NANO Nuclear Energy has partnered infrastructure company AECOM to provide essential services for deploying its innovative KRONOS MMR energy system, a micro nuclear reactor, at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC).
Under a master services agreement, AECOM will support site-specific engineering and environmental analysis for NANO Nuclear's planned construction activities at UIUC.
The initiative aims to prepare for the first installation of the KRONOS MMR system by conducting detailed environmental reviews and regulatory planning.
These efforts are crucial in securing a construction permit from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
The initial phase of work includes technical feasibility studies and site assessments, as well as assistance with permitting, licensing and coordination with regulatory bodies.
NANO Nuclear CEO James Walker stated: “This milestone marks a pivotal step in NANO Nuclear’s development roadmap for the KRONOS MMR, our most advanced microreactor design.
“Our work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign demonstrates our commitment to turning next-generation nuclear technology into real-world energy solutions. Building and operating one of the first licensed microreactors on a US university campus places NANO Nuclear at the forefront of the microreactor industry.”
The licensed microreactor is expected to enhance research and training opportunities.
NANO Nuclear founder and executive chairman Jay Yu stated: “Our progress at UIUC is a critical signal to the market: we’re not just designing next-gen reactors, we’re moving forward efficiently with building them, testing them and preparing for regulatory licensing and real-world deployment.
“Once we receive the construction permit for the KRONOS MMR, we believe we will be firmly in the lead within the United States microreactor race, and we believe this agreement is a key inflexion point in our journey.”
In May 2025, NANO Nuclear Energy finalised its previously announced private placement, issuing 3.8 million shares of common stock for $27 per share. This move has generated gross proceeds of $105m.
