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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2024

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from _____________ to ___________________

 

Commission file number: 001-42044

 

NANO NUCLEAR ENERGY INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Nevada   88-0861977
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

10 Times Square, 30th Floor

New York, New York 10018

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(212) 634-9206

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class:   Trading Symbol(s):   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:
Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share   NNE   The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer Smaller reporting company
    Emerging growth company

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

 

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

 

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No

 

The registrant was not a public company as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter and, therefore, cannot calculate the aggregate market value of its voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates as of such date.

 

As of December 27, 2024, there were 36,596,849 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.

 

 

 

 
 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

    Page
PART I    
Item 1. Business 2
Item 1A. Risk Factors 25
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 49
Item 1C Cybersecurity 49
Item 2. Properties 49
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 50
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 50
     
PART II    
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 51
Item 6. [Reserved] 53
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 53
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 60
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 60
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 60
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 60
Item 9B. Other Information 61
Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections 61
     
PART III    
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 62
Item 11. Executive Compensation 72
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 78
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 79
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services 81
     
PART IV    
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 83
Item 16. Form 10-K Summary 83

 

i
 

 

PART I

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE ON FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance and may include statements concerning, among other things, financial results; business plans; future liabilities and other obligations; impairments and amortization; estimates of the financial impact of certain items, accounting treatment, events or circumstances; and capital allocation. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the reasons described in our “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Result of Operations” sections, as well as those discussed elsewhere in this Report. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “depends,” “estimate,” “expects,” “intend,” “may,” “ongoing,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “assumption” or “judgment” or the negative of those terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain those words.

 

These forward-looking statements present our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this Report and are subject to several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the dates on which they are made. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those challenges summarized below:

 

  Our ability to design, develop, manufacture and sell our proposed micro nuclear reactors.
     
  Our ability to develop a domestic Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) and High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel supply chain to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors and our own systems.
     
  Our ability to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation package, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel.
     
  Our ability to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally.
     
  Our ability to source, retain, and expand our technical and business staff to meet the demands of our expanding and diversifying business.
     
  Our ability to raise the substantial amount of additional funds that will be necessary for our business to succeed, which funds may not be available on acceptable terms or available at all.
     
  Assumptions relating to the size of the market for our micro nuclear reactors.
     
  Unanticipated regulations of nuclear energy that add barriers to our business and have a negative effect on our operations.
     
  Our estimates of expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and our needs for, or ability to obtain, additional financing.
     
  Our status as an early-stage pre-revenue company in a rapidly evolving industry with a business model that still being developed and is largely untested.
     
  Our ability to avoid a significant disruption in our information technology system, including security breaches, or our ability to implement new system and software successfully.
     
  Our ability to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for our products.
     
  The other risks identified in this Report including, without limitation, those under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Business” as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the SEC.

 

ii
 

 

The foregoing does not represent an exhaustive list of matters that may be covered by the forward-looking statements contained herein or risk factors that we are faced with. A forward-looking statement is neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 

Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Report to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company,” “the Company” or similar terminology refer to NANO Nuclear Energy Inc., including its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT RISKS

 

The following is a summary of some of the risks and uncertainties as of the date of the filing of this Annual Report on Form 10-K that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. You should read this summary together with the more detailed description of each risk factor contained in the “Risk Factors” section of this Report.

 

Risks Related to Our Industry and Business

 

We have incurred losses and have not generated any revenue since our inception. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses, and expect that we will not generate revenue, for the foreseeable future.
   
We are an early-stage company in an emerging market with an unproven business model, new and unproven technologies, and a short operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and prospects and may increase the risk of your investment.
   
Our business plans will require us to raise substantial additional amounts of capital. Future capital needs will require us to sell additional equity or debt securities that will dilute or subordinate the rights of our common stockholders. In addition, we may be unable to secure government grants as part of our funding strategy.
   
We and our officers and directors are presently parties to securities law and fiduciary duty lawsuits relating to our public statements made since our initial public offering. Our reputation may be damaged by these suits, and if we are unable to have them dismissed or should we receive adverse outcomes, our business and results of operations may suffer, including as a result of our indemnification obligations to our directors and officers.
   
The failure of production and commercialization of nuclear micro reactors as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
   
We are in the process of developing a domestic HALEU fuel processing facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. The failure of completion and operation of such facility as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
   
We plan to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation system, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America and worldwide. The failure of production and commercialization of such products as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
   
We plan to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. Failure to do so as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.
   

We have undertaken and will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions. These acquisitions may be difficult to consummate and integrate and may create losses for us or not provide us with the anticipated benefits. We may not be able to successfully integrate our previous and future acquisitions or generate sufficient revenues or earnings from future acquisitions, which could cause our business to suffer.

   
All of our executive officers are presently engaged by us on an independent contractor basis, except for Jay Jiang Yu, our founder, President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, with whom we have an employment agreement, and they each have management, advisory or directorship positions with other companies and may allocate their time to other businesses, which may pose certain risks in fulfilling their obligations with us.

 

iii
 

 

Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

 

  If we fail to develop, gain approval for, protect or enforce our intellectual property or proprietary rights, our business and operating results could be harmed.
     
  We rely on our unpatented proprietary technology, trade secrets, designs, experiences, work flows, data, processes, software and know-how.
     
  We may be accused of infringing intellectual property rights of third parties and content restrictions of relevant laws, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to Regulation and Compliance

 

  Our business is subject to a wide variety of extensive and evolving government laws and regulations. Changes in and/or failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
     
  If we fail to comply with the laws and regulations relating to the collection of sales tax and payment of income taxes in the various states in which we do business, we could be exposed to unexpected costs, expenses, penalties and fees as a result of our non-compliance, which could harm our business.

 

General Risks Associated with Our Company

 

  We are highly dependent on our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel. If we are unable to attract, retain and maintain highly qualified personnel, including our senior management team, we may not be able to implement our business strategy and our business and results of operations would be harmed.
     
  Mr. Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, has a significant influence over our company due to his ownership of a material percentage of our outstanding common stock. Also, his interests may not always be aligned with the interests of our other stockholders, which may lead to conflicts of interest that harm our company.
   
  Our ability to effectively manage our anticipated growth and expansion of our operations will also require us to enhance our operational, financial and management controls and infrastructure, human resources policies and reporting system. These enhancements and improvements will require significant capital expenditures and allocation of valuable management and employee resources.
     
  We are subject to cybersecurity risks.
     
  We will incur significantly increased costs as a result of, and devote substantial management time to operating as, a public company.
     
  We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

  The trading market for our common stock is very new, and consistently robust and liquid trading market may not develop or be sustained over the long term.
     
  The trading price of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

  If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.
     
  Future sales of our securities or warrants exercisable for our common stock may depress our stock price.
     
  Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our common stock.
     
