 INL News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
Joelyn Hansen, 208-201-7650, joelyn.hansen@inl.gov
Sarah Neumann, 208-520-1651, sarah.neumann@inl.gov
(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) – The U.S. Department of Energy Office of Nuclear Energy and the National Reactor Innovation Center have officially opened the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad’s request for applications.
The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative is designed to promote rapid development and implementation of advanced nuclear technologies by private industry. By issuing the RFA, NRIC is inviting the next generation of nuclear innovators to apply to participate in the Launch Pad initiative.
“The Nuclear Energy Launch Pad is delivering on its promise,” NRIC Director Brad Tomer said. “With the RFA now open, we are partnering with industry to accelerate the building of a strong pipeline of advanced nuclear technologies that will help define the next era of nuclear energy in the United States.”
Building on the success of DOE’s Reactor Pilot Program and Fuel Line Pilot Program, each launched in 2025, the Launch Pad uses flexible technical and regulatory frameworks on federal and nonfederal lands, creating a robust innovation ecosystem and accelerating advanced nuclear technology deployment.
The Launch Pad offers two pathways for nuclear developers: Launch Pad INL, located at the Idaho National Laboratory, provides access to world-class nuclear research infrastructure, decades of operational expertise and streamlined regulatory support; and Launch Pad USA, which extends the program’s flexible framework to federal and nonfederal sites across the country.
Together, these pathways are designed to meet the needs of developers where they are and help them move from concept to deployment at the speed America’s energy needs demand.
Industry Day
NRIC will host a virtual Industry Day on Tuesday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to noon MDT, to provide prospective applicants with an overview of the Launch Pad initiative, the RFA requirements and the available pathways for participation. The event will offer an opportunity for developers to ask questions and engage directly with NRIC and DOE staff.
Those interested in participating in the Industry Day can register here.
How to apply
Interested applicants must submit their responses to the Nuclear Energy Launch Pad RFA by June 19 at 5 p.m. MDT. The deadline for applications is July 8 at 5 p.m. MDT. The RFA outlines eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, and submission instructions for both the Launch Pad INL and Launch Pad USA pathways. The RFA can be accessed here. Information on the RFA and Launch Pad can be found on the NRIC website.
In a separate RFA, NRIC is also now accepting applications from private nuclear technology developers to access the Demonstration of Microreactor Experiments test bed. More information about DOME is available on the NRIC website.
About Idaho National Laboratory
Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit . Follow us on social media: , , and .
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