NuCube and Idaho State University to deploy advanced microreactor under flagship federal initiative accelerating next‑generation nuclear technologies

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NUCUBE ENERGY AND IDAHO STATE UNIVERSITY SELECTED FOR U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NUCLEAR ENERGY LAUNCH PAD USA

NuCube and Idaho State University to deploy advanced microreactor under flagship federal initiative accelerating next‑generation nuclear technologies

NuCube Energy, Inc. (“NuCube” or the “Company”) today announced that the Advanced Research and Test (ART) Reactor project, jointly submitted by Idaho State University (ISU) and NuCube, has been selected by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to participate in the National Reactor Innovation Center’s Nuclear Energy Launch Pad USA, one of the nation’s most sought-after programs for accelerating advanced nuclear reactor technologies from concept to deployment.

As part of the program, NuCube will advance plans to site its ART Reactor on ISU’s Pocatello campus, creating a real-world platform for operator training, academic research, and commercialization of next-generation nuclear systems.

“This is a defining moment for NuCube,” said Dr. Cristian Rabiti, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NuCube Energy. “Selection into the DOE’s Nuclear Energy Launch Pad USA program provides strong third-party validation of our technology, our safety approach, and our ability to deliver real-world nuclear solutions. This milestone accelerates our path toward siting, constructing, and operating our first full-scale demonstration reactor in the United States.”

Co‑founded at Idealab Studio, NuCube represents a new class of nuclear innovation designed for speed, safety, and scalability. “This is exactly the kind of breakthrough we envisioned when we co-founded NuCube at Idealab Studio,” said Bill Gross, Founder and CEO of Idealab Studio. “The United States needs energy technologies that are not only safe, but scalable and economically viable. NuCube is designed to meet this moment.”

Built upon the success of DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program, Nuclear Energy Launch Pad USA, managed by the National Reactor Innovation Center, was established to fast track the demonstration, licensing, and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies critical to America’s long-term energy security.

This selection follows recent federal actions to accelerate nuclear energy innovation. Presidential executive orders issued on May 23 directed the DOE to streamline reactor testing and commercialization pathways, with Executive Order 14301 establishing a new framework to strengthen U.S. leadership in nuclear energy.

NuCube’s ART Reactor is designed to bridge the gap between research and commercial deployment. Adapted from the company’s 4‑MWth microreactor platform, the system utilizes TRISO fuel—one of the most resilient nuclear fuels available—and heat‑pipe cooling, enabling fully passive safety.

As part of the ART project, NuCube intends to deploy a reactor that is full-scale relative to its first commercial unit, providing a streamlined pathway toward Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) licensing by taking advantage of Department of Energy authorization through Executive Order 14301.

The reactor will serve as a multifunctional facility supporting operator training, academic research, and advanced nuclear applications, while expanding ISU’s nuclear engineering and operations programs through hands-on experience with a state-of-the-art system.

“This project strengthens ISU’s position as a national leader in nuclear energy education and innovation,” said Jim Widmann, Dean of ISU’s College of Science and Engineering. “Our students and researchers will gain direct access to an advanced reactor system that will help shape the future of nuclear technology and prepare the next generation of industry leaders.”

The project will be executed in close coordination with the DOE, NRIC, and other regulatory authorities, while maintaining a strong commitment to transparency, community engagement, and the highest safety standards.

This milestone follows NuCube Energy’s recent financing, led by Arizona Nuclear Ventures with participation from Rob Walton, Jordan Rose Walton, and Emission Reduction Corporation.

About NuCube Energy

NuCube Energy is developing a high temperature, modular microreactor designed to deliver both electricity and industrial-grade heat. Capable of reaching temperatures up to 1,100°C, the system provides a clean alternative to natural gas-based industrial heat while enabling economical electricity generation in remote or distributed settings, including data centers. NuCube’s technology emphasizes safety, simplicity, and cost effectiveness.

For more information, visit www.nucube.energy.

About Idaho State University

Located in Pocatello, Idaho, Idaho State University offers the state’s only ABET‑accredited Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering, along with M.S. and Ph.D. programs. The university also hosts the Energy Systems Nuclear Operations Technology program. ISU operates the AGN‑201 research reactor, a training reactor commissioned in 1967.

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"This is a defining moment for NuCube,” said Dr. Cristian Rabiti, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NuCube Energy.