Miresso

Miresso is a Japanese startup, established in May 2023, that is focused on enabling the commercialization of fusion energy through a stable, low-cost supply of beryllium. The company was founded by CEO Masaru Nakamichi, who leveraged his research from the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), where he was the group leader of the Functional Materials Development Group. His background is in fusion blanket engineering, and he holds a Ph.D. in Engineering from Tohoku University. Co-founder Suguru Nakano, the Director of Technology Development, also worked with Nakamichi at QST on beryllium research and development.

The company's core technology is a patented low-temperature refining process for beryllium, a critical neutron multiplier material needed for fuel self-sufficiency in fusion reactors. Traditional beryllium refining requires high temperatures over 2,000°C, making it expensive and energy-intensive, which creates a significant bottleneck for the fusion industry. Miresso's process uses a combination of chemical processing and microwave heating to dissolve beryllium ore at under 300°C and at normal atmospheric pressure, aiming to drastically reduce costs and energy consumption. This technology addresses the predicted shortage of beryllium, as a single fusion prototype reactor is estimated to require more than the current annual global production.

Miresso's primary business involves the manufacturing and sale of beryllium. To scale up its technology, the company is building a pilot plant named "BETA" (Beryllium Testing Plant in Aomori) with a target completion for full-scale production in fiscal year 2027. The plant is expected to produce 1-2 tons of beryllium annually, supplying both the emerging fusion industry and existing markets in aerospace, medical imaging, and electronics. A commercial mass production plant with a 100-ton annual capacity is planned for 2031. The company's business model also includes a technology platform, offering R&D, consulting, and licensing of its low-temperature refining process for other mineral resources like rare earths and lithium, as well as for recycling applications.

Keywords: beryllium refining, fusion energy, low-temperature refining, mineral resources, cleantech, material science, nuclear fusion, strategic materials, resource recycling, QST spin-off, Masaru Nakamichi, neutron multiplier, fusion reactor components, BETA plant, deep tech, sustainable technology, aerospace materials, rare metals, technology licensing, energy security