — received a combined total of $20 million.