David Kirtley
David Kirtley is the Founder and CEO of Helion Energy, a privately funded fusion electricity company. He previously held research and engineering roles at Air Force Research Laboratory, MSNW, NASA Glenn Research Center, and Red River Engineering.
Fusion energy: Wishing upon a star in a jar — Introducing 'Positive Charge' from GeekWire
This week on the show, we're sharing the debut of Positive Charge, a new GeekWire podcast from reporter Lisa Stiffler and producer Laura Scott about the innovations that could help save the planet. In this episode, they dig into the high-stakes race to harness the power of the sun and make fusion energy real, visiting two Seattle-area startups chasing this dream, and asking whether limitless clean power is finally within reach. Also out this week: their debut episode on the "forever chemicals" in our water and the companies figuring out how to destroy them. Follow Positive Charge wherever you get…
Startups, superheroes, and the economy at a crossroads: Voices from Seattle's tech community
After holding the GeekWire Awards virtually for the past two years, there was a feeling of real catharsis Thursday evening as hundreds of people streamed through the doors of the Showbox Sodo in Seattle for our annual celebration of the Pacific Northwest's top tech startups, leaders, and innovations. For the finalists in the 2022 GeekWire Awards, recognition at the superhero-themed show came with the added bonus of knowing that their companies made it through a period of unprecedented challenge and change. But the week also brought a new sense of uncertainty about what's to come. [Related Post: 2022 GeekWire Awards…
Organizations
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YPO Member 2023–present · current
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Helion Energy Founder and CEO 2010–present, Co-founder and CEO · current
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MSNW Principle Investigator and Fusion Lead 2011–2017, Propulsion Lead 2008–2017 · past
Education
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Y Combinator 2014
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University of Michigan - Rackham Graduate School PhD, Aerospace Engineering · 2003–2008
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University of Michigan Master's degree, Nuclear Engineering · 2003–2005
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University of Michigan Master's degree, Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering · 2003–2005
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University of Michigan BS, Aerospace Engineering · 1999–2001
