TechCrunch Startup News Nuclearn gets $10.5M to help the nuclear industry embrace AI, plus ReOrbit lands record funding to take on Musk’s Starlink from Europe
Sep 9, 2025
Discover how a startup is revolutionizing the nuclear industry with AI, aiming to streamline operations and cut costs. Their recent funding of $10.5 million propels this innovative vision forward. Meanwhile, get insights into ReOrbit, a Finnish company securing €45 million to challenge Musk’s Starlink by empowering nations with their own satellite systems. This surge in funding highlights Europe’s growing interest in becoming self-reliant in space technology amid geopolitical tensions. It’s an exciting time for both the nuclear and space tech sectors!
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AI Is A Tool, Not A Reactor Pilot
- Nuclear operators view AI as an assistive tool, not an autonomous controller for reactors.
- Liability and regulatory frameworks keep humans responsible for final decisions.
Startup Born At Palo Verde
- Nuclearn's founders started experimenting with automation while working at Palo Verde nuclear station.
- Their plant-focused experiments scaled into tools now used across dozens of reactors.
Specialized Models And Flexible Deployment
- Nuclearn builds models trained on nuclear-specific terminology and can deliver on-premise or cloud solutions.
- This hybrid approach addresses strict security requirements while leveraging modern AI.