The race to produce fusion energy is usually associated with large laboratories and wealthy entrepreneurs backed by multi-billion dollar budgets. However, this time, a surprise math student emerged in this race. He produced a mini fusion reactor in his own bedroom in just four weeks and with a budget of around $2,000. So, is it really that easy? Details in our news…

A college student in India built a $2,000 fusion reactor at home with the help of artificial intelligence

Despite having zero hardware experience, Nazoordeen built a mini fusion reactor, similar to a tokamak, using parts he bought online. This reactor was able to produce plasma, meaning it could provide the environment in which fusion takes place. The most challenging part of the project was the vacuum system.

Nazoordeen worked hard to find the right parts for the vacuum system and to seal it in this small laboratory in his room. Finally, he managed to achieve a pressure as low as 25 millionths of an atmosphere.

This successful project is seen as the success of not only Nazoordeen, but also the AI-powered Claude 3.5 chatbot. Nazoordeen states that he solved many technical details he encountered during the project by asking Claude. Under Claude’s guidance, he was able to complete the project by efficiently using the information from the datasheets.

Although this mini-reactor has yet to initiate true fusion—that is, it doesn’t emit neutrons—Nazoordeen has bigger plans in this area. Fusion requires more advanced engineering and, potentially, a more advanced reactor concept. Now, Nazoordeen is waiting for the funding for a “full-fledged reactor.”

This impressive project is inspired by Olivia Li’s reactor, which she created in her New York apartment last year. Li praised Nazoordeen’s achievement in this field, stating that he was the only person who could realize this project.