# New Zealand lends OpenStar up to NZ$35 million for a fusion research facility

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/new-zealand-lends-openstar-up-to-nz-35-million-for-a-fusion-research-93c72df6
Date: 10 Feb 2026
About: [OpenStar Technologies](https://technooptimist.io/companies/openstar-technologies.md) · [Junior levitated dipole](https://technooptimist.io/energy/junior-levitated-dipole.md)
Original source: https://www.growregions.govt.nz/about-us/news/regional-infrastructure-fund-backs-fusion-energy-facility

The New Zealand government is lending OpenStar up to NZ$35 million from its Regional Infrastructure Fund to build a purpose-built facility for its next fusion machine. The aim is to scale up its research, attract international investment and create high-value jobs.

## Key facts

- Loan of up to NZ$35M from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.
- Funds a facility for OpenStar's next machine, Tahi.
- OpenStar is led by founder Dr Ratu Mataira.

---

The Techno Optimist tracks every frontier of technology, program by program: https://technooptimist.io/ (a Markdown version of any page: add .md to its URL; site map for agents: https://technooptimist.io/llms.txt).
Data API (JSON, realtime stream): https://technooptimist.io/developers. People read 5 pages free, then Reader $10/month; these Markdown pages are open to agents.