Satoshi Konishi
CEO, Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd.
Prof. Satoshi Konishi co-founded Kyoto Fusioneering in 2019. With a Ph.D. in Engineering from the University of Tokyo, he brings four decades of expertise in R&D, specializing in fusion technology, advanced nuclear system design, and tritium engineering, including significant contributions to the ITER project. He holds dual roles as Chief Fusioneer, overseeing technology development, strategic planning, and execution, and as CEO, a position he has held since 2023.
Ian Castillo
Co-Chief Executive Officer, Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc.
Ian Castillo is the Co-CEO of Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc., a joint venture of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Kyoto Fusioneering. A leading tritium expert, he oversees teams across three continents and is directing the design and construction of UNITY-2 in Chalk River, the world’s first fully integrated fusion fuel cycle. Previously, Ian led CNL’s Hydrogen and Tritium Directorate, advancing global partnerships and major R&D programs. With nearly 20 years at CNL, he has managed large multidisciplinary teams and helped shape Canada’s fusion strategy as architect of Fusion Energy for Canada. Ian holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from McGill University.
Jeffrey S. Merrifield
Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
The Honorable Jeffrey S. Merrifield, a former presidential appointee to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is leader of Pillsbury’s Nuclear Energy Team and co-Leader of the firm’s Energy Transition practice. He is widely recognized as an international thought leader on nuclear power and the deployment of complex energy systems for the avoidance of carbon generation.
During his three decades of involvement in the energy industry, Jeff has developed wide-ranging relationships throughout the international nuclear community that allow him to identify strategic and legal solutions for major energy and environmental matters. He is considered a leader in advanced nuclear and fusion deployment and has assisted large and developing nuclear utilities, suppliers and governments in effectively meeting their regulatory requirements and strategic objectives regarding the deployment of complex energy systems. Jeff’s well-received corporate executive experience, as well as media and public speaking capabilities, also provide a significant resource for the advocacy of common-sense and cost-effective solutions.
Sehila Gonzalez
Global Director, Fusion Energy, CATF
Sehila M. Gonzalez de Vicente holds a PhD in Materials Physics from the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain) and an MBA from the EOI Business School. She has 20 years of experience in fusion technologies, policy, and economic aspects. Previously, she worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency as a Nuclear Fusion Physicist in charge of fusion activities for more than eight years. Before joining the IAEA, she was the responsible officer of the Fusion Materials Development Programme at EFDA. In addition, she is vice chair of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Scientific Advisory Board in the research field of Energy, a member of the UK’s Fusion Technical Advisory Group, and a member of the IFMIF-DONES España Technical Advisory Committee. She is also the Chair of the Women in Fusion Group.
She is the author of more than 40 peer-reviewed publications in the field and a contributing author to the following books: Fundamentals of Magnetic Fusion Technology and Considerations for Commercialization Strategies for Fusion Energy.
Jennifer Ganten
Chief Global Affairs Officer, Commonwealth Fusion Systems
As Chief Global Affairs Officer of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Jennifer Ganten leads a cross-functional team of government affairs, public affairs and open innovation to support the rapid growth of the commercial fusion industry.
Since joining the company in 2021, Jennifer has overseen policy, regulation, and partnerships across international, federal, state and local governments to increase global support for this credible solution that addresses governments energy demand, energy security and climate change objectives. Under her leadership, the Open Innovation team has partnered with more than 50 private and government groups globally on joint research and development projects.
Ganten brings decades of experience in energy policy, advocacy, partnership building, and global market expansion to Commonwealth Fusion Systems. Previously, she served as the Vice President, Federal Affairs & International Market Expansion at bluebird bio. Prior to that, she spent nearly 20 years with Chevron, leading the development and execution of corporate strategy, global policy and government advocacy. Her career included assignments in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, in addition to her executive leadership roles in Washington, DC and at the corporate headquarters.
Ganten received a B.Sc. in International Affairs from Drexel University, an International MBA from the University of South Carolina, and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MC/MPA) from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Anthony Harbridge
Chief Commercial Officer, Type One Energy
Anthony Harbridge joined Type One Energy as Chief Commercial Officer in 2026. He is a recognised energy industry leader with three decades of experience across oil and gas, renewable energy, finance, investor engagement, strategy and sustainability.
Anthony began his career in bp’s corporate treasury team in London and went on to hold senior roles in investment banking engagement, upstream commercial, and planning and performance management in the UK, US and Norway. As bp’s Head of European Investor Relations he shaped bp’s investment narrative through major strategic and market challenges.
