Pritzker Welcomes NANO Nuclear Facility to Illinois, Promising Jobs and Clean Energy Innovation (Oak Brook, IL) – Illinois is set to become home to a new hub for nuclear energy research and manufacturing, with Governor JB Pritzker announcing Tuesday that NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. will establish operations in the state.
The advanced nuclear technology company plans to invest more than $12 million in a new facility in the Chicagoland area, supported by the state’s Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program. The project is expected to create 50 full-time jobs in engineering, research, and manufacturing.
“I’m proud to welcome NANO Nuclear to Illinois’ growing clean energy economy,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Our qualified workforce, unmatched infrastructure, and competitive incentives all make Illinois the best state for companies investing in clean energy production.”
NANO Nuclear’s facility will include 23,537 square feet of space, featuring a 7,400-square-foot non-nuclear demonstration area. The company’s engineers, component manufacturers, and researchers will work in collaboration with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to advance its flagship project, the KRONOS MMR™ Microreactor Energy System.
“With Illinois being the birthplace of the controlled nuclear chain reaction, and the state with the largest nuclear electricity production, it is really exciting to see NANO Nuclear being selected to advance and grow nuclear energy and expertise in the state,” said Dr. Florent Heidet, the company’s chief technology officer.
Company leaders said the new Illinois hub will play a key role in constructing, demonstrating, and ultimately commercializing the microreactor system. “We’re committed to using this facility to attract top talent from across the country,” said CEO James Walker.
The partnership also extends to the University of Illinois, which has a long history in nuclear research. Rashid Bashir, dean of the Grainger College of Engineering, said the collaboration will “deliver the technological advances and workforce development that will drive the future of nuclear energy.”
Illinois officials highlighted the project as part of the state’s broader push to expand clean energy and advanced manufacturing. NANO Nuclear joins companies such as Richardson Electronics and Pure Lithium in choosing Illinois for growth.
“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 Illinois,” said Kristin Richards, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
Pritzker Welcomes NANO Nuclear Facility to Illinois, Promising Jobs and Clean Energy Innovation
