FIB 2026 application

Are you passionate about fusion engineering and technology as well as finding innovative solutions? Do you aspire to network with professionals from fusion companies, university faculty, and national laboratory researchers? Are you eager to learn communication, presentation, and entrepreneurship skills? If so, the Fusion Innovation Bootcamp (FIB) is the perfect opportunity for you.

The inaugural Fusion Innovation Bootcamp will host 15 students from June 15-26, 2026, at Tennessee State University (TSU), Nashville, Tennessee. The theme for FIB 2026 is Fusion Supply Chain and Workforce Development.

Key details:

  • Fully Funded Program: Lodging, meals, transportation, and other expenses are covered. Successful applicants will be staying at the TSU student dorm during the bootcamp.
  • Refundable $200 Registration Fee: The fee will be refunded after the program’s conclusion.

Application timeline for FIB 2026

Jan. 15FIB application opens
Mar. 18FIB application deadline
Mar. 25First-round application review deadline
Apr. (date TBD)Second-round application review deadline Applicants informed of decisions
Final acceptance/rejection confirmation by applicants

Eligibility

Eligible Universities: Applicants must be students from one of the following six institutions:

  • Tennessee Tech University
  • Tennessee State University
  • Tuskegee University
  • Southern Adventist University
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Academic Background: All academic levels (undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D.) and majors are eligible, including STEM fields and non-STEM majors (including but not limited to business, law, economics, etc.).

Full Commitment: Applicants must be available for the entire two-week program from June 15-26, 2026.

Reminder to Graduate Student Applicants: Students should coordinate with their current or prospective academic advisors before application, as the intensive two-week program will not allow time for research or other academic responsibilities during this period.

Application materials

Applicants should compile the following 3 documents into a single PDF file in the specified order:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume, including:

  • GPA
  • Relevant courses (with grades) that are most connected to (1) fusion engineering and technology, and/or (2) the FIB 2026 theme of Fusion Supply Chain and Workforce Development.
    (Note for non-STEM students: If your coursework is not directly related to fusion engineering, consider including courses that highlight transferable skills or knowledge, such as business management, economics, logistics, supply chain management, education, workforce planning, or any other area that could contribute to Fusion Supply Chain and Workforce Development.)
  • Teamwork experience, including your role and contribution.
  • Experience with innovation-related activities, such as conducting research projects, participating in a bootcamp, or founding a business.

2. One-page statement of purpose (SOP) that addresses the following:

  • Explain your interest in fusion engineering and technology.
  • Do you plan to work in the fusion field, pursue graduate studies related to fusion, or is your current research/thesis aligned with fusion topics? (Note for non-STEM students: Your answer is not required to be “Yes” to be selected. In the future, as fusion reactors move toward commercialization, there will be critical needs for professionals from diverse fields such as law, business, economics, public policy, social sciences, communication, environmental studies, and more.)
  • Identify a specific problem within the fusion supply chain or workforce development that you would like to solve. Why is it significant, and what makes it your priority?
  • Consider founding a startup to tackle this problem. What would your plan entail? Which startup role (including but not limited to CEO, CFO, CTO, CIO, etc) do you see yourself excelling in?
    (Role explanation:
    • The CEO initiates the idea, also serves as the team leader.
    • The CTO focuses on the technical aspects of the innovative idea, ensuring its practicality.
    • The CFO oversees venture finance, concentrating on maintaining a healthy operational model that generates revenue or benefits.
    • An optional role, the CIO, collaborates with others on integrating technological solutions to support the team’s objectives.)
  • Confirm your availability for the two-week program. (Refer to Eligibility and Q&A for more details.

3. One-page non-confidential letter of recommendation:

  • Students should request a letter from someone who can confidently speak to their qualifications and experiences most relevant to FIB 2026’s theme.
  • This letter can come from any individual, not necessarily a university faculty member.

Application Submission Requirements

1. Combine the CV, SOP, and letter of recommendation in the specified order into one PDF file.

2. File naming format: “last name, first name-university abbreviation-major abbreviation.pdf”. Example: “Fan, Joy-TTU-NE.pdf”

3. Email the combined PDF application file to your respective university contacts and cc Dr. Yuqiao (Joy) Fan. The contact information is listed on this page: (https://sites.tntech.edu/ignite-fusion-energy/team/).

