Zeno Power

Tyler Bernstein is a Vanderbilt University alumnus who graduated in the class of 2020 after studying computer science or engineering as an undergraduate. While at Vanderbilt, he co-developed the initial concepts for commercial nuclear power applications that led to the founding of Zeno Power, including explorations of radioisotope systems for frontier environments after an initial focus on aviation. Bernstein has been recognized as a Thiel Fellow and named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in recognition of his early entrepreneurial contributions to space and advanced energy technologies.

Zeno Power+3

Jonathan Segal graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2019 with a degree that included studies in human and organizational development. He collaborated with his co-founders at Vanderbilt on early nuclear power concepts, helping shift the focus from an unconventional airliner application to practical radioisotope power systems for extreme environments. Segal has also engaged in public advocacy, including efforts related to increased funding for Alzheimer's research.

Zeno Power+2

Jacob Matthews graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Sciences and Engineering and later earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University in 2018. His graduate research centered on radioisotope power systems technology for space applications, building on earlier academic and professional interests in mechanical engineering and advanced power systems. After departing Zeno, he joined the University of Dayton Research Institute’s Digital Transformation Center.

SpaceNews+2

Lindsey Boles holds a BA in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington and is a certified Project Management Professional. She has accumulated over 15 years of experience in the nuclear industry, with a background in engineering management and roles spanning nuclear-related technical and operational domains prior to joining Zeno Power. Boles played an early leadership role in building the company's Seattle engineering capabilities.

Zeno Power+2

Harsh S. Desai earned BS and MS degrees in nuclear engineering from North Carolina State University and an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business. He has more than 15 years of experience deploying clean energy technologies and previously served as a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council’s Global Energy Center, focusing on energy policy and commercialization strategies. Desai joined Zeno Power early in its growth as its first non-founder team member.

Zeno Power+2

Sachin Desai has over 15 years of experience in the nuclear sector with a focus on regulatory compliance, legal frameworks, and policy. He previously served as General Counsel at Helion Energy, a fusion company, and as staff at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, where he contributed to matters involving nuclear licensing, export controls, and advanced reactor regulation. Desai has authored or co-authored analyses on fusion commercialization, nonproliferation, and NRC processes.

Zeno Power+2

A.C. Charania served as NASA’s Chief Technologist from early 2023 until March 2025, advising agency leadership on technology policy, investments, and strategic R&D across mission directorates. Prior to NASA, he accumulated more than 20 years of experience in the space industry, including roles at Blue Origin developing lunar programs, as vice president of product development at Reliable Robotics, and positions at Virgin Galactic/Orbit and SpaceWorks Enterprises focused on strategy, business development, and technology incubation.

Zeno Power+3

Taylor Banks has extensive experience in financial and cost accounting, process improvement, and related financial operations. He holds a master’s degree in accounting and has worked in finance and accounting roles at companies including Superior Energy Services prior to joining Zeno Power.

Zeno Power+1

Zeno Power's Radioisotope Stirling Generator (RSG) is a compact nuclear battery that converts heat from radioisotope decay into electricity using a Stirling engine for higher efficiency in extreme environments. It harnesses either strontium-90 (Sr-90) or americium-241 (Am-241) fuel in a novel heat source subassembly with patented shielding, driving a sealed piston-generator system to deliver 15–100s watts electric for 5+ years without refueling or maintenance. The company is developing an Am-241-fueled RSG under the NASA Harmonia Radioisotope Power System for Artemis Tipping Point program, which completed final design review in April 2026 with power output exceeding original specifications by a factor of 3.5; a terrestrial electrically heated demonstration is planned for early 2027, targeting flight qualification for lunar missions beginning in 2028. A parallel Sr-90-fueled RSG supports the U.S. Navy's DEPTHS program under a $7.5 million DoD contract awarded in 2023 for seabed power demonstration targeted by 2026. Zeno has secured over $60 million in NASA and DoD contracts overall for these systems and announced on June 18, 2026, the start of industrialization at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center facility to enable first customer deliveries in 2027 and scaled production in 2028. This positions the RSG as the flagship product for persistent lunar surface operations and distributed maritime infrastructure where solar or battery power fails.

