SFBI Graduate
Woodruff Scientific
Research and development company performing contract R&D for private and public institutions, including the U.S. Department of Energy, with a focus on accelerating the commercialization of fusion energy technology.
The AHA moment
Simon had spent decades in fusion energy research and decided it was time to strike out on his own — to move faster than institutions typically allow and accelerate the development of fusion as a real energy source. He relocated from Seattle to Santa Fe and started working out of his home library. It was quickly clear he would need more.
The SFBI difference
Simon discovered SFBI when he needed more space and he describes it as both fortuitous and serendipitous. He didn't know anyone in a new city. SFBI gave him a place to get his feet on the ground, introduced him to the connections and ecosystems that accelerated his work, and gave him access to the collaborative environment and equipment his business needed to restart properly. The network of scientists, labs, and research institutions across New Mexico opened up through SFBI in ways he hadn't anticipated.
Growth
Since joining SFBI in 2017, Simon has launched three additional companies alongside Woodruff Scientific: SciVista (data visualization), Compact Fusion Systems (prototyping a fusion power core), and UHV3D (design automation for additive manufacturing). The portfolio has grown to seven full-time employees across all four companies, each gaining traction and generating revenue. Woodruff Scientific graduated in 2020.