Networking and Support at Culham Science Centre helps Rideo Systems build compact plasma devices for fusion education and research.

At a glance

Company: Rideo Systems Ltd
Founded: 2003
Sector: Fusion technology, plasma science, photonics and scientific instrumentation
Technology: Minimak (SPM1) compact magnetised torus platform, laser systems, diagnostics and control systems
Location: Culham Science Centre. Current Scale: Specialist founder‑led company with systems deployed worldwide and ongoing technology development.

The company

Rideo Systems designs and develops laser equipment, instrumentation and control systems for scientific and industrial applications. Founded by Paul Apte, who has over four decades of experience developing complex scientific systems, the company combines deep technical knowledge with a practical engineering approach. Paul’s experience spans high-power laser research, industrial photonics, semiconductor lithography and involvement in the early development of compact fusion technology.

The company also builds compact plasma devices—such as the SPM1 “Simple Magnetised Torus”—for fusion research, STEM education and demonstration. Their mission is to make advanced laser and plasma technologies more accessible for researchers, educators and industry.

The challenge

Fusion research is entering a period of rapid growth, creating increasing demand for skilled scientists and engineers. However, most fusion experiments are large, expensive facilities, meaning opportunities for students to gain practical experience with real plasma systems remain limited. Educators and smaller research teams can struggle to find safe, affordable tools to demonstrate plasma behaviour, magnetic confinement and laser‑based diagnostics. Rideo Systems identified the need for smaller, affordable platforms that could bring hands-on fusion science into universities, research laboratories and public engagement environments. 

The solution

The result was the SPM1 Minimak “Simple Magnetised Torus”—a compact, table‑top device that allows students to visualise how magnetic fields shape and control a low temperature plasma. Designed to be safe, modular, upgradable and accessible, Minimak systems support applications ranging from public outreach and undergraduate teaching through to postgraduate research and technology development making fusion concepts tangible for students, visitors and researchers alike. Combining vacuum technology, electromagnets, power supplies, control systems diagnostics, software and simulation, the platform provides a bridge between classroom learning and large-scale fusion experiments.

Current projects

Rideo Systems is currently expanding the Minimak project with systems being delivered to leading universities and fusion organisations. The company is developing enhanced versions of the platform, adding new capabilities for plasma research, diagnostics, microwave heating and advanced magnetic field control.

Why Culham Innovation Centre?

Located at Culham Science Centre, Rideo Systems benefits from being embedded in one of the UK’s leading fusion and plasma research campuses. This setting provides:

• Credibility and proximity to world‑class fusion research
• Access to a specialist community of physicists, engineers and technology companies
• Flexible, professional space suitable for system development and demonstration
• A supportive centre team and wider Oxford Innovation Space network

Culham is the ideal base for a company working at the intersection of fusion research, photonics and education—offering both the environment and ecosystem to collaborate, test ideas and grow.

Founder / leadership quote

“Fusion is one of the greatest scientific and engineering challenges of our time, but its future depends on inspiring and training the people who will build it. Being based at Culham Science Centre places Rideo Systems in exactly the right environment, at the heart of fusion research surrounded by the ambition and collaboration needed to help make that happen.”

— Paul Apte, Founder, Rideo Systems

Growth and milestones

Rideo Systems has:

• Delivered advanced laser and control systems used in demanding industrial 24/7 applications worldwide.
• Built a reputation for innovation in laser applications, digital holography and system design
• Applied experience from compact fusion research to develop the SPM1 Minimak for STEM education, public demonstration and research
• Established collaborations with leading universities and fusion organisations.
• Demonstrated how small, specialist engineering companies can contribute to major scientific challenges.

Rideo Systems demonstrates how specialist engineering companies can translate decades of scientific experience into practical innovation, with an ecosystem that encourages collaboration. At Culham Science Centre, that combination is helping the Minimak project support the next generation of fusion scientists, engineers and innovators