Nuclearn Raises $10.5M to Drive AI Adoption in Nuclear Energy
Nuclearn Secures $10.5M to Accelerate AI in the Nuclear Sector
The intersection of artificial intelligence and nuclear power is heating up, with major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Microsoft investing heavily in nuclear energy to power their AI-driven operations. Yet a key question remains: can AI deliver real value within the nuclear industry itself?
A New Wave of AI for Nuclear Operations
Nuclearn, a US-based AI startup, is on a mission to modernize the nuclear industry. Co-founded by Bradley Fox and Jerrold Vincent, Nuclearn recently closed a $10.5 million Series A funding round led by Blue Bear Capital, joined by AZ-VC, Nucleation Capital, and SJF Ventures. The company’s AI tools are already in use at over 65 nuclear reactors worldwide.
AI as a Trusted Assistant—Not a Replacement
While no one is suggesting that AI should control nuclear reactors, there is strong interest in leveraging AI for business operations and repetitive tasks. As Bradley Fox explains, AI in this context is a tool—similar to using Excel or engineering software. "Liability always falls with a person." Operators can choose their comfort level for automation, ensuring that sensitive tasks get human oversight.
Origin Story: From Palo Verde to a Global Solution
Nuclearn’s journey began at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station in Arizona, where the founders experimented with automating routine processes using data science and AI models. Their success quickly attracted interest from other plants, prompting the creation of a scalable platform for the broader industry.
Tailored AI for a Highly Regulated Industry
Nuclearn's software is designed with nuclear-specific terminology and workflows. It can be deployed in the cloud or on-premises, depending on each plant's security requirements. One key feature is the automatic generation of routine documentation, which is then reviewed and signed off by human employees. If the AI model is uncertain, it flags the task for double-checking—a process the founders liken to having a "junior employee" on the team.
Looking Ahead: AI Adoption in Energy
As the nuclear sector faces ongoing demands for safety, efficiency, and regulatory compliance, startups like Nuclearn are paving the way for practical AI adoption. With significant backing from investors and growing demand from plant operators, the future of AI in nuclear power looks promising—provided that human expertise remains at the core of every solution.