Zeno Power+6

Zeno Power's Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) provides solid-state electricity generation from radioisotope heat sources using thermoelectric materials that exploit temperature differences, with no moving parts for maximum reliability in harsh conditions. It supports 1–100s watts electric output over a planned 5+ year lifespan using Sr-90 or Am-241 fuels in a customizable, durable enclosure suitable for space or terrestrial applications. As part of the company's multi-product nuclear battery lineup, the RTG complements higher-efficiency Stirling systems for lower-power or mission profiles prioritizing simplicity. Development milestones align with the broader RPS programs, including a scaled nuclear prototype demonstration in 2023 at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and ongoing supply chain work with Westinghouse for heat source fabrication of the first 10+ units. The RTG benefits from the same >$60 million in government contracts and the June 2026 Vallecitos manufacturing ramp aimed at 2027 initial deliveries. Structurally, it leverages established radioisotope technology adapted for commercial scalability with diversified fuel sources to mitigate single-isotope supply risks.

Zeno Power+5

Zeno Power's Radioisotope Heater Unit (RHU) delivers direct thermal output from Am-241 decay for applications requiring sustained heat rather than electricity, such as instrument warming or component protection in extreme cold. It produces under 10 watts thermal over a 5+ year lifespan using a novel fuel and shielding design with superalloys for particle containment and high specific power. The RHU serves as a foundational building block or standalone product within Zeno's nuclear battery portfolio, particularly for space missions where thermal management complements power systems like the Harmonia RSG. Development status mirrors the RPS roadmap, with Q1 2024 prototype work advancing toward Q4 2028 targeted launches and integration into broader Artemis-related capabilities. It draws on the September 2025 strategic agreement with Orano for priority Am-241 supply from used fuel recycling at La Hague and the overall >$60 million contract base supporting fuel and manufacturing infrastructure. This positions the RHU for structural use in long-duration lunar or deep-space hardware where continuous, maintenance-free heat is essential.

Zeno Power+4

Teledyne Energy Systems develops and manufactures radioisotope thermoelectric generators and related power conversion systems for space exploration and undersea applications, converting radioisotope decay heat into electricity through established thermoelectric technology. It competes directly with Zeno Power by supplying flight-proven RPS hardware to NASA and defense programs targeting the same extreme-environment missions where long-duration, reliable power is essential. The division benefits from decades of integration into U.S. government supply chains and proven qualification processes for space and marine use, creating structural advantages in regulatory approval and customer relationships. Its thermoelectric approach offers lower conversion efficiency than Stirling-based systems but provides mature, radiation-hardened designs with extensive flight heritage. Dependence on DOE-supplied isotopes such as plutonium-238 creates shared supply-chain constraints with newer entrants while limiting flexibility to alternative fuels. As a division of a larger aerospace and defense conglomerate, it enjoys stable funding and manufacturing scale that pure-play startups lack, though it may face less agility in rapid commercialization of novel isotope or conversion architectures. This positioning supports sustained relevance in government-funded programs even as commercial nuclear battery markets emerge.

Teledyne Energy Systems+1

Infinity Power develops next-generation radioisotope nuclear batteries that harness decay energy from isotopes such as nickel-63 through electrochemical conversion processes, aiming for scalable output across power levels. It overlaps substantially with Zeno Power in targeting commercial and defense applications for long-duration, maintenance-free power in remote or harsh settings. The company’s electrochemical approach offers potential advantages in efficiency and form factor flexibility compared with traditional thermoelectric designs. Strong U.S. Department of Defense support provides a durable pathway to qualification and procurement in security-critical domains. As a pure-play focused on radioisotope conversion, it faces similar regulatory and isotope-sourcing hurdles as other entrants but benefits from specialized expertise in direct energy conversion. Its positioning in an emerging commercial market depends on successful scaling from laboratory demonstrations to production while navigating nuclear material handling requirements. Structural concentration in defense customers creates both opportunity and vulnerability to shifts in government priorities or funding cycles.

