US company Radiant, specialised in small-scale nuclear technology, has raised over $300mn in a new funding round aimed at accelerating the commercialisation of its microreactors. Founded in 2020, the company is targeting industrial production of compact nuclear generators, designed as an alternative to diesel-powered generators.
Radiant’s reactor model, called Kaleidos, delivers a capacity of 1 megawatt (MW) and is scheduled for testing in summer 2026 at the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments (DOME) facility, part of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Radiant has confirmed plans to begin commercial deliveries in 2028, targeting remote communities, military operations and emergency response scenarios.
A first factory planned in Oak Ridge
The newly secured funds will be allocated to the construction of Radiant’s first factory, located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Construction is expected to begin early next year, with the company aiming to reach an annual output of 50 units.
Radiant’s Chief Executive Officer, Doug Bernauer, stated that the funding allows the company to stay on schedule with the DOME programme and confirmed that the reactor will be “designed, built, fuelled and operated” by Radiant in collaboration with the Idaho National Laboratory.
Strong fundraising momentum since June
This new funding comes only six months after a previous $165mn Series C round, reflecting growing investor interest in miniature nuclear technologies. Radiant is backed by several institutional and private players, including Draper Associates, Boost VC, Founders Fund, ARK Venture Fund and Chevron Technology Ventures.
Tim Draper, Founding Partner at Draper Associates, stated that “portable nuclear power will deliver most of our incremental energy in the years to come,” and noted that Radiant is progressing rapidly towards scaled production.
