The Engine, a venture capital firm founded by MIT to fill a gap in the technology funding landscape by commercializing breakthrough science and technology. Led by managing partner and CEO Katie Rae, the Engine's unique approach involved an unusually longer fund life, as well as founder training, lab space sharing, and "tough tech" ecosystem building activities centered at their brand-new headquarters in Cambridge. The firm raised $507 million over its first two funds which had yielded promising results, with many portfolio companies maturing faster than anticipated. As The Engine considered its next steps, it faced several strategic questions that tested its core beliefs in startup ecosystems and commercializing frontier science. Should the Engine's third fund expand geographically or into later-stage companies? And how much should they raise? The Engine team attempted to balance its desire to scale their impact with the need to maintain focus on supporting the most ambitious technical founders.

Fusion energy is evolving from a scientific idea to a commercial possibility, drawing large investments and regulatory discussions; how should the FIA navigate this evolution? The Fusion Industry Association (FIA) is at the forefront of transforming fusion energy from a scientific concept to a booming industry. This shift, marked by significant investments and legislative interest, faces challenges in technology, funding, and regulation. Key topics include fusion's technical background, and the association's role in industry growth. Ongoing debates include questions surrounding continued investment, supply chain issues, technological diversity, and the geopolitics that are a practical part of the global energy landscape.