Nuclearn, a startup focused on incorporating cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies into the nuclear workforce, has just closed an impressive $10.5 million funding round. This unprecedented Series A funding round was led by Blue Bear Capital. This landmark investment was joined by AZ-VC, Nucleation Capital, and SJF Ventures. The money will allow Nuclearn to build its AI-powered solutions to simplify operations and maintenance in nuclear power plants.
Conceived by Fox and Jerrold Vincent, Nuclearn got its start at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station just outside of Phoenix. The firm is capitalizing on the nuclear energy interest that has spiked post COVID-19 pandemic. With their deep expertise in both AI and logistics, the founders understood the transformational possibilities of AI to handle the more mundane tasks and power a more efficient operation.
Nuclearn has created custom AI models trained on terminology unique to the nuclear industry. These models are surely going to help customers do work like we do at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. As companies increasingly invest in AI, they have shown a renewed interest in nuclear power for its ability to provide reliable 24/7 electricity.
Nuclearn is currently developing and testing bleeding-edge AI processes and applications. They want to address the many ways by which nuclear plants are under siege. The company’s goal is to leverage AI not only to streamline tasks but to improve decision-making processes within power plants.
As one of the founders, Bradley Fox, stated, accountability is essential when employing AI in such a vital sector. He added, “Agency must not be a shield, never a shield.” Liability always falls with a person. This underscores the need for robust human oversight even as tech continues to advance.
Fox also likened their AI models to common tools used in engineering, stating, “Most AI in the industry now, the [Nuclear Regulatory Commission] considers it a tool. It’s the same way as if you’re going to use Excel or Mathematica or some type of engineering software.” This analogy highlights the effectiveness of Nuclearn’s method of incorporating AI into workflows that already exist.
Nuclearn’s AI solutions are designed to be a helpful guide and go-to expert resource for nuclear plant employees. “We tell the customers, ‘Think of this as the junior employee,’” Fox remarked, illustrating how the AI can augment human capabilities rather than replace them. The models are designed to handle inquiries and tasks effectively. If they encounter uncertainty, Fox explained, “If the model doesn’t know or if we’re unsure, based on the setting you select, it’ll send it back to the right people and get a double check.”
