tech
March 23, 2026
Sam Altman-backed fusion startup Helion in talks to sell power to OpenAI
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is stepping down as board chair of Helion. His departure comes as reports that the two companies are negotiating a deal that would see Helion sell 12.5% of its power output to OpenAI.
TL;DR
- OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is stepping down as board chair of Helion, a fusion startup.
- Talks are reportedly underway for OpenAI to acquire 12.5% of Helion's power production by 2030.
- Microsoft has a similar deal with Helion for power purchase starting in 2028.
- Helion is developing a unique fusion reactor design using magnets to convert energy directly to electricity.
- The company is operating its Polaris prototype and achieved 150 million degrees Celsius plasma in February.
- Altman's departure from the Helion board mirrors a similar move from Oklo's board to facilitate strategic partnerships.
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