  Our directors, executive officers and principal stockholders will continue to have substantial control over our company after this offering, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including a change of control.

 

iv
 

 

ITEM 1. Business

 

Overview

 

We are an emerging, pre-revenue nuclear energy company, developing smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions, utilizing proprietary reactor designs, intellectual property, and research methods, to contribute towards a sustainable future. Led by a world class scientific and management team, our business plan involves a comprehensive engagement across every sector of the nuclear power industry, traversing the path from sourcing raw materials through to developing cutting edge advanced nuclear microreactors. Our dedication extends further, encompassing both commercial nuclear fuel transportation and consulting services.

 

Currently, we are in the pre-revenue stage and are principally focused on four business lines as part of our development strategy:

 

Micro Nuclear Reactor Business. We are developing the next generation of advanced nuclear microreactors, in particular ZEUS, a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. With these products, we are advancing the development of the next generation of portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. Through the collaboration of our world-renowned nuclear scientists and engineers, the U.S. national nuclear laboratories, and government support, we believe our reactors will have the potential to impact the global energy landscape. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these products by 2030-2031.
   
  Both our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors have moved from the design stages to physical test work stages, with initial rig construction currently underway, to ensure model accuracy and material and dimension optimization. We have conducted and completed external design audits on both the ZEUS and ODIN reactor designs to provide external validation and assistance to our designs. The design audits for the reactors were conducted and completed by the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). We are currently identifying sites for our prototype reactor for the purpose of conducting physical test work using nuclear material for both microreactors. We have communicated with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Department of Energy (DOE), informing them of the status of our microreactor designs and the estimated internal timelines for our microreactor developments, with an understanding that definite timelines will be provided once available, to allow the NRC to arrange the necessary personnel to oversee the microreactor licensing process. We increased the size of the technical teams during 2024 to expedite the development of the reactor systems, as well as recruiting former NRC personnel to oversee our regulatory licensing processes, and to engage directly with the NRC to facilitate the commercialization planning.
   
  In addition, in August 2024, we purchased a 14,000 sq. ft., 2-story building in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for $1.7 million to house our Nuclear Technology Headquarters. Michael Norato, Ph.D., an INL and DOE veteran, was appointed as our Director of Nuclear Facilities and Infrastructure in December 2024. Dr. Norato will oversee the construction, development and licensing of our key facilities, including our recently acquired 14,000 sq. ft. Oak Ridge, Tennessee Nuclear Technology Headquarters and future test bed reactor sites for experiments related to our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors currently in development. He will also lead the establishment of deconversion and fuel processing facilities, helping to further our goal of being a vertically integrated leader in the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle. We expect to increase the number of personnel working at the facility over the next year and expect to ultimately employ up to 30 personnel at the facility. We are also currently undertaking approximately $800 thousand dollars of renovation work to the facility as well.
   
  Furthermore, in December 2024, we announced our execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Idaho Operations Office of the DOE setting forth a framework for the collaboration between our company and the DOE to evaluate the construction of a demonstration reactor on a land package near INL. Through this memorandum, we will work with the DOE and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, the current operator of INL (“BEA”), to progress the development, siting, and eventual testing of our innovative microreactor designs.

 

2
 

 

  Also, on December 18, 2024, we entered into an asset purchase agreement (“USNC Agreement”) with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, “USNC”) to acquire select nuclear energy technology assets on an as-is, where-is basis, including USNC’s micro modular nuclear reactor business marketed as a MMR® Energy System, and transportable fission power system technology business marketed as a Pylon Transportable Reactor Platform, including certain contracts, intellectual property rights, demonstration projects and the equity interests of two non-U.S. entities (collectively, “USNC Assets”), for a total purchase price of $8.5 million in cash through an auction process (“Auction”) conducted pursuant to Section 363 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in connection with USNC’s pending Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. The closing of the acquisition is expected to occur in the near future and remains subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions in a bankruptcy proceeding. On December 18, 2024, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, the Bankruptcy Court overseeing USNC’s bankruptcy held a hearing where it approved the sale of the USNC Assets to us. In the Auction, we submitted a bid for the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of USNC, including their fuel business and their technology assets marketed as EmberCore and Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) (such assets other than the USNC Assets, the “Other USNC Assets”), and was selected as the back-up bidder for the Other USNC Assets in the Auction. In the event that the winning bidder of the Other USNC Assets in the Auction fails to consummate such acquisition, we will be required to acquire all such Other USNC Assets in addition to the USNC Assets for a total purchase price, inclusive of the $8.5 million for the USNC Assets, of $36,190,000.
   
  The newly acquired technologies align closely with our intended uses for ZEUS and ODIN, which are designed for remote, industrial, infrastructural, maritime, and extra-terrestrial applications, including large-scale data and artificial intelligence centers and other energy-intensive operations, positioning us to capitalize on growing financial investment and societal momentum driving advanced nuclear energy technologies on a global scale. We will leverage our world-class technical team to analyze and optimize these technologies, key components, and intellectual property, before integrating them into its operational frameworks and ongoing innovation efforts. We also intend to build upon and strengthen the extensive industry relationships that USNC established during its operations. This includes collaboration with the U.K. government on the MMR reactor under a cost-share program and ensuring continuity in licensing, regulatory, and grant-related efforts wherever feasible. The acquired technology will also enable us to refine and better tailor our offerings within previously announced collaborations and partnerships, including ongoing initiatives.
   
Fuel Processing Business. Through our subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., and in coordination with the DOE, we are seeking to develop a domestic LEU and HALEU fuel supply chain to supply fuel not only for our own reactors but also to the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry. We have tentatively identified the site we intend to construct the facilities and have begun to build the team to design and develop these facilities.
   
  We have also made a $2 million strategic investment in and entered into a collaboration with a laser-based uranium enrichment technology company, LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST”) (which is a related party), to support the development of their technology. Through this investment and related collaboration, we aim to assist in advancing LIST’s technologies to secure a reliable low enriched uranium fuel supply for our future operations and the broader nuclear energy industry. The parties intend that LIST will provide us with enriched uranium hexafluoride (UF6) at no cost to be fabricated and sold to customers, with LIST to receive compensation as part of a profit-sharing arrangement to be agreed to between the companies in the future. Through collaboration with LIST, we intend to construct the supporting facilities alongside LIST’s enrichment facility, including the deconversion and fuel fabrication facilities. We also leased 7,000 square feet of space at our Nuclear Technology Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to LIST. Our relationship with LIST is considered a related party transaction since certain of our executive directors and officers, including Jay Jiang Yu, Jaisun Garcha, and Dr. Tsun Yee Law, also serve as directors and officers for LIST, and James Walker serves as a consultant to LIST. Our investment in LIST was unanimously approved by all of our disinterested independent directors.
   
