On October 6 2025, Governor JB Pritzker announced that NANO Nuclear Energy Inc., a U.S.-based advanced nuclear technology company developing portable and micro-scale reactors, will establish a new research and development and manufacturing facility in Illinois. Supported by the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program, the $12 million investment will create 50 full-time jobs and strengthen Illinois’ position as a leader in clean energy innovation.
“I’m proud to welcome NANO Nuclear to Illinois’ growing clean energy economy,” said Governor Pritzker. “Our qualified workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and competitive incentives make Illinois the best state for companies investing in clean energy production. With support from REV Illinois, this investment will create new jobs and promote innovative strides in clean energy solutions.”
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in New York, NANO Nuclear Energy focuses on developing next-generation microreactors designed to deliver safe, portable, and affordable clean energy. The company’s new Illinois facility will serve as a key hub for its flagship project, the KRONOS MMR™ Microreactor Energy System, a compact, scalable nuclear reactor intended for both civilian and defense applications.
NANO Nuclear has acquired a 23,537-square-foot facility in the Chicagoland area, including a 7,400-square-foot non-nuclear demonstration space. The site will support engineers, researchers, and component manufacturers working in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to advance microreactor technology and commercialization.
“With the strong presence of nuclear utilities and R&D institutions in Illinois, this is the ideal ecosystem for us to thrive,” said Dr. Florent Heidet, chief technology officer of NANO Nuclear. CEO James Walker added, “This new hub will play a central role in constructing, demonstrating, and commercializing our KRONOS MMR energy system while attracting top engineering talent from across the country.”
Rashid Bashir, dean of the University of Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering, said the partnership reinforces the state’s leadership in nuclear innovation. “Working with NANO Nuclear and the state of Illinois, we’ll deliver the technological advances and workforce development that will drive the future of nuclear energy,” he said.
The project aligns with Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan, which promotes advanced manufacturing and clean energy production through REV Illinois. It joins a growing list of clean energy investments in the state, alongside recent expansions by Richardson Electronics and Pure Lithium.
“Illinois continues to lead the way in clean energy innovation and advanced manufacturing,” said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. “Through programs like REV Illinois, we’re creating the conditions for cutting-edge companies to thrive while bringing high-quality jobs and transformative technologies to communities across the state.”