IEEE Spectrum+1

Avalanche Energy, primarily a compact fusion developer, has secured a dedicated DARPA contract under the Rads to Watts program to advance compact alpha-voltaic radioisotope power technology for next-generation nuclear batteries. This near-term program creates direct overlap with Zeno Power’s defense-focused RPS efforts by targeting resilient, radioisotope-based electricity generation from alpha-particle decay. The alpha-voltaic solid-state conversion method under development emphasizes high-efficiency direct conversion analogous to photovoltaic principles. Its dual-track strategy linking radioisotope work to broader fusion roadmap provides structural optionality but introduces execution risk from resource allocation across technologies. Seattle headquarters and defense contracting experience align with key buyer segments in national security applications. Dependence on specialized radioisotope materials and micro-fabrication capabilities mirrors industry-wide constraints. The announced program signals credible near-term traction in the exact domain of portable, long-duration nuclear power systems.

Avalanche Energy+1

City Labs designs and manufactures tritium-based NanoTritium betavoltaic nuclear batteries that deliver continuous low-power output for 20+ years across extreme temperature ranges, targeting aerospace, defense, medical, and subsea uses. It competes with Zeno Power through shared emphasis on nuclear batteries for frontier environments where battery replacement is impractical, including explicit deep-sea and lunar sensor concepts. The betavoltaic conversion of beta particles provides a distinct technological pathway with advantages in miniaturization and temperature independence. Exclusive commercial licensing for betavoltaic technology and deep regulatory experience create durable barriers to entry and customer trust in safety-critical applications. Its focus on microwatt-scale devices positions it for sensor and microelectronic niches rather than higher-wattage mission power, limiting direct scale overlap but reinforcing the broader nuclear battery category. Heavy reliance on tritium supply chains offers relatively accessible isotope sourcing compared with scarcer alternatives. Partnerships with major defense primes such as Lockheed Martin embed the company structurally in established procurement ecosystems.

City Labs+1

Widetronix Inc. develops betavoltaic power sources and integrated ultra-low-power sensor platforms designed for 25+ year lifetimes, serving defense, medical, and industrial monitoring applications. It overlaps with Zeno Power in the nuclear battery segment for long-duration, maintenance-free power in inaccessible environments, particularly defense sensor networks. The technology converts beta decay directly into electricity at nanowatt-to-microwatt levels using semiconductor junctions paired with radioisotope sources. As an early-stage pure-play spun from university research, it maintains a focused IP portfolio in betavoltaic design but operates at smaller scale with limited manufacturing footprint. Demonstration products are available under appropriate licensing, indicating progress toward commercialization. Structural dependence on specialized radioisotope handling and nuclear regulatory approvals mirrors the broader sector while its sensor-platform integration adds value in end-use applications. Defense and medical sector focus provides durable customer channels but exposes the company to concentrated demand and certification timelines typical of nuclear technologies.

Widetronix+1

Zeno Power faces material delays or barriers to obtaining the complex, first-of-a-kind regulatory approvals required from the NRC, USCG, IMO, NAVSEA, and FAA for maritime transportation and deployment of its radioisotope power systems as well as space launch pathways, with the company actively recruiting specialized Maritime Regulatory Principal and compliance roles to address these gaps. As of June 18, 2026, radiological operations at its new Vallecitos Nuclear Center manufacturing facility remain pending regulatory approval expected later in the year after non-radiological work has begun. These approvals are prerequisites for fulfilling the company's stated timelines of full-scale system demonstrations in 2026 and first commercial deliveries in 2027 under its DOD and NASA contracts. The novel use of recycled Sr-90 and Am-241 in commercial and contested frontier environments introduces additional scrutiny not previously applied at this scale by private entities. While the company has completed prototype heat source demonstrations and maintains proactive engagement with regulators, no specific approvals for the targeted maritime or scaled space applications have been confirmed as secured, leaving execution dependent on successful navigation of uncharted processes.

Zeno Power+3

Zeno Power's ability to produce its initial and scaled nuclear batteries depends heavily on a narrow set of specific radioisotope sourcing arrangements, including the January 2024 agreement securing DOE Oak Ridge legacy BUP-500 Sr-90 material explicitly for its first 10+ full-scale RPS units to support DOD and NASA contracts. Additional supply comes via a memorandum of understanding with SHINE Technologies for Sr-90 and a strategic agreement with Orano providing priority access to Am-241 from used nuclear fuel recycling. These controlled, partnership-dependent sources for isotopes with inherent scarcity and handling constraints create structural vulnerability to disruptions, delays in recycling or reprocessing, or changes in partner availability that could limit production volumes beyond the early government-backed units. The company has used this initial supply to demonstrate its first Sr-90 heat source in 2023 and position for 2026 deliveries, but long-term scaling to commercial maritime and space volumes lacks demonstrated diversification of fuel feedstock.

