Nuclearn Secures $10.5M to Bring AI to Nuclear Industry
▼ Summary
– Major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft are pursuing nuclear power deals to secure reliable electricity for AI operations.
– The nuclear industry is increasingly interested in AI for business optimization, though not for reactor control.
– Nuclearn, a startup founded by nuclear industry veterans, provides AI tools now used in over 65 reactors worldwide.
– The company recently raised $10.5 million in Series A funding led by Blue Bear Capital with several venture firms participating.
– Nuclearn’s AI generates routine documentation for review by human staff, with safety protocols ensuring human oversight and liability.
The nuclear energy sector is increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency and streamline complex processes. While major tech firms like Meta, Google, and Microsoft have shown growing interest in nuclear power for its reliable energy output, the relationship is becoming more reciprocal. AI is not yet trusted to control reactors directly, but it is gaining traction in optimizing administrative and documentation workflows.
Nuclearn, a startup founded by Bradley Fox and Jerrold Vincent, recently secured $10.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Blue Bear Capital. Additional investors included AZ-VC, Nucleation Capital, and SJF Ventures. The company’s AI-powered tools are already deployed across more than 65 nuclear reactors worldwide, helping automate repetitive tasks and improve accuracy in regulatory documentation.
The idea for Nuclearn emerged when Fox and Vincent were working at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station near Phoenix. They began experimenting with data science and later more sophisticated AI models to simplify routine operations. Their success attracted attention from other facilities, prompting requests to implement similar systems elsewhere.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the founders decided to formalize their efforts. “We were both a bit bored after work,” Fox remarked. “We thought, why not build a startup around this?”
Nuclearn develops AI models trained specifically on nuclear industry terminology. These models can be customized for utility companies and are designed to integrate with existing security protocols. While the software operates primarily in the cloud, the company also assists with on-site hardware installations when required.
A key application involves generating routine reports and compliance documents, which are then reviewed and approved by human staff. According to Fox, regulatory bodies like the Nuclear Regulatory Commission treat AI as a supportive tool rather than a decision-maker. “Liability always falls with a person,” he emphasized, comparing the technology to familiar engineering software.
Operators can adjust automation levels based on their confidence in the system’s performance. If the AI encounters uncertainty, it escalates the task for human verification. Fox likens the technology to a “junior employee”, capable of handling straightforward work but requiring supervision for more complex judgments.
This approach allows nuclear facilities to maintain safety standards while benefiting from AI-driven efficiencies, marking a significant step toward modernizing an industry built on precision and reliability.
(Source: TechCrunch)
