Second round of Launch Pad selections includes eight newcomers

[Marlin]

Second round of Launch Pad selections includes eight newcomers

https://www.ans.org/news/2026-08-25/article-8338/second-round-of-launch-pad-selections-includes-eight-newcomers/

[Core Content]

The National Reactor Innovation Center selected 13 projects from 12 companies for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad program. This initiative provides private developers with prioritized access to Department of Energy authorization, technical expertise, and testing facilities. The cohort includes eight new participants alongside four companies that recently achieved zero-power fueled criticality, focusing on reactor development and advancements in the nuclear fuel cycle.

The National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory has announced 13 project selections across 12 companies for the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad, a Department of Energy–led program that integrates reactor and fuel facility authorization, testing, and deployment support for private nuclear developers.

The Launch Pad emerged from the Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program.

According to INL, projects selected include reactor development and nuclear fuel cycle advancements, including fabrication, enrichment, and conversion technologies.

"These selections show a strong and growing interest from developers ready to move their technologies forward," said NRIC Director Brad Tomer. "Nuclear Energy Launch Pad gives these developers a prioritized pathway to the DOE authorization process, and access to subject matter experts, facilities, and regulatory support tailored to their needs. We're helping bridge the gap between concept and commercialization—and these selections show that pipeline is only getting stronger."

Read the full article at ans.org:
https://www.ans.org/news/2026-08-25/article-8338/second-round-of-launch-pad-selections-includes-eight-newcomers/