Zeno Power+3

Zeno Power derives its primary near-term validation, revenue pathway, and contract backlog from over $60 million in awards primarily from US government entities including the Department of Defense, NASA, US Navy via the $7.5 million DEPTHS program, Air Force, and Space Force for maritime, orbital, and lunar applications. These contracts anchor the company's timelines for 2026 demonstrations and 2027 deliveries, exposing it to risks from federal budget reallocations, shifts in national security or space exploration priorities, procurement policy changes, or contract terminations typical in government-funded advanced technology programs. While the May 2025 addition of former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson to the board and partnerships such as with Blue Origin bolster defense and space positioning, the reported customer base shows no substantial commercial diversification or non-government revenue streams at this stage. This concentration ties the company's trajectory directly to sustained government support in a sector subject to annual appropriations and geopolitical priorities.

Zeno Power+2

Zeno Power is undertaking rapid industrialization of its nuclear battery production through a June 18, 2026 partnership to establish operations at the Vallecitos Nuclear Center, where non-radiological activities have commenced but full radiological capabilities and hot cell use for customer deliveries in 2027 remain subject to pending regulatory approvals. The company must simultaneously execute on partnerships with Westinghouse for fabricating the first 10+ nuclear heat sources and with Blue Origin and Sunpower for integrating Stirling converters, while scaling its team beyond current levels toward over 100 employees to support the shift from prototypes to serial production. Technical challenges in optimizing the compact patented designs and dynamic power conversion systems add execution uncertainty to meeting the aggressive 2026 full-scale demonstration and 2027 commercial delivery milestones. Recent Series B funding and milestone achievements such as the April 2026 final design review for the NASA Harmonia lunar RPS provide resources and progress indicators, yet the absence of prior commercial-scale nuclear hardware manufacturing experience at this site introduces material operational and compliance risks.

Zeno Power+3

Voices in the nuclear community express enthusiasm for Zeno Power’s use of recycled isotopes like strontium-90 to deliver long-duration, maintenance-free power in extreme environments where solar or batteries fall short. X users and subreddit participants highlight the innovation in turning nuclear waste into practical systems for lunar missions, undersea operations, and persistent defense assets, often framing it as a renaissance for radioisotope power systems (RPS/RTGs) with modern scalability. Nuclear advocates like Emmet Penney (@nukebarbarian) call announcements “exciting” and plan dedicated coverage, while Rod Adams (@Atomicrod), managing partner at investor Nucleation Capital (which holds a position in Zeno), notes Zeno’s versions overcome historical barriers of isotope supply and cost for broader applications. YouTube commentary on explainer videos echoes this, praising cost-effective mission extension and waste utilization. The view recurs across shares of milestones and funding news rather than one-off reactions.

Emmet Penney (@nukebarbarian)+3

In r/nuclear discussions, credible voices split on broader applicability: some see clear value for space and underwater niches due to reliability in darkness or remote settings, while others raise substantive concerns about low power output (watts-scale for many designs), high costs relative to solar/microreactors/diesel, finite strontium-90 supply from reprocessing, regulatory hurdles for radiological materials, and safety precedents from older Russian RTGs. Commenters like I_Am_Coopa argue terrestrial markets favor existing alternatives and question demand beyond government contracts, whereas Izeinwinter and others defend compact, long-life advantages for specific frontier uses but acknowledge supply limits prevent mass adoption. This tension appears in threads reacting to demonstrations and contracts, reflecting ongoing debate among operators and enthusiasts rather than uniform hype.

r/nuclear community (I_Am_Coopa, Izeinwinter, others)+1

Stakeholder voices, including VCs with disclosed positions, highlight Zeno’s manufacturing scale-up at historic sites like Vallecitos Nuclear Center and NASA/DoD contracts as enabling industrial production of nuclear batteries by 2027. Nucleation Capital (@nucleationvc) calls the facility reactivation “very exciting” for repurposing assets and extracting value from waste materials. Similar positive framing appears in investor quotes in coverage and X reactions from nuclear-focused accounts praising the move from prototypes to rate production. This view centers on execution momentum rather than pure technology hype and recurs with funding and facility news.

Nucleation Capital (@nucleationvc)+1