Ecrowd, which connects startups with individual investors, announced on the 12th the launch of its first issue of the individual stock fund “Ecrowd NEXT,” which focuses on growth companies in the middle to later stages. The subscription period runs until October 23, and the funds raised are planned to be invested in the fusion startup Helical Fusion. The fund adopts an in-person application method, providing detailed information individually to registered investors. The investment amount is undisclosed. Helical Fusion is a deep-tech company developing a “helical fusion reactor” aiming for commercialization in the 2030s. It inherits the plasma research and reactor design knowledge that Japan has accumulated over approximately 70 years, including at the National Institute for Fusion Science in Gifu Prefecture, adopting the helical method, considered the closest to practical use. To use fusion reactions for commercial power generation, it is necessary to meet the three requirements of steady operation, net power generation, and maintainability. The company claims to be “the only option that can simultaneously achieve the three requirements with existing technology.” Reference Article ★Limited Time! Pitch Video Released★ Humanity Evolves with Fusion! Helical Fusion’s Challenge in Fusion Energy The helical method is characterized by forming a magnetic field in a twisted torus shape, enabling long-term confinement of high-temperature plasma. Since superconducting coils are positioned externally, it offers excellent maintainability and is well-suited for power plants that require long-term continuous operation. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a surge in electricity demand due to the proliferation of generative AI and other factors, and Helical Fusion points out that this approach “can leap over commercialization hurdles that are difficult to reach with tokamak or laser methods.” The raised funds will be allocated to strengthening the R&D framework, designing and manufacturing test reactors, and building related supply chains, with the ultimate plan to implement the world’s first helical-type commercial reactor. Riding the momentum of the government’s “Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy” revised in June 2025, the policy is to foster domestic industry through public-private partnerships. Helical Fusion already raised approximately 2.3 billion yen in Series A funding in July 2025 (totaling approximately 5.2 billion yen including subsidies and loans). This fund creates an opportunity for individual investors to invest in the company. via PR TIMES