GoKawiilBreakthrough Energy names 21 startups in sixth Fellows cohort
Breakthrough Energy Ventures has unveiled its sixth annual Fellows program, backing 21 early-stage companies working across agriculture, nuclear fusion, robotics and data center power efficiency. The lineup includes Borealis Fusion, which is developing fusion reactors fueled by proton-boron rather than conventional deuterium-tritium mixtures. Managing partner Eric Toone said the selections are made with an eye toward a looming tripling of global electricity demand as economies electrify, not just today's AI-driven power crunch.
Toone's framing suggests data center electricity use, while attention-grabbing, is a minor preview of a much larger surge coming from broader electrification of transport, heating and industry. By funding unproven but potentially transformative technologies now, Breakthrough Energy is betting that some of these long-shot startups could become critical infrastructure providers once demand multiplies. The leadership transition, with Ashley Grosh's departure, also signals the program is entering a new phase even as its risk-tolerant investment philosophy remains unchanged.
- Breakthrough Energy Fellows' sixth cohort includes 21 startups spanning fusion, agriculture, robotics and data center efficiency.
- Eric Toone argues AI data centers are only a 10% demand bump, while full electrification could triple electricity demand.
- Borealis Fusion, pursuing proton-boron fusion fuel, is among the notable new fellows as the program navigates a leadership change.
Source: techcrunch.com — Tim De Chant, 2026-09-22
Published there as: “Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy bets these 21 startups will shape energy’s future”
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