5 minutes with: Oxford Sigma
Oxford Sigma is a company that works to tackle energy security and climate change by accelerating the commercialisation of fusion energy. We got the chance to talk with CEO and Co-Founder Jonathan Musgrove about their work in the fusion industry, their company history, and their ideals for the future.
What is your name and the name of your business?
Jonathan Musgrove, CEO and Co-Founder of Oxford Sigma
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I co-founded the company with Dr. Thomas Davis back in 2019, we saw that there was a gap in the market to fill with materials and manufacturing expertise in the fusion space. Thomas was doing his PhD at Oxford, I was working in engineering consultancy so we joined forces at the time – so here we are four and a half years later running Oxford Sigma. In my own background I did chemical engineering at Birmingham, and I’ve also worked in the nuclear industry in safety and regulatory roles.
What does your business do?
In general we provide materials and manufacturing solutions and we develop technology for fusion. We also design solutions and provide strategic support services to both the fusion sector as well as the wider industry.
Do you like working for your business?
Yeah it’s great! I do a lot less technical work than I used to, because I’m running the business, but it’s great to get people who actually solve interesting challenges in fusion on board. Especially in the Oxfordshire area you get lots of bright, enthusiastic talent who come from the Universities looking to make a difference in the industry.
How long have you been part of the community?
We’ve only just moved in actually, but we’ve worked with the UKAEA for a good couple of years now, and prior to that people that have done their PhDs through UKAEA so it was only a matter of time that we got an office here as it’s very close to their operations, especially their engineering facilities.
What aspect of Culham Innovation Centre do you enjoy the most?
The reception staff, Hayley, is top-notch. She’s always on the ball when something needs doing.
Do you take advantage of our business support services?
I’ve been speaking to Wendy for quite a few years now, she’s great, she introduces you to new people and brings together lots of small businesses to help them form partnerships.
What are the next steps for your business? Do you have a 5 year plan?
We definitely do have a five year plan, yes, we’re looking at really taking our technology to the next level. We’ve got a lot of things in the pipeline, continuing to partner with multiple fusion institutions globally, expanding into the US, and of course continuing to hire new, ambitious staff.
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