The possible development of confined fusing plasma devices for near-term applications such as neutron activation analysis is discussed. The inertial electrostatic confinement (IEC) device is used as an example. Current units are being developed for use as a low-yield portable neutron source for NAA. The strategy for extension to an intense neutron source for uses such as neutron damage studies is discussed. The “in-line” development of fusing plasma applications is viewed as an important supporting element in the longer term progress of fusion power development.