  • Example (Tennessee Tech University):
    Send your application to Prof. Peng Zhang (cc Prof. Mohan Rao, Prof. Rajni Chahal, Prof. Manish Sharma, and Dr. Yuqiao (Joy) Fan).
  • Example (University of Tennessee, Knoxville):
    Send your application to Prof. David Donovan, cc Dr. Yuqiao (Joy) Fan.
  • Follow similar procedures based on your university of affiliation.

4. Your email subject should be “FIB 2026 application-last name, first name- major”. Example, “FIB 2026 application-Fan, Joy-Nuclear Engineering”.

Additional References:

For an idea of what FIB might entail, visit the Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp (NIB) website (https://www.nuclearinnovationbootcamp.org/) and explore final presentations from NIB participants (for instance, https://www.nuclearinnovationbootcamp.org/2018 includes a YouTube recording of all the presentations from NIB 2018). You will present on a fusion supply chain or workforce development topic on FIB’s final day in a similar format.

For a potential overview of FIB’s curriculum, you can use NIB 2025’s agenda (July 21-August 1) as a reference: Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp 2025 (NIB2025).

Q&A

1. What will I possibly gain from this bootcamp?

A: Through lectures, panels, pitch competition, and social activities with professionals in the fusion industry, national laboratory, and academia, you will be exposed to (1) the challenges and opportunities within the fusion research and industry sectors (2) plentiful networking activities. You will broaden your professional network, creating opportunities in the field of fusion beyond the conclusion of FIB. Additionally, alumni from FIB can support each other for career development opportunities. You may also benefit from continuous guidance, such as mentoring, career advice, and potential job opportunities, offered by the FIB organization committee members and professional speakers.

2. Can I participate in FIB part-time if I have other summer commitments?

A: No. FIB is an immersive, retreat-style program. Daily learning sessions will occur during the daytime, and group project work will take place in the evening. Weekend activities (e.g., networking) are also scheduled, making full-time commitment essential. If you plan to participate in a summer internship, please inform your prospective mentor about your two-week absence and obtain their approval. Similarly, if you are a graduate student holding teaching/research assistant roles during the summer, please coordinate with your current or prospective advisors, ensuring they are aware that FIB will not allow time for any research or academic responsibilities for two weeks. In your application, please confirm your availability for the two-week program in your SOP and affirm that the necessary approval has been received.

3. Can I participate in FIB for only the first or second week?

A: Unfortunately, no. FIB is a two-week continuous program. The first week focuses on fusion learning, ideation, and team formation, while the second week is dedicated to pitch presentation preparation and the competition. As such, participants are required to commit to the full two weeks.

However, if you’re interested in FIB but unable to commit to the entire program, you might still engage by volunteering, particularly if you are based in Nashville. Please contact Prof. Nathan (rparthas@tnstate.edu) and Dr. Joy Fan (fany1@ornl.gov) if you wish to volunteer.

4. I am a student at TSU/TTU/SAU/TU, and I plan to submit/have submitted my RENEW-IGNITE internship application. Can I participate in both the internship and FIB?

A: Unfortunately, no. The FIB schedule overlaps with IGNITE internship dates. If you accept an IGNITE internship offer, your FIB application will be withdrawn from consideration. However, we encourage you to apply to both programs, as the IGNITE internship admits only 6 students.

5. Is starting a fusion company required after this bootcamp?

A: No. The emphasis is on workforce development and innovative / entrepreneurial thinking through an immersive learning process. The approach of “starting up a company” during FIB assumes that the knowledge and skills gained will be relevant in situations where launching a new business venture (or participating as an innovative member of an innovative company) may become essential. The FIB aims to educate and inspire the next generation of fusion professionals in an effort to drive innovation and progress in fusion engineering and technology. It also seeks to convert students from non-fusion fields to fusion, thereby broadening the talent pool and fostering a diverse workforce in the fusion industry.