 

In December 2024, we announced that LIST and our company were selected by the DOE to participate as one of six contract awardees in the DOE’s Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program (“LEU Acquisition Program”). Under the contract awarded to LIST, LIST was selected as the prime contractor, with our company as the key subcontractor bringing our technical and regulatory expertise in advanced nuclear solutions to the collaboration. LIST will oversee the development of the primary uranium enrichment processes using its novel laser technology, while our company will contribute towards development in the areas of fuel deconversion, fuel fabrication, and fuel transportation. The total overall amount appropriated under the LEU Acquisition Program across all six contract awardees is anticipated to be $3.4 billion, to be awarded by the DOE via agreed to task orders each having a minimum value of $2 million.

 

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Fuel Transportation Business. Our transportation business will build on existing work completed at INL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the world’s premier U.S.-backed nuclear research facilities. We received an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in April 2024, which will form the basis of a complete transportation system. This license grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for the use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. We believe this technology is the most advanced concept in the United States for moving HALEU in commercial quantities. We are currently conducting work to modify the design to accommodate a variety of different fuel forms, so we are positioned to move fuel for both of our reactors and to enable us to provide transportation services to any nuclear company looking to move commercial quantities of fuel. In September 2024, we signed an agreement with GNS Gesellschaft für Nuklear-Service mbH (GNS) to undertake a wide-ranging project to produce an optimized HALEU transportation system solution based on our exclusively licensed fuel transportation basket design. The GNS agreement encompasses a study for the transport of multiple HALEU nuclear fuel types, including uranium oxide, TRISO particles, uranium-zirconium hydride, uranium mononitride, and salt fuel for molten salt reactors, thus optimizing the quantity of material that can be transported and developing a conceptual package design that will accommodate the new basket design. We intend to obtain NRC certification for our high-capacity HALEU transportation system to move commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America and internationally. If developed and commercialized, we believe this product will serve as the basis for a domestic HALEU transportation company capable of providing commercial quantities of HALEU fuel. We hope to put our fuel transportation business into operation by 2026. We have also brought on two former United Parcel Service (UPS) executives, one of which works for our fuel transportation subsidiary, with the other sitting on our Executive Advisory Board, to assist in growing the transportation business around our technology.
   
Nuclear Consultation Services. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This includes, in coordination with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, the development of education resources. This business opportunity represents our nearest term revenue generating opportunity. Our goal is to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry in 2025, both domestically and internationally. As part of our efforts domestically, following our collaboration with Digihost Technology Inc. (“Digihost”) in December 2024, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025. These services will support the planning and execution of the Digihost project and will encompass regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development, and stakeholder engagement. In addition to these rendered services, we are examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services. We have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have not entered into any definitive agreements for such acquisitions. In combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services.

 

Our Mission

 

Our mission is to become a commercially focused, diversified and vertically integrated nuclear energy company that will capture market share in the very large and growing nuclear energy sector. To implement our plans, since our founding in 2022, our management has had constant communications with key U.S. government agencies, including the DOE, the INL and ORNL, which are a part of the DOE’s national nuclear laboratory system. Our company also maintains important collaborations with leading researchers from the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre and The University of California, Berkeley.

 

Our Industry

 

We believe that the U.S. domestic nuclear energy sector is undergoing a renaissance that we believe we can capitalize on. We strongly support objectives of the DOE and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and we intend for our technology to form part of the U.S. foreign policy to advance the peaceful use of nuclear energy, science and technology, and drive new resources to projects and activities in developing countries with the greatest need. A key part of our business plan will seek to become a nuclear technology organization that can grow the U.S. global energy market engagement and concurrently support global market opportunities.

 

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We further believe that our microreactors can address various environmental and energy challenges through their innovative design and capacities, including their versatile and easily deployable nature in remote locations. We plan to target business development activities for our microreactors in several sectors, including data centers, artificial intelligence computer and quantum computing; crypto mining; military applications; disaster relief; transportation (including shipping); mining projects; water desalination and green hydrogen plants; and space exploration. As a result, we intend to support a broad set of clean energy applications.

 

Our Micro Nuclear Reactor Business

 

A key pillar of our business plan is to provide readily replaceable mobile reactors which we can provide to customers, along with operative personnel, to power projects, residential and commercial enterprises, and major development projects. Our vision is to be a commercial and domestic energy supply leader within the U.S. nuclear industry, and to advance U.S. domestic and foreign policy and national security priorities. The mobile, lower-cost and ultra-safe solid core model of our micro-reactor vision will provide a clean energy option that supports initiatives for sustained international engagement and promotes enhanced and more efficient cooperation and assistance in the application of peaceful uses of nuclear energy, science, and technology. We will also drive resources to projects and activities in developing countries of greatest need by supplying energy to areas removed from the grid.

 

We are developing two advanced portable nuclear micro reactors in technical design and development. The first, ZEUS, is a Solid Core Battery Reactor, designed by world-class engineers trained at the University of California—Berkeley, has a fully solid core and utilizes already licensed fuel types, enriched up to 19.75%, where heat is removed solely by thermal conduction. This requires the deployment of high conductivity, high melting materials, and careful materials design. The reactor will use already licensed fuel types, so no new fuel developments are necessary. Reactivity will be controlled with control rods outside of the central core. The generated heat will be conducted from the fuel to the outside of the core via thermal conduction through a thermally conductive material, allowing for the elimination of coolant, creating a far safer reactor than historically developed. Heat will be removed from the outside of the core by recirculated air, which delivers the heat to the gas turbine to produce electricity. The gas turbine will be affixed to the reactor to reduce piping and minimize the size of the plant. The benefit of not incorporating a primary liquid loop reduces the manufacturing costs, and enhances simplicity for modelling, testing, optimizing, and constructing. The secondary loop outside the monolith will be inert gas allowing it to reach high temperatures and direct heating of a gas turbine which will be compact and small. Without coolant, typical reactor pumps and piping can be removed from the design, allowing for further compactness, with the aim being to construct a full core and electricity generating gas turbine within a container meeting International Organization for Standardization specifications. The smaller power core will also mean less neutrons are absorbed by the non-fissionable materials, allowing for longer operational life despite the small core. On March 27, 2024, we filed an application for a U.S. Provisional Patent – “ZEUS”.

 

 

 

ZEUS Prototype

 

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Our second reactor in development, ODIN, will be a Low-Pressure Coolant Reactor, which uses uranium and zirconium HALEU hydride. The zirconium hydride densely packs hydrogen and so provides substantial moderation. Low pressure “solar” salt (sodium-potassium nitrate eutectic) coolant will be used to minimize the stress on structural components and improve the reliability and service life. The design takes advantage of the natural convection of the coolant for heat transfer to the power conversion cycle at full power, as well as for decay heat removal during reactor shutdown, operating transients, and off-normal conditions. A nitrogen or open-air Brayton cycle will be used for power conversion due to its simplicity, flexibility, and its wide use within the conventional power industry. Reactivity control system design will have high reliability and robustness through minimizing the number of moving parts. In 2025, we plan to formally engage with the NRC and develop and submit our Regulatory Engagement Plan (REP) to the NRC for ODIN as well as complete salt irradiation testing to select the coolant for ODIN.

