Bluecore Energy has raised $50 million in a seed funding round as the nuclear startup develops floating small modular reactors designed to provide portable clean energy for ports, infrastructure and communities.
The funding comes just months after the company raised a $10 million pre-seed round and emerged from stealth. Kofi Asante founded Bluecore Energy to make nuclear power systems easier to deploy by placing small reactors on floating platforms rather than building them at permanent locations.
Portable Nuclear Power for Ports and Infrastructure
Bluecore’s approach uses small nuclear reactors installed on floating barges, allowing energy-generation capacity to move to where it is needed. The company believes this model could reduce the time and infrastructure typically required to build new power facilities.
Asante compared the concept to portable nuclear technology already used by the U.S. Navy, saying the company aims to apply similar ideas on a smaller scale for civilian energy needs.
Regulatory Review and Product Development
Since launching publicly, Bluecore has become the first nuclear company headquartered at a major port, the Port of Long Beach. The company has launched two floating barges and is working with the Department of Transportation Maritime Division, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard on its product design.
The company is currently undergoing regulatory review with the NRC and Coast Guard. Successful completion of the process would support certification of its floating nuclear power plant design.
Funding to Support Growth and Manufacturing
The $50 million round was led by Silverton Partners, with participation from previous investors and new backers including Collab Capital, HartBeat Ventures and angel investors connected to Tesla, Uber, Amazon and Google.
Bluecore plans to use the funding for product development, regulatory work, nuclear fuel purchases and hiring. The company said it is also focused on building a supply chain that can support production at the pace required for future demand.
Targeting Clean Energy Demand
Bluecore said it has received interest from ports, AI data centres and communities seeking additional clean energy and water solutions. The company is positioning its technology as a way to expand access to reliable energy without waiting years for traditional infrastructure projects.
Asante said the company’s long-term goal is to increase access to clean energy and support broader adoption of portable nuclear power systems.
