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5d ago

Radiant Lands $300 Million as Microreactor Funding Wave Builds, Last Energy Raises $100 Million

Investor bets reflect data center power needs under DOE fast-track timelines targeting 2026 demos.

A rendering shows Last Energy's reactor standing in a field before an industrial plant.
A rendering of five Radiant Nuclear's power plants being installed.
With its planned Kaleidos trial next year, Radiant will be the first to test a new reactor in the US in more than half a century
Rendering of the Radiant Kaleidos microreactor.

Overview

  • Radiant closed a round of more than $300 million led by Draper Associates and Boost VC, valuing the company at over $1.8 billion.
  • Radiant plans a 1‑MW, semi‑truck‑portable Kaleidos microreactor using helium cooling and TRISO fuel, with a demonstration slated at Idaho National Laboratory’s DOME facility in 2026.
  • The company targets factory construction in Oak Ridge, Tennessee in 2026 and has agreements including 20 units for Equinix and a 2028 delivery to a U.S. military base.
  • Last Energy secured $100 million led by Astera Institute to fund a 5‑MW pilot at a Texas A&M‑leased site next year and to progress a 20‑MW commercial unit aimed for 2028.
  • Both startups are advancing under a broader capital surge tied to AI‑era power demand and a federal goal of three reactors reaching criticality by July 4, 2026.