 

 

 

 

 

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ODIN Prototype

 

Successful licensing and certification of one of our reactors will enable and accelerate certification and licensing processes for innovative and lower-cost designs in the future. A small portable power source (nuclear power bank) will enable deployment to areas after natural disasters to support first responders, water purification efforts, hydrogen production, or initial construction to regain control of these situations. The possibility of multiple nuclear reactors as part of future emergency response resources is also contemplated.

 

Both microreactors went through design audits by external institutions in 2023 and 2024, which provided external input and assistance to advance the concepts and provide validation of the design direction and technology utilized so far. The ODIN microreactor completed its design audit at INL, where the design was interrogated by 10 engineers and scientists. The design and concept were extremely well received and further guidance was provided to assist our technical team to steer the reactor from its current state through to a licensed product ready for deployment. The external design audit for the ZEUS reactor was completed in February 2024, with the more advanced design receiving commendations for its innovative design and simplicity. In 2025, we plan to file for new patents relating to ZEUS and work to advance this novel technology in collaboration with the INL utilizing the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Nuclear Energy voucher award received by us for ZEUS in 2024.

 

Both reactors are expected to begin demonstration and physical test work in early 2025, initially with ODIN followed by ZEUS, with demonstration work expected to be completed between 2026 and 2027 providing us with working prototypes. The regulatory licensing process for the prototypes is expected to be completed by 2030 or 2031, with manufacturing facilities being constructed during the licensing phase so we are ready to deploy microreactors across the country upon licensing approval. In December 2024, we announced our execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Idaho Operations Office of the DOE setting forth a framework for the collaboration between our company and the DOE to evaluate the feasibility of siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors at INL. Through this memorandum, we will work with the DOE and BEA, to progress the development, siting, and eventual testing of our innovative microreactor designs.

 

Furthermore, Michael Norato, Ph.D., an INL and DOE veteran, was appointed as our Director of Nuclear Facilities and Infrastructure in December 2024. Dr. Norato will oversee the construction, development and licensing of our key facilities, including our recently acquired 14,000 sq. ft. Oak Ridge, Tennessee Nuclear Technology Headquarters and future test bed reactor sites for experiments related to our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors currently in development. He will also lead the establishment of deconversion and fuel processing facilities, helping to further our goal of being a vertically integrated leader in the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle.

 

 

The Company's 14,000 sq. ft., 2-story facility to house the Company’s Technology Headquarters on a 1.64-acre land package in the historic Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

 

Our HALEU Fuel Processing Business

 

In 2023, we established a subsidiary, HALEU Energy Fuel Inc., to concentrate specifically on creating a domestic fuel processing facility of LEU and HALEU to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. In February 2023, we were selected as an official founding member of the DOE’s new HALEU Consortium to develop the U.S.’ domestic capability for the manufacture of HALEU and its processing.

 

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Our commercial and strategic aim for HALEU Energy Fuel is to design, construct and commission a commercial nuclear fuel processing facility to supply fabricated fuel to the next generation of advanced nuclear reactor companies, our own reactors currently under development, other small module reactors (known as SMR companies), the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. national laboratories, and the DOE’s nuclear fuel needs as necessary. The facility’s intended capability is to produce a variety of different fuel forms as required by U.S. industry and its intended customer base, using received fuel from market recognized fuel enrichment sources. Our proposed fuel facilities are intended to form part of an integrated system with LIST, a related-party laser uranium enrichment company with which we have an investment and related collaboration agreement. Our proposed processing activity aligns exactly with the DOE’s HALEU fuel mission to return nuclear fuel manufacturing capabilities to the United States.

 

Our company has identified the potential site and plans to work with the NRC through the NEPA process, which will begin when a federal agency develops a proposal to take major federal action. The proposed project would benefit both our company and the United States. We believe a fuel processing facility could be beneficially complimented by the collaboration with an enrichment company, which we have identified and entered into a partnership agreement with.

 

In December 2024, we announced that LIST and our company were selected by the DOE to participate as one of six contract awardees in the DOE’s LEU Acquisition Program. Under the contract awarded to LIST, LIST was selected as the prime contractor, with our company as the key subcontractor bringing our technical and regulatory expertise in advanced nuclear solutions to the collaboration. LIST will oversee the development of the primary uranium enrichment processes using its novel laser technology, while our company will contribute towards development in the areas of fuel deconversion, fuel fabrication, and fuel transportation. The total overall amount appropriated under the LEU Acquisition Program to all six contract awardees is anticipated to be $3.4 billion, to be awarded via agreed upon task orders with a minimum value of $2 million.

 

During the first quarter of 2025, we plan to acquire or lease land for the first CAT II non-TRISO HALEU integrated fuel processing facility in the U.S., and to commence the design work on our fuel processing facility in the first half of 2025, coinciding with engaging the relevant licensing and regulatory bodies to facilitate the facility commissioning. Initial site preparation is scheduled to begin in 2025, with completion of construction and operation occurring early next decade.

 

Our HALEU Fuel Transportation Business

 

As we have developed our business, capability deficiencies in the U.S. nuclear industry that would affect the future operation of all SMR and microreactor companies became apparent, such as there exists no method of transporting commercial quantities of HALEU across North America. Our proactive approach to mitigate future impediments to our operations culminated in locating research and technology developed by INL, PNNL and ORNL, that had not been advanced because of budget constraints. On April 3, 2024, we entered into an exclusive patent license agreement (“BEA License”) with BEA, and have been working with the groups capable of aiding us in the development of the concept into a complete, governmentally certificated and licensed system proficient in the transportation of enriched fuels.

 

The BEA License grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. Pursuant to the BEA License, we received an exclusive, royalty-bearing license for a U.S. patent that can be used worldwide related to devices and systems used for HALEU transportation. As part of the BEA License, we agreed to pay BEA royalties on net worldwide sales and any sublicense worldwide sales related to the use of this patent as well as certain licensing payments. We also agreed to meet specific performance milestones related to HALEU fuel transportation within the first 48 months of the agreement’s effective date. Under the BEA License, we are obligated to reimburse BEA for all costs incurred in the preparation, filing, prosecuting, and maintenance of the licensed patent. The BEA License has an indefinite term and will automatically terminate upon the expiration, abandonment, or other termination of the licensed patent covered by the BEA License. The BEA License may also be terminated immediately by BEA in the event of our default of any material obligations, and we may terminate the agreement at any time if we provide at least three months’ written notice to BEA. The BEA License contains customary representations, warranties, and indemnifications of the parties. For further information on the BEA License, see “Intellectual Property” below.

