Can a startup power the AI revolution with 1.7 billion-year-old nuclear physics?

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Oklo Inc. is betting on fast-fission technology to fuel the massive energy demands of modern data centers. By drawing inspiration from natural nuclear reactions that occurred in Gabon eons ago, the company aims to deploy compact, self-regulating reactors that could redefine how we generate and recycle nuclear power.

Founded in 2013 by Jacob and Caroline DeWitte, the Santa Clara-based company Oklo Inc. is developing the Aurora Powerhouse, a 75 MWe small modular reactor. This system utilizes metallic HALEU fuel and is cooled by liquid metal, a design philosophy modeled after the Experimental Breeder Reactor II. Unlike traditional light-water reactors, the Aurora is engineered with inherent physics-based feedback mechanisms. These allow the system to automatically reduce power during temperature spikes without requiring active safety interventions or operator oversight, a capability previously demonstrated during tests conducted between 1964 and 1994.

The company’s ambitions extend beyond simple power generation. Oklo intends to recycle spent nuclear fuel and has announced plans for a facility in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Furthermore, the firm is exploring the production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial use, having acquired Atomic Alchemy in March 2025. This focus on a circular nuclear economy is supported by a growing order book, including agreements with Meta and Switch, and a partnership with European developer newcleo that could potentially secure up to $2 billion in capital.

Regulatory hurdles have been part of the journey. In January 2022, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission denied an initial license application, citing insufficient information. Since then, Oklo has engaged in extensive pre-application work. In 2025, the company began pre-construction of its first unit at the Idaho National Laboratory, with commercial operations targeted for 2028. As part of the Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program, Oklo is also testing isotope production through its Groves reactor in Texas, which achieved criticality in August 2026.

The company’s financial backing includes prominent figures like Sam Altman, who served as Chairman until April 2025. In May 2024, Oklo completed a merger with AltC Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company, securing $306 million in gross proceeds. With an order book totaling approximately 15 GW, the company is positioning itself to provide off-grid energy for industrial sites, military bases, and the hyperscale data centers driving the current AI boom.

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