US Nuclear Startups Attract Over $4.5 Billion in 2026

Donald Trump is pushing for American dominance in the global nuclear market through Executive Order 14301, which utilizes the U.S. Department of Energy’s Reactor Pilot Program to accelerate the commercialization of advanced technologies like small modular reactors (SMRs).

This policy push coincides with a surge in private investment, with global venture capital in nuclear fission and fusion startups exceeding $4.5 billion across 81 companies in 2026. The year is currently on track to surpass the 2025 record of $6.2 billion. This funding is primarily directed toward U.S. companies and is driven by the massive electricity requirements of AI data centers.

High-profile technology investors, including Sam Altman and Bill Gates, are funding fusion breakthroughs to secure sustainable energy sources. While the boom reflects significant interest in next-generation power, critics warn that the rapid expansion may be bypassing voluntary safety guidelines and diverting essential funding away from proven large-scale reactor technology.