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? 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.

Disclaimer

This application webpage will be revised and updated by January 15, 2026. Please ensure you refer to the updated version before submitting your application.

Application timeline for FIB 2026

By Jan. 15FIB application opens
Feb. 28FIB application deadline (no extensions)
Mar. 25First-round application review deadline
Apr. (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 (such as business, law, or economics).

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

Graduate Students: 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 (CEO, CFO, CTO, or CIO) do you see yourself excelling in?
  • 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 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).
  • Example (Tennessee State University):
    Send your application to Prof. Parthasarathy, cc’ing the other two listed professors.
  • 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.

Q&A

1. 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., sightseeing, networking) are also scheduled, making full-time commitment essential.

2. 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.