A tech startup based in Nashville, Zeno Power, has developed a groundbreaking solution for remote exploration by utilizing nuclear waste to power machines. This innovative approach has already garnered significant attention, with major military contracts and dozens of employees. The founders of Zeno Power, Tyler Bernstein, Jonathan Segal, and Jake Matthews, believe that their radioactive system can provide the necessary energy and heat for machines to explore areas of space and remote lands on Earth that were previously inaccessible.
Unlike solar and battery-powered machines, which have limited endurance, Zeno Power’s system is self-sufficient, portable, and lightweight. This makes it ideal for transport to extremely cold, dark, and distant regions that are unfit for human exploration. The use of this technology is crucial to expand our understanding of the unknown and uncover unexpected discoveries.
Zeno Power’s timing couldn’t be more perfect, as the success of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon’s south pole has intensified momentum for moon mining and exploration. The startup hopes to provide fuel for rovers, landers, and other equipment as we delve deeper into lunar exploration.
The validation from Oak Ridge National Laboratory has further solidified Zeno Power’s position as a pioneering force in oceanic and lunar exploration. Previously, the use of radioisotopes was primarily limited to NASA and the military, but Zeno Power aims to make this technology accessible to the commercial market.
With a $30 million Department of Defense contract and a $15 million NASA contract, Zeno Power is rapidly growing and making its mark as a cutting-edge technology company. However, the journey has not been without its challenges. The founders describe the early days as a whirlwind of highs and lows, but they have learned to manage their emotions and embrace the pressure that comes with their work.
Beyond the immediate applications in remote locations, Zeno Power sees immense potential in nuclear energy as a clean alternative to fossil fuels. It can play a crucial role in increasing domestic energy supply, propelling humans into space, and ensuring reliable operations on the moon. By utilizing discarded radioactive metal, Zeno Power aims to incentivize the use of elements that remain in nuclear waste.
The development of Zeno Power’s prototype is underway in Washington, D.C., and near Seattle, close to a strontium-90 storage site. In addition to engineering their design, the team is diligently navigating the complex regulatory landscape that comes with working in the nuclear arena and sending hardware into space.
Zeno Power’s success story is in part due to the guidance and support they received from Vanderbilt University’s innovation and design center, The Wond’ry. By fostering a bridge between startups and established businesses, The Wond’ry aims to spur innovation across various fields. Other successful graduates include cybersecurity startup Arms Cyber and medical device developer EndoShunt.
The accomplishments of Zeno Power highlight the increasing importance of the Nashville region on the national stage. With a growing ecosystem and a surge in venture capital, the region is poised to become a hub for innovation and technology.
As Zeno Power continues to revolutionize remote exploration, their ambitious team draws inspiration from a Margaret Mead quote that reminds them of their ability to change the world. With their novel approach to utilizing nuclear waste energy, Zeno Power is paving the way for a new era of exploration and discovery.
Sources:
– Vanderbilt University Engineering Students
– Oak Ridge National Laboratory
– Department of Defense
– NASA
– The Wond’ry