 

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We are seeking to form the first transportation company able to supply all emerging SMR and microreactor companies with the fuel they require at their manufacturing facilities to construct their reactors. We also expect to service the national nuclear laboratories and DOE programs which require HALEU by providing the fuel for their programs. Mobile reactors requiring HALEU for remote military bases are also anticipated, with potential military contacts. During 2025, we plan to acquire land, or an existing transportation business, for our HALEU transportation base of operations.

 

Our fuel transportation business will build on the work already completed by INL and ORNL to create a high-capacity HALEU transportation package, with 18 inner canisters, combined with a basket design and a borated aluminum flux trap. In September 2024, we signed an agreement with GNS to undertake a wide-ranging project to produce an optimized HALEU transportation system solution based on our exclusively licensed fuel transportation basket design. The GNS agreement encompasses a study for the transport of multiple HALEU nuclear fuel types, including uranium oxide, TRISO particles, uranium-zirconium hydride, uranium mononitride, and salt fuel for molten salt reactors, thus optimizing the quantity of material that can be transported and developing a conceptual package design that will accommodate the new basket design. We are receiving support from two former executives of the largest shipping company in the world who are assisting us in developing a North American transportation company using our licensed or developed technology to deliver (subject to applicable government licensing and certification) nuclear fuel for a wide customer base, including SMR and microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs.

 

Our Business Services and Consulting Business

 

The current upsurge in interest in nuclear energy, combined with the increased investment from both private and governmental sources within the nuclear space, as well as the global push for zero carbon technologies, has created a demand for nuclear energy expertise which exceeds supply. The shortage of suitably nuclear-qualified persons has resulted in institutions purchasing nuclear support services and consultancy practices, profiting from the surge in demand and the commensurate increase in costs created by this demand. Nuclear personnel are being headhunted and salaries are increasing as demand outpaces supply. The increased demand in personnel and nuclear related business activity will create increased demand for personnel involved in the licensing and regulator aspects of the industry, exacerbating the difficulty of acquiring the necessary personnel to develop nuclear related businesses. This trend will likely increase, as the next generation of nuclear reactors are progressing towards more mature development stages, requiring greater numbers of experienced personnel, and because nuclear personnel take a long time to educate, qualify, and acquire practical experience.

 

We have identified this trend as an opportunity for more immediate revenue for our company, and to acquire more expertise to advance our business. We have concentrated on identifying small teams with expert personnel, with good portfolios of work and existing contracts, and good expansion potential, which would provide us with immediate revenue post-acquisition. We expect to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry in 2025, both domestically and internationally.

 

As part of our efforts domestically, on December 12, 2024, we entered into a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Digihost Technology Inc. (“Digihost”) to advance the transition to carbon-free energy at Digihost’s 60-megawatt power plant in upstate New York. As part of our collaboration, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025 to support the planning and execution of the project, which will include regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development and stakeholder engagement.

 

Immediately after our collaboration, on December 16, 2024, we and Digihost made a joint response submission to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)’s Request for Information (RFI) concerning the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies in New York State. The RFI was initially announced by New York state on November 15, 2024, aiming to gather information and gauge market interest for increased deployment of renewables and promoting the development of advanced nuclear technology such as our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors in development.

 

In addition to these rendered services, our company is examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services. We have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have not entered into any definitive agreements with any such targets.

 

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In combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully establish and grow our own consultation business, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our nearer term revenue prospects. Moreover, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These estimates are inherently subject to significant risks and change due to unforeseen circumstances, operational challenges, adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process, and other factors beyond our control. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.

 

The U.S. Nuclear Energy Market

 

According to the FACT SHEET: President Biden Sets 2030 Greenhouse Gas Pollution Reduction Target Aimed at Creating Good-Paying Union Jobs and Securing U.S. Leadership on Clean Energy Technologies published by the White House in 2021, the United States has taken numerous steps in recent years to reduce its dependence on carbon-emitting energy sources. The U.S. had previously set a goal to reach a 100% carbon pollution-free electricity system by 2035, and President Biden set a target of a 50 to 52% reduction from 2005 levels in economy-wide net greenhouse gas pollution by 2030, underlining the Biden administration’s desire for new energy solutions which are at the core of our business plans. Additionally, the “net zero world” initiative signals the U.S.’s proactive stance in working with countries to lead a global transition to net zero emissions by 2050. While it remains unclear how the Trump administration will view the net world zero initiative, it has already voiced support for the advanced reactor industry and declared its intention to support the build back of the nuclear industry in the United States.

 

According to an article titled “NEI Survey Shows Even More Interest in Nuclear After Major Policy Actions” released on NEI.org in 2023, in the face of these evolving energy needs, the utility companies that are members of the Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) are targeting a role for more than 90 gigawatts of nuclear power in support of their decarbonization goals. According to an article titled “U.S. nuclear electricity generation continues to decline as more reactors retire” released on the website of U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) in 2022, while the share of U.S. electricity generated by nuclear energy across all sectors in 2021 was similar to its average share of 19% in the previous decade, its average annual capacity factor remained fixed at 92.7% that same year. By comparison, solar photovoltaics’ annual capacity factor was 24.6% in the same year, while coal’s capacity reached just 49.3%. Further, fuel costs for nuclear versus fossil steam in 2022 were recorded to be just $0.61 per kilowatt hour versus $2.46 per kilowatt hour respectively.

 

According to an article titled “A New Reckoning for Nuclear Energy” released on theatlantic.com in December 2024, the nuclear energy sector is experiencing a revival marked by increased capacity, supportive legislation, and substantial investments from tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. These developments underscore nuclear energy’s role in potentially delivering abundant, reliable, emissions-free electricity, crucial for combating climate change.

 

According to an article titled “Biden administration sets plan to triple US nuclear energy capacity by 2050” released on utilitydive.com in November 2024, the Biden administration has laid out an ambitious roadmap to at least triple U.S. nuclear power capacity by 2050, targeting the addition of 200 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity to address rising energy demands and achieve net-zero emissions. This initiative is supported by legislative measures, including the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act, signed into law in July 2024, which streamlines regulatory processes and promotes advanced nuclear technologies.

 

Additionally, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 allocates $6 billion to preserve America’s clean nuclear energy infrastructure and $2.4 billion for advanced nuclear reactors, enhancing the sector’s financial stability.

