The co-inventor of our key enabling technologies, Ratu founded OpenStar recognising the astronomical potential of the dipole for the future of fusion. Blending his background, a PhD in Physics and a Major in Economics, he is the driving force behind OpenStar’s growth. He has created a world-class company that understands a viable fusion future not only needs physics excellence but a bankable commercial model baked into its core.

One of New Zealand’s most accomplished theoretical physicists, publishing 25 papers with over 1500 citations during his PhD, Al is considered as one of Australasia’s highest regarded start up executives. Developing OpenStar from a team of 5 people to now more than 60, he has helped secure $18M in funding. Al now leads critical functions in OpenStar spanning investor engagement, commercial strategy, implementation oversight, and market development.

The world leader in levitated dipole research, Darren led the LDX at MIT - the most significant source of real-world knowledge on levitated dipoles until now. He joined OpenStar in 2023 after serving as a lead physicist at SPARC, where he co-invented their runaway electron mitigation coil. An exited founder of Cambridge Physics Outlet, Darren holds a PhD from MIT, is the author of over 200 publications, and is a preeminent voice in the fusion community.

A classically trained chemist turned organisational leader, Brigit has spent 18 years working across medical devices, biotech, and consumer electronics. She holds multiple patents from her time at Apple, and has been published in Nature. Brigit brings critical operational strategy insights to OpenStar. She has a deep knowledge of how the world’s best teams come together to deliver some of the most impactful products, and Brigit is bringing the same rigour to the team changing the landscape of fusion.

A published physicist with 15 papers to his name, Thomas is a prodigious problem-solver. His background spanning general relativity and plasma physics has led him to become a true expert on dipoles. Thomas’ disciplined and thorough approach to developing solutions has seen him drive critical procurement, build engagements with research agencies and key academic and industry collaborators, and support investor relations.

A Fellow of the Royal Society New Zealand Te Apārangi, Professor Badcock has over 30 years of applied R&D experience, and is a globally recognised expert in superconducting systems and electric machines. As Chief Engineer (Machines) and Professor at the Robinson Research Institute, he has led pioneering work in high-temperature superconducting dynamos, propulsion systems, and compact fusion applications.

A battle-tested financial leader, Nicole has built, scaled, and transformed companies from the C-suite for over 15 years. As a chartered accountant (BCA, LLB) turned CEO, she has navigated complex capital markets and strategic funding, delivering results across technology, manufacturing, and engineering sectors. Nicole goes beyond managing money - she strategically leverages capital to accelerate innovation, ensuring every dollar deployed drives OpenStar closer to commercialising the future of clean energy.

A true connector, Ben is able to craft lasting relationships between all areas of the fusion ecosystem - technology, business, government, investment, and the general public. Ben has been with OpenStar since the beginning, building a world-class team and first-rate culture, bridging broad technical expertise into a cohesive company towards a shared vision. He understands what makes people tick, and how to bring them along the fusion journey.