> There are some smaller startups doing interesting things such as using superconducting coils with much higher field strengths. They might be able to leapfrog

> There are some smaller startups doing interesting things such as using superconducting coils with much higher field strengths. They might be able to leapfrog ITER. If any of them can demonstrate net positive energy, then and only then the human race should throw tens of billions at that. Show me examples of startups and private ventures that did completely fundamental research required for their engineering efforts on a product. At least one that wasn't mostly based on technology and research created by the public sector. I really don't understand how neoliberalism got so powerful as an ideology to force people to think that smaller startups are really better at fundamental, unprofitable research than tax-subsidised government research programs. There is no place in the neoliberal "free market" ideology for private companies (even less smaller startups) to pour money into expensive research for 10-20 years with the unknown if it's even feasible and possible, much less profitable.