Berkeley, CA – Deep Fission, Inc. (“Deep Fission” or the “Company”), a pioneering advanced nuclear energy company developing small modular pressurized water reactors placed one mile underground, today announced that it has executed an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to build and operate a test reactor as part of President Trump’s Reactor Pilot Program.
The Pilot Program provides a clear pathway for demonstrating the Company’s technology and moving it toward future commercial use. The initiative was established under Executive Order 14301, directing the DOE to support the development of qualified test reactors outside National Laboratories.
“Signing this OTA is a major milestone for Deep Fission and a meaningful step forward for advanced nuclear in the United States,” said Liz Muller, CEO and Co-Founder of Deep Fission. “We’re working hard toward our goal of achieving criticality by July 4, 2026, and with the DOE’s support, we’re proud to show that our Gravity Nuclear Reactors can strengthen America’s energy leadership and provide the reliable, high-density power urgently needed.”
Pending DOE authorization under the Pilot Program, Deep Fission will build and operate its first reactor under DOE oversight, with clear steps for design, safety reviews, construction, and initial operation. The goal is to prove that the Company’s Gravity Nuclear Reactor works safely and reliably in the real world, using a streamlined process that helps first-of-a-kind technologies move faster. While this reactor is for research rather than commercial power, the pilot is designed to prove the technology and lay the groundwork for fast-tracked future licensing.
Deep Fission’s proprietary design combines mature technologies from the nuclear, oil and gas, and geothermal industries, while using off-the-shelf parts and readily available, low-enriched uranium (LEU) to simplify supply chains. Each Gravity reactor will be located one mile underground, where the surrounding geology provides billions of tons of passive shielding and natural containment. This approach aims to improve safety and security, minimize surface footprint, and enable a faster, more cost-effective path to deployment.
The Company estimates its model could reduce overall construction costs by 70–80%compared to traditional nuclear plants, targeting a projected levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of 5–7 cents per kWh.
About Deep Fission
Deep Fission is revolutionizing the energy landscape with innovative technology that places a small modular pressurized water reactor in a borehole one mile underground. Founded and led by a team of seasoned scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, the Company is committed to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon power at scale. Deep Fission was recently selected for the Department of Energy’s new Reactor Pilot Program and is targeting criticality by July 2026. Deep Fission was founded in 2023 by father-daughter team Elizabeth and Richard Muller. Learn more at deepfission.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Chloe Frader, VP of Strategic Affairs
chloe.frader@deepfission.com
For investor inquiries, please contact:
Bob Prag
IR@deepfission.com
(858) 794-9500
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws, including, among other things, statements regarding Deep Fission’s development plans, anticipated project timelines, potential commercial opportunities, collaboration activities, and other future matters. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied.
Important factors that may affect actual results are described under “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in Deep Fission’s registration statement on Form S-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (as amended or supplemented), and in other filings Deep Fission makes with the SEC.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Deep Fission undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.
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