Thiago David Olson (born 1989) is a venture capitalist, electrical engineer and entrepreneur. Olson is the co-founder and CEO of Stratos Technologies, Inc., creators of the Stratos Card. As an electrical engineer Olson became known as a teenager for his research in Nuclear Fusion and Neutron Sciences. As a 17-year-old, attending Stoney Creek High School in Rochester Hills, Michigan, Olson created a homemade nuclear fusion reactor.[1] [2] [3] In his article Neutron activation analysis using an inertial electrostatic confinement fusion device he indicated that his apparatus did not produce surplus energy.[4]
For this work, he received a first place Special Award given by the AVS/VTD in 2007[3] in connection with a second place prize in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair 2007, section Physics and Astronomy[5]
He studied at Vanderbilt University and Princeton University.[6] In 2009, he was one of three students to receive a Department of Defense SMART Fellowship, which supports students who demonstrate interest in conducting applied research.[7]
Olson previously worked as an electrical engineer at the U.S. Department of Defense.[6]
The minor planet 23262 Thiagoolson has been named after Olson for his research in nuclear fusion and neutron sciences.
https://www.fastcompany.com/3043133/genius-who-built-a-nuclear-fusion-reactor-at-17-takes-on-the-payments-industry