What if nuclear fusion could help transform the way we diagnose and treat cancer?
When we think of nuclear fusion, we tend to picture massive reactors, billion-dollar projects, and the pursuit of clean energy. But what if the same science could be used to save lives?
In this episode of Movers & Shakers, we sit down with Tom Wallace-Smith, nuclear physicist turned entrepreneur and co-founder of Astral Systems, a company developing compact fusion reactors to produce the medical radioisotopes used in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Today, the global supply of these life-saving isotopes relies on a handful of aging nuclear reactors. With shortages putting patient access to treatment at risk, Astral Systems is working to make isotope production more accessible, reliable, and scalable through its breakthrough multi-state fusion technology.
Alongside daphni investor Madison, we explore Tom's journey from working on nuclear submarines at Rolls-Royce to building his first reactor prototype during his PhD, and ultimately turning cutting-edge physics into a company with the potential to transform nuclear medicine.
In this episode, we discuss:
- How nuclear fusion works, and why it matters for cancer treatment.
- The global medical isotope shortage and how Astral Systems is tackling it.
- What makes multi-state fusion different from conventional fusion technology.
- Tom's transition from nuclear physicist to startup founder and CEO.
- The challenges of communicating complex science, raising capital, and building a multidisciplinary team.
- Why curiosity, creativity, and diversity of thought are essential to scientific breakthroughs.
From Star Wars Lego to nuclear reactors small enough to fit on a desktop, Tom's story is a reminder that some of the biggest breakthroughs can come from asking a simple question: What if there's a better way?
🎙️ Hosted by Erica and Madison from daphni.
daphni is an investor in Astral Systems
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