Fusion: Engineering the Inevitable | Panathēnea 2026

Can fusion energy become one of the defining technologies of the 21st century? At Panathēnea 2026, Francesco Sciortino, Co-Founder and CEO of Proxima Fusion, joins Theodore Mollinger, General Partner at East X Ventures, for a conversation on the scientific breakthroughs, engineering challenges, and investment landscape driving the race toward commercial fusion energy. Long considered one of humanity's greatest technological ambitions, fusion has moved from theoretical promise to a rapidly advancing field attracting world-class scientists, engineers, and investors. Drawing on his experience building one of Europe's leading fusion startups, Sciortino explores the innovations making fusion increasingly achievable and what it will take to bring this transformative energy source from the laboratory to the grid. Together, Sciortino and Mollinger discuss the role of deep technology, venture capital, advanced engineering, and long-term scientific research in building the energy systems of the future. The conversation also examines why Europe has an opportunity to lead the next generation of climate and energy innovation. Whether you're a founder, researcher, investor, engineer, or technology enthusiast, this session offers valuable insights into one of the most ambitious engineering challenges of our time. Panathēnea is an international festival bringing together founders, investors, scientists, artists, and innovators to explore the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and culture in Athens. The 2026 edition welcomed more than 11,500 participants from over 60 countries.