Anthony later served as Chief of Staff for bp’s renewable energy business, leading growth strategies and portfolio development in biofuels, hydrogen, solar and offshore wind. He also held senior leadership roles in bp’s Gas and Low Carbon Energy business, guiding the evolution and delivery of its low carbon strategy.
Before leaving bp, he completed an 18-month secondment to the Royal Household as Chief Industry Officer at the Sustainable Markets Initiative, founded by HM King Charles III, where he led cross-industry task forces and developed the Astra Carta, a global mandate for space sustainability.
Tom Asselman
SVP Strategy & Chief Strategy Officer, OMV
Tom Asselman is SVP Strategy & Chief Strategy Officer at OMV, where he has led the development and implementation of Strategy 2030, including the creation of Borouge International. He joined OMV in 2022 after 19 years at Borealis, most recently serving as VP Strategy & Group Development and Executive Committee member, overseeing strategy, M&A, and sustainability.
Tom has extensive experience in the hydrocarbons-to-polyolefins value chain, leading global growth projects, joint ventures—including Baystar in the USA—and managing Borouge joint ventures in the UAE. He began his career at McKinsey & Company in Montreal.
A Belgian and Canadian citizen, Tom holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from McGill University. He lives in Vienna and enjoys travel, classical music, jazz, wine, and sports cars.
Dr. Amanda Quadling
Executive Director - Materials and Blankets Research, UKAEA
Amanda Quadling, FIMMM, CSci - Amanda is responsible for the Materials Division at the UK Atomic Energy Authority and manages the organisation’s core research grant programme (£77m). She is also Senior Responsible Owner for LIBRTI, a £220m UK Fusion Testbed Programme to deliver engineering scale tritium breeder capability to support the fusion powerplant industry. Amanda is a mineralogist with a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. She has spent the last few decades creating and managing laboratories, incubators, commercial service divisions and Centres of Excellence focused on products and services in the energy sector and other industries. She was previously on the Technology Advisory Board of global corporate Morgan Advanced Materials and Technical Director for UK manufacturer M&I Materials. In 2021, Amanda published the UK’s first Fusion Materials Roadmap with an updated edition in 2025. She is currently a member of The Henry Royce Institute Governing Board and chairs the Nuclear Futures Institute, University of Bangor.
Axel Meisen
President, Fusion Energy Council of Canada
Axel currently serves as the President of the Fusion Energy Council of Canada, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the objective furtherance of fusion energy development and uses in Canada and abroad.
As a consultant, he advises senior management in Canadian and international organizations on strategy development and implementation using foresight and other methodologies suitable for issues with long time horizons.
Axel held the inaugural Chair in Foresight at the Alberta Research Council, after serving as president of Memorial University of Newfoundland, president of the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, president of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, and Dean of Applied Science and Professor of Chemical Engineering at The University of British Columbia. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2008.
He has B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from Imperial College London, California Institute of Technology, and McGill University, respectively
Nisa Halsey
VP, Nuclear Equipment & Tooling, Kinectrics
Nisa Hasley is Vice President of Nuclear Equipment Solutions and Inspection & Maintenance Systems at Kinectrics Inc., where she leads the expansion of Kinectrics’ nuclear‑grade engineering and manufacturing capabilities into the fusion sector. Her organization is applying decades of experience supplying qualified, high‑consequence equipment to the fission industry to meet the unique challenges of first‑of‑a‑kind fusion facilities.
A core differentiator of Kinectrics’ approach is deep expertise in tritium‑related systems, combined with the agility enabled by in‑house design, fabrication, assembly, testing, and qualification. This integrated capability allows rapid iteration while maintaining the rigor required for safety‑critical applications.
Most recently, Kinectrics was awarded a collaboration agreement to act as the equipment design and build partner for the UKAEA–Eni H3AT tritium facility, supporting one of the most advanced tritium programs in the global fusion landscape.
Nisa holds a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering from the United States Naval Academy, has 20 years in the nuclear industry, and previously served as a U.S. Nuclear Navy Surface Warfare Officer.
Michelle Leslie
Executive Advisor, Deloitte
Michelle Leslie is an Executive Advisor with 20 years of experience across nuclear policy, regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement, including advisory work with Deloitte. She has briefed environmental, social, and risk leaders at major U.S. banks on nuclear investment opportunities and collaborated with the international fusion community to advance a flagship global program, focusing on industrial readiness, supply chains, and execution pathways.
