Project Omega, an advanced nuclear recycling company, has emerged from stealth with a plan to rebuild the United States’ nuclear fuel cycle end to end, positioning spent nuclear fuel as a strategic energy and materials resource rather than long term waste.
The Washington-based company says it is developing technologies and processes to recycle spent nuclear fuel into long-duration, high-density power sources and critical materials for the nuclear industry. Project Omega is framing its approach as a response to rising electricity demand tied to AI buildouts, electrified manufacturing, and new industrial systems, arguing that nuclear power is uniquely suited to deliver reliable, high-output energy at the scale and duration required.
A central part of the company’s early strategy is partnering with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) to demonstrate what it describes as a safe, commercially viable pathway for spent nuclear fuel recycling, with a focus on domestic energy security and economic growth.
Project Omega also reported progress with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), which has begun testing and evaluation of the company’s nuclear power system. According to the announcement, the lab produced a working proof of concept within months, with a team led by senior scientist Dr. David Koch playing a supporting role as PNNL engages with commercial space nuclear efforts tied to U.S. national priorities.
To fund its next phase, Project Omega raised an oversubscribed $12 million seed round led by Starship Ventures, with participation from Mantis Ventures, Buckley Ventures, Decisive Point, Slow Ventures, and additional investors. The company said the capital will support its effort to turn underutilized spent nuclear fuel into a deployable resource, including applications for long-duration power in national security contexts and supplies for advanced nuclear reactors.
KEY QUOTES
“AI acceleration, electrified manufacturing, and new industrial systems are driving energy demand far faster than today’s grid can provide. Nuclear energy remains the only power source capable of matching that trajectory, yet the U.S. has never built the ecosystem required to enable its full potential. Recycled nuclear fuel can be the foundation of energy independence by delivering decades-long power for military systems, and supplying fuel for advanced nuclear reactors. We are now building the infrastructure to unleash this energy source.”
Dr. Stafford Sheehan, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Project Omega
“DOE is focused on connecting innovative companies with our national labs to explore new ideas and advance early-stage testing. When companies like Project Omega need access to specialized expertise or facilities, we help connect them with labs like Pacific Northwest National Laboratory so promising ideas can move forward.”
Anthony Pugliese, Chief Commercialization Officer and Director, Office of Technology Commercialization, U.S. Department of Energy
“Long-duration, resilient energy sources will be critical for continuing bold scientific discovery across our solar system. This public and private partnership with Project Omega addresses issues of national importance. We hope to demonstrate the use of spent nuclear fuel in the nuclear power systems critical to inspiring the next generation of scientists. This may also help to transform the conversation around spent nuclear fuel from one of waste to that of an enabling national resource.”
Dr. David Koch, Senior Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
“Every leap in technology has followed a great leap in energy. History is littered with brilliant ideas consigned to paper or the whiteboard because power wasn’t there. Project Omega is turning spent nuclear fuel into abundant, resilient energy to drive the next wave of innovation and help our civilization flourish beyond Earth, among the stars.”
Sean Hoge, Founder, Starship Ventures
“Spent nuclear fuel may be considered trash for some but we believe it is a treasure, and key to unlocking the next century of U.S. energy leadership. Project Omega is the company with the technology and expertise to make that future real.”
Hugo Peterson, Chief Operating Officer, Starship Ventures