 

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According to a 2023 published McKinsey Report titled “What will it take for nuclear power to meet the climate challenge?”, up to 800 gigawatts of new nuclear power could be necessary to meet net-zero targets. In estimating the nuclear power needed to support the energy transition, we used techno-economic grid modelling to project the overall power mix by 2050. Our scenario—based on “Further Acceleration” estimates from a report titled “Global Energy Perspective 2022” released by McKinsey in 2022 for global energy mix, as well as anticipated supply and demand for power—accounts for potential constraints on scale-up in renewables, such as scarcity of land, raw materials, and transmission limitations. Although our scenario does not rely on a full analysis of grid models and energy-transition scenarios, it does estimate roughly how much additional dispatchable, low-carbon generation will be needed to meet net-zero targets. Modelling reveals that the energy transition could require an additional 400 to 800 gigawatts of new nuclear energy—which could represent up to 10 to 20 percent of future global electricity demand—to meet the need for dispatchable power (that is, not wind and solar) by 2050. 800 gigawatts of net additional nuclear capacity would triple the current nuclear capacity of 413 gigawatts and would require approximately 1,000 gigawatts to be generated by new nuclear facilities, as between 100 gigawatts to 250 gigawatts of current capacity will need to also be replaced. This represents a very large market for our proposed microreactors to participate in, with even a small amount of market share capture leading to significant revenue generating opportunities for our company.

 

Our Vision, Market Opportunity and Key Government Support

 

We believe our achievements to date and our business plans are positioning our company to be a leading participant in the U.S. nuclear industry through simultaneously rebuilding and introducing national capabilities to drive the resurgent nuclear energy industry. We further believe that our timing and approach into the industry have been optimal, with insight into national capability deficiencies and an understanding of the difficulties faced by other commercial nuclear energy, particularly microreactor, companies. Almost all microreactor companies have advanced using funds acquired from government grants or awards. Even with private funding, they have been stifled by lack of investor interest because of the long return timelines and high risks.

 

Despite the early stage of our company, we believe we are competitively differentiated in many ways.

 

  Non-Dependent on Government Funding. Most SMR and microreactor companies are reliant on government grants and financing to progress their concepts. Consequently, their progress can cease once government funding is not available. Currently, we do not rely on government funding to sustain our business operations, though we have already received government grants. While we will seek available government funding opportunities in the future, the absence of government support does not impede our progress in advancing our research, business, or technological developments. Our leadership team possesses extensive experience in successfully securing funding from both private and public sources. Additionally, our investor base includes capital from industry professionals who recognize the immense potential of our company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, our limited operating history and early stage of business makes an evaluation of our business and prospects very difficult, we have a new and unproven technologies and will need to raise additional capital to implement our business plans.
     
  Industry Investors. Our investor base includes a large component of capital raised from nuclear industry professionals who have reviewed our plans, concepts, and technologies, and found our company to have enormous potential. The high proportion of investment from experts in the industry has been an endorsement that has provided investors without a nuclear background with the confidence to invest.

 

  Technical Insight. On the technical front, we have benefited from insight into the problems which affected earlier movers within the nuclear technology space. Large SMR companies have raised billions of dollars for development but have been stalled by the lag in developing or acquiring the fuel necessary to advance their reactors. This led to our investigations into de-risking our own fuel supply by pursuing development and investment into our own fuel processing facility, as well as using more conventional fuel with greater operational history. We believe we have identified certain problems affecting the industry and we are taking early action to surmount potential roadblocks. Our new and unproven technologies will necessitate a significant infusion of additional capital for successful deployment in future. This imperative business requirement has influenced our strategic decision to diversify our operations, with the aim of establishing nearer term revenue streams which we are seeking to initiate prior to the anticipated commercial launch of microreactor technology.
     
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Government Contacts. During 2024, individuals with high placed government service and contacts joined our company. These include (i) John G. Vonglis, the former Chief Financial Officer of the DOE, who joined as our Executive Director of Global Government Affairs, (ii) Eric R. Oesterle, a former Branch Chief for Operating Reactor Licensing at the NRC, who joined as our Head of Microreactor Regulatory Licensing and (iii) David Tiktinsky, a forty year veteran of the NRC, who joined as our Head of Nuclear Regulatory Licensing. In addition, a number of former high-ranking military and government officials with significant experience in nuclear energy sit on our Executive Advisory Board. Our recruitment efforts were complemented by bringing in experts involved in every major part of the nuclear industry, from regulation to laboratories, to technical teams. We believe we will benefit from those government contacts as our company will be afforded access to highly skilled personnel possessing advanced expertise in the energy and nuclear sectors. We expect these individuals to provide support and services to us, thereby facilitating the progression of our ambitions and projects. Furthermore, given the nuclear industry has been comprehensively intertwined with government agencies, the value of access to government and regulatory personnel cannot be overstated. These contacts provide guidance and insights to us, informing us of both conventional and unconventional challenges that warrant our consideration. Such guidance is an invaluable resource, fortifying our endeavors to systematically mitigate risks associated with our business operations.

     
  World Class Team. Our technical team is world class, with simple and realizable reactor concepts that do not require exotic fuels and who are aware of all the difficulties faced by almost every other reactor company who has chosen alternative designs. Our team has a deep knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements surrounding safety, transportation, and decommissioning, and our designs have incorporated all these considerations from the outset.

 

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We believe that the U.S. government is increasingly showing strong support for nuclear energy through various initiatives aimed at advancing nuclear technology, all of which further our business plans and opportunities. This support has taken various forms, as detailed below. Aside from the support for existing nuclear capabilities, all of these initiatives have the potential directly or indirectly to benefit and support our company.

 

  ADVANCE Act. In July 2024, President Biden signed the Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act, which passed Congress with overwhelming bipartisan support. Among a host of other transformative actions, the ADVANCE Act includes numerous benefits to the nuclear microreactor segment where we operate. For instance, it requires the NRC to report to Congress within 9 months on the particular licensing requirements for advanced reactor operations, non-electric uses, and co-location with industrial facilities. Within 18 months, the NRC is mandated to implement specific licensing strategies for microreactors, considering their special characteristics and regulatory aspects such as staffing, security, and transportation. These mandates are expected to help provide clarity and more certainty to the nuclear licensing process for companies like ours. The ADVANCE Act also aims to streamline the DOE’s process for approving the export of American technology while maintaining strong nuclear non-proliferation standards. It also seeks to update outdated rules that restrict international investment in the U.S. nuclear energy sector, empowering this market to grow and foster innovation. These initiatives could transform the regulatory pathway for our company, potentially reducing costs and resistance, and accelerating the commercialization of its advanced nuclear technology solutions. On a broader scale, the ADVANCE Act lays the foundation for next-generation advanced nuclear energy solutions by dedicating significant investments to expand domestic uranium enrichment capacity and ensuring a steady supply of the HALEU which is essential for advanced reactors.
     
  Advanced Reactor Development. The DOE has been actively supporting the development of advanced nuclear reactor technologies. Through programs like the Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program (ARDP) and the Advanced Reactor Concepts (ARC) program, the U.S. government is providing funding to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation nuclear reactors like our proposed microreactors that are safer, more efficient, and produce less waste.
     