Michelle has represented Canada’s nuclear sector at key global forums, including speaking at the Canadian High Commission in London during Canada-UK Nuclear Day. She convened the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and over 120 executives on SMRs for mining decarbonization and has participated in the IAEA General Conference, Climate Week NYC, and JPAC meetings.
Her work spans policy, market development, and community engagement to support nuclear deployment and investment.
Matt Cloutier
Chief Operating Operator, Fusion Fuel Cycles
Matt Cloutier is COO at Fusion Fuel Cycles (FFC), a joint venture between Kyoto Fusioneering and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories advancing fusion fuel cycle technologies. He leads corporate strategy, operations, and financing, and is driving the commercial delivery of UNITY-2, the world’s first commercially relevant fusion fuel cycle test facility. Matt brings a multidisciplinary background spanning strategy consulting, design, and skilled trades. Prior to joining KF, he advised energy and industrial clients on growth strategy, acquisitions, and integration at Deloitte. He has held operations and design roles across multiple industrial sectors and is a Red Seal-certified electrician. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Calgary.
Ed Waller, PhD, PEng, CHP
Professor, Ontario Tech University
Dr. Edward Waller is a Professor in the Department of Energy and Nuclear Engineering. He is currently UNENE Ontario Tech Chair in Health Physics and Environmental Safety. Ed earned his BSc in Physics and MScE in Chemical Engineering at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Masters in Nuclear Security from Technical University Delft (TU Delft), and his PhD in Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, New York (RPI). He worked in industry for over 15 years in applied health physics, threat assessment and applications of radiation technologies. In 2003 he joined Ontario Tech U, where he teaches radiation protection, dosimetry, environmental radiation and shielding design, and performs research in areas of radiation safety, environmental radioactivity, radiation dosimetry, applied health physics, emergency response and nuclear security. Ed has worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency Incident and Emergency Centre (IAEA-IEC) and as an IAEA expert for Member State training. He was a Canadian representative to the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR). Ed is a past-President of the Canadian Radiation Protection Association (CRPA).
Dr. Masood Akmali
Safety & Regulation Officer, Renaissance Fusion
Masood Akmali is an R&D and safety engineering professional with 15 years of experience in the nuclear industry, with a strong background in nuclear physics and advanced reactor technologies spanning both fission and fusion. He combines multidisciplinary expertise in system engineering, safety analysis, control-command systems, requirements engineering, and dynamic system modeling, and has contributed across the full technology lifecycle, from concept development and feasibility studies to safety demonstration, verification methodologies, and engineering integration. His work has also extended to advanced energy applications including hydrogen production by electrolysis and hydraulic power projects, and the development of innovative frameworks that integrate behavioral and physical modeling into systems engineering for real-time verification of safety and operational requirements.
John Elling
CEO & Co-Founder, Molten Salt Solutions
John Elling is CEO and co-founder of Molten Salt Solutions, established in 2018 to develop isotopically enriched materials for next-generation nuclear and fusion technologies. He is a serial entrepreneur, having founded and led multiple tech startups, including Acoustic Cytometry Systems and Mesa Biotech, both of which were successfully acquired after commercializing technologies from Los Alamos National Laboratory.
He has also worked at Los Alamos as a Technical Staff Member and Visiting Entrepreneur, and has extensive experience in technology licensing and commercialization. John is a board member of New Mexico Angels and a general partner at Phase One Ventures. He holds a PhD in Analytical Chemistry and an MBA from the University of New Mexico, and actively mentors scientists in entrepreneurship.
Andrew Sowder, Ph.D., CHP
Sr. Technical Executive of the Fusion Energy Strategic Program, EPRI
Andrew Sowder is a Senior Technical Executive at EPRI where he launched and leads EPRI’s strategic program on fusion. Previously, he established EPRI’s advanced reactor research portfolio and managed applied research on advanced nuclear fuel cycles and used nuclear fuel management. Prior to joining EPRI, Andrew oversaw radiological safety and security policy and Chornobyl assistance at the U.S. Department of State, investigated uranium fate and transport on the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, and evaluated uranium mining impacts on the Navajo Nation as a AAAS science and technology policy fellow at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Andrew received a B.S. in Optics from the University of Rochester and a Ph.D. in Environmental Systems Engineering from Clemson University. He is a Certified Health Physicist and serves on the American Nuclear Society’s Standards Board.
Speakers
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