Apollo Atomics Secures $31M to Scale Factory-Built Nuclear Reactors

Apollo Atomics has attracted $31 million in investment to develop compact nuclear reactors. Founders Assil Halimi and Drew Walker, along with investors including FCVC, Y Combinator, and several others, have backed the company's efforts to scale nuclear power production. The funding will enable Apollo to construct its A-1 demonstration facility and enhance reliability testing and manufacturing processes.

Apollo's compact steam system offers significant power density improvements, potentially reducing reactor footprints by around 40 times. The company aims to factory-build reactors, enabling transport by truck and deployment within 24 months, thus lowering costs and shortening project timelines. Apollo targets large energy users, including data centres, industrial facilities, and utilities, with three reactor platforms: A-10, A-50, and A-300, capable of generating 10, 50, and 300 megawatts of electricity respectively.

The company plans to build its A-1 commercial demonstrator producing one megawatt of electricity and expand long-duration reliability testing. Regulatory approval from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is crucial for Apollo's commercial plans, with the company seeking NRC authorization by the end of 2026. Apollo's approach incorporates established nuclear materials and operating principles, potentially simplifying its regulatory strategy.

The funding comes as data centres and industrial facilities increasingly demand reliable electricity, and AI infrastructure puts further pressure on power availability.