Fusion energy company relocates to Hefei, driven by understanding and opportunity

In a bold move that underscores the city's growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge technology, Fan Wei, chairman of Join Hands Nuclear Energy, has relocated his company's headquarters from Tangshan in North China's Hebei province to Hefei, East China's Anhui province. 

Fan Wei, chairman of Join Hands Nuclear Energy

This decision that Fan made just one week after he inspected the Grand Union of Innovation (GUi) in Hefei, highlights the strategic importance of proximity to a supportive ecosystem for companies in the high-tech sector.

Fan, originally an investor with over a decade of experience in Beijing, entered the challenging field of controlled nuclear fusion — a sector known for its long return cycles and high technological barriers. His company employs artificial intelligence and digital tools to transform scientific "blueprints" into "executable construction processes", achieving sub-millimeter accuracy in assembling massive components.

Founded in 2020 as Join Hands Intelligent Equipment in Tangshan, the company initially focused on intelligent assembly in the nuclear energy sector. It quickly became a key supplier for major national projects, providing high-precision installation equipment and control systems.

Fan's decision to relocate his company to Hefei was not purely based on policy support and incentives but also stemmed from a deeper connection and understanding of Hefei's industrial ecosystem.

"Many places approached us with similar favorable conditions," Fan said. "But Hefei's core strength was that the people here really understood us."

This understanding was exemplified when colleagues from GUi themselves experienced in fusion research, who recognized the significance of his company's technological path, he said.

Hefei's robust industrial ecosystem, with over 200 companies involved in the fusion energy supply chain, offers extensive upstream and downstream support. This collaborative environment, where companies depend on each other, enhances the operational capabilities of Fan's company.

"The city's respect and support for technical innovation are evident, with free facilities and government assistance in resource coordination," Fan said.

In March, Fan's company filed a patent for its automated installation system for fusion engineering equipment, ensuring high accuracy through real-time tracking with multi-modal sensors.

Currently, Fan's company is deeply involved in the design, installation, and calibration of the vacuum chamber for the ambitious project of the Burning plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) reactor in Hefei. The company also provides assembly solutions for several fusion enterprises.

This year, Fan is bringing his team to participate in the 2026 Global Tech Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. He said that the lucrative prizes and incentive funds are attractive, but he has a stronger desire to validate his company's innovative approach on a global arena.