   ● Nuclear Energy Innovation and Modernization Act (NEIMA). Signed into law in January 2019, this federal legislation aims to streamline the regulatory process for advanced nuclear reactors, making it easier for companies to develop and deploy new nuclear technologies in the United States.
     
  Loan Guarantees. The U.S. government has provided loan guarantees to support the construction of new nuclear power plants. These guarantees help reduce the financial risk associated with building nuclear facilities and encourage private investment in nuclear energy projects.
     
  Nuclear Energy Research and Development Funding. The DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy (ONE) provides funding for research and development projects related to nuclear energy. This includes research on advanced reactor technologies, nuclear fuel cycle options, and innovations in nuclear waste management. While we have not yet taken advantage of government funding, we plan to seek such funding in the future should an appropriate opportunity arise.
     
  Public-Private Partnerships. The U.S. government has encouraged collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance nuclear technology. Initiatives like the GAIN voucher help connect industry partners with national laboratories and expertise to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Our collaboration with INL is an example of this trend. In September 2024, we announced that the DOE granted us a voucher award for the independent assessment of our novel heat exchanger concept for an open-air Brayton cycle in collaboration with INL. The heat exchanger concept provides a turnkey solution for our ZEUS microreactor in development.
     
  Support for Existing Nuclear Fleet. The U.S. government recognizes the importance of maintaining the existing fleet of nuclear power plants, which provide a significant portion of the nation’s carbon-free electricity. Various measures have been proposed and implemented to ensure the economic viability of these plants and prevent premature closures.
     
  Nuclear Energy Export Initiatives. The U.S. government has been working to promote the export of American nuclear technology and expertise to other countries. This supports global efforts to decarbonize energy systems and strengthen international partnerships in the nuclear energy sector.
     
  Department of Energy Non-Defense Programs for Nuclear Energy and Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. In the federal government’s fiscal 2023 budget, $1.7 billion was allocated for the Office of Nuclear Energy, (NE), and $62 billion was allocated to the DOE over a five-year period to deliver a more equitable clean energy future. A further $892 million was allocated to support research and carbon development for carbon management technologies.

 

Our Competitive Strengths

 

We believe we have the following competitive strengths relating to our various business lines:

 

Microreactor Business

 

Unlike other nuclear reactor companies, we are seeking to become a vertically integrated company with multiple streams of revenue, a diversified business to hedge against market changes, and greater control over industries supporting microreactor development, such as nuclear fuel and transportation. Our diversified business model will make us highly differentiated from other reactor companies.

 

Though our reactor designs were selected for specific markets, the type of reactor we are developing brings great advantages to our business. We are focusing on the 1-1.5 megawatt electric (or Mwe) power outputs, currently no advanced reactor design has reached prototype stage within this commercial space. The more developed concepts and reactor companies are almost all catering to different markets, namely civil nuclear power for large cities and towns. The microreactor space by comparison is relatively undeveloped, with no organizations demonstrably ahead in development.

 

We believe we have an expertise advantage over other companies developing microreactors, as we can recruit the best scientists, engineers and professionals in the world from any country or institution, without being constrained by the available personnel located within certain academic and professional institutions. We had the fortune to connect with professors and scientists from around the world, with the opportunity to work freely on entirely funded projects, with few constraints, drawing from their specializations and expert areas. The technical personnel involved in the current design of our reactors have been involved with the design and development of dozens of different reactors. In addition, as described below under “Intellectual Property”, we recently acquired a nuclear reactor cooling technology that we believe will give our microreactor designs a competitive advantage.

 

Fuel Processing Business

 

We believe, based on our market research, that no SMR and microreactor company is currently developing an integrated non-TRISO CAT II fuel supply chain to produce fuel for their reactors. Our strategy to create the fuel for our own reactors will also position us to supply fuel to the wider nuclear industry and other reactor manufacturers, addressing anticipated significant shortfalls in fuel supply.

 

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A CAT III facility allows for the processing and handling of U235 up to 10% U235 enrichment, there are currently three groups in the U.S. authorized to operate a CAT III facility. A CAT II facility allows for the processing and handling of U235 up to 20% U235 enrichment. We believe, based on our market research, that we are progressing towards being the only non-TRISO CAT II facility operator in the country, giving our business an enormous competitive advantage for both reactor development and establishing multiple sources of future revenue to de-risk our company. Currently, we believe, based on our market research, that no SMR or microreactor has any sales revenue, inhibiting the ability for any reactor company to progress, we are building a different and more robust business model.

 

Fuel Transportation Business

 

We identified a transportation concept which investigated a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design, which has been developed by INL, ORNL and PNNL, and funded by the DOE. The technology was developed around a licensed third-party cask technology to create a full HALEU transportation package, which provided the most advanced solution we identified to address the technological challenge of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. The development of this concept had not been continued by the DOE due to lack of funding. On April 3, 2024, we entered into the BEA License with BEA for this nuclear fuel transportation package, and have been working with the groups capable of aiding us in the development of the concept into a NRC certified and transportation package for the transportation of HALEU materials.

 

To provide our company further advantage in the fuel transportation space, we recruited two former executives from UPS, the world’s largest shipping company, as our consultants who are assisting us in developing a North American transportation company using our licensed or developed technology to deliver (subject to applicable government licensing and certification) fuel for a wide customer base, including SMR and microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs.

 

Our Challenges

 

We are a young company seeking to develop and launch an integrated nuclear energy business. Our efforts face and will continue to face many significant challenges, as our business involves complex nuclear technology, regulatory hurdles, and rapidly shifting market dynamics. These challenges include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses for nuclear reactors, facilities and transportation capabilities is time-consuming and expensive. Microreactors must meet stringent safety and environmental standards, and gaining regulatory approval can be a lengthy endeavor. Additionally, ensuring the safety of a microreactor throughout its lifecycle is paramount. Developing, implementing, and maintaining robust safety systems and protocols are critical challenges. Implementing robust security measures to protect against theft, sabotage, or unauthorized access is also critical for both regulatory compliance and public safety.
     
  Building and operating a microreactor is very capital-intensive. Securing the necessary significant funding and managing costs, including but not limited to operational and maintenance costs, are ongoing challenges for our business.
     
  The political and regulatory landscape can change, impacting the stability and viability of nuclear projects. International agreements and geopolitical factors can also affect nuclear technology access and export.

 

Competition

 

Our competitors (nearly all of which are significantly larger and have more cash resources than we do) are other power generation systems which provide energy within the 1Mwe-1.5Mwe range. This competition includes fossil fuel power generating units, renewables, long duration storage and other nuclear reactors, including other microreactors. However, as described above in “Competitive Strengths”, we believe we are positioned better than our competition to emerge as a leading supplier of carbon-free round the clock energy generation.

 

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Traditional Energy Sources

 

According to the Statistical Review of World Energy 2024, fossil fuels, comprising oil, coal, and natural gas, accounted for approximately 80% of global energy consumption in 2023. Those traditional energy resources are carbon-intensive, and we expect them to largely be replaced with carbon-free energy over time. Traditional large-scale nuclear power plants, while carbon-free, require significant upfront capital expenditures, have a history of extensive construction times, complex safety systems and do not have business cases apart from utility-scale generation. We believe our carbon-free microreactor technology possesses all the positive attributes of traditional baseload energy and addresses many of the flaws of traditional nuclear power plants, such as large upfront capital costs.

 

Renewables

 

According to an article titled “More Than 40% of World’s Electricity Came From Zero-Carbon Sources in 2023” released on Wall Street Journal in August 2024, renewable energy sources like wind and solar made up approximately 17% of total electricity generation, and hydroelectric and nuclear power contributed 24%. Although these sources generate carbon-free power, except for nuclear power, wind and solar are highly intermittent and non-dispatchable, and hydroelectric is seasonal and subject to curtailment. Additionally, since renewables are weather-dependent, they are too unreliable to support certain end-use cases, including mission-critical applications or industrial applications that require extensive on-site, always-available power. Due to their innovative design SMRs and microreactors, such as the VOYGR plant design by NuScale Energy Corporation (NYSE:SMR) (NuScale), can operate as baseload generation, load-follow renewables and/or support key industrial applications.

 

Other Advanced Nuclear Reactors

 

There are several reactor technologies that are in various stages of development, such as high temperature gas-cooled reactors, fast reactors, molten salt reactors, fusion technologies, and others, and commercial SMRs are currently operating in China and Russia. These technologies, like ours, are designed to be clean, safe, and highly reliable. However, these technologies have not received regulatory approval in the United States, and many of the technologies do not have the fuel supply infrastructure necessary to succeed. Currently, we believe, based on our market research, that there are no microreactor prototypes, and no other SMR companies other than NuScale – which caters to a different market than our planned market, has a licensed advance reactor.

 

Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre Collaboration

 

In accordance with observed market trends and the surging global demand for nuclear personnel, combined with a shortage of suitably nuclear qualified individuals, we have partnered with Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, part of the University of Cambridge, to develop a series of nuclear teaching programs to educate the next generation of qualified nuclear individuals capable of facilitating the growing demand and interest in nuclear energy.

 

Together with the Chair of Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, we will design and provide Master’s and Doctorate programs in Nuclear Energy science, physics and engineering related disciplines, to graduate competent engineers and physicists ready for practical deployment to industry, academia, and research and development destinations. The courses will be designed to provide the candidates with practical learning which can be usefully applied to the current nuclear environment and state of industry.

 

Our strategy includes the employment of graduating personnel upon completion of their programs, to provide further value to our reactor programs, our fuel processing business, and our business services practice. The programs will serve to provide our company with a stream of individuals competent in nuclear science and engineering, at a time when personnel are increasingly difficult to source; mitigating against potential insufficient staffing caused by the labor demand. Concurrently, we expect to be able to provide our graduates with global and dynamic work opportunities which rival and exceed any other company involved within the nuclear energy space, assisting to retain and attract the best personnel.

 

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Intellectual Property

 

BEA License

 

On April 3, 2024, we entered into a BEA License with Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, the manager of the INL (BEA), and have been working with the groups capable of aiding us in the development of the concept into a governmentally certificated and licensed product proficient in the transportation of enriched fuels.

 

Pursuant to the BEA License, we received an exclusive, royalty-bearing license from BEA for a U.S. patent that can be used worldwide related to devices and systems used for HALEU transportation. The BEA License grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for the use of this patent and the licensor is not permitted to license the patent to any other parties within the specified scope. As part of the BEA License, we agreed to pay BEA royalties on net worldwide sales and any sublicense worldwide sales related to the use of this patent as well as certain licensing payments. We also agreed to meet specific performance milestones related to HALEU fuel transportation within the first 48 months of the agreement’s effective date. Under the BEA License, we are obligated to reimburse BEA for all costs incurred in the preparation, filing, prosecuting, and maintenance of the licensed patent. The BEA License has an indefinite term and will automatically terminate upon the expiration, abandonment, or other termination of the licensed patent covered by the BEA License.

 

The BEA License may also be terminated immediately by BEA in the event of our default on any material obligations, and we may terminate the BEA License at any time if we provide at least three months’ written notice to BEA. The BEA License contains customary representations, warranties, and indemnifications of the parties.

 

Acquisition of ALIP Technology

 

On June 21, 2024, we closed an acquisition of a novel annular linear induction pump (ALIP) intellectual property used in small nuclear reactor cooling from noted physicist, research engineer and project manager Carlos O. Maidana, PhD. of Maidana Research.

 

In connection with the transaction, Dr. Maidana has agreed to collaborate with us as a consultant on further development of the ALIP technology with a view towards achieving SBIR Phase III Award status. These efforts will build on previous DOE grants for the technology aggregating over $1.37 million in prior phases. Pursuant to a consulting agreement between us and Dr. Maidana, we will provide funding (estimated to be approximately $350,000) and other resources necessary for the Phase III project, and Dr. Maidana will be the Principal Investigator on this project.

 

The SBIR program is a federal initiative designed to support small businesses in conducting research and development with strong potential for commercialization. By funding these projects, the SBIR program aims to stimulate technological innovation and facilitate the transition of research into viable products and services. SBIR Phase I focuses on feasibility and technical merit, Phase II involves further development and prototype creation, and Phase III centers on commercialization, requiring external funding to bring the innovation to market.

 

The ALIP technology, which is based on electromagnetic (rather than moving) pumps, is a key-enabling technology to our ODIN microreactor in development. Following the previously announced completion of INL’s review of the ODIN microreactor design in February 2024, our engineers have diligently worked to identify relevant technologies to further optimize and simplify ODIN’s design. The acquired ALIP technology, to be refined during the SBIR Phase III program, is an example of this strategy in action.

 

Moreover, we believe there is significant potential for this technology to be separately commercialized within a year as a component for all salt-based coolant reactors. There are numerous advanced reactor designs which utilize salt-based coolants in fission and fusion energy industries, as well as in the advanced materials, space exploration, marine propulsion, and high-temperature and industrial process sectors.

 

The SBIR Phase III project acquired by us integrates several previous SBIR efforts, specifically:

 

  Grant Number DE-SC0019835: Development of a Small Electromagnetic Pump for Molten Salt.
     
  Grant Number DE-SC0022805: Software for Multiphysics Analysis and Design of Annular Linear Induction Pumps.
     
  Grant Number DE-SC0013992: Computational Tools for the Design of Liquid Metal Thermomagnetic Systems.

 

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As part of this transaction, Dr. Maidana assigned to us all intellectual property rights associated with the ALIP product, his work on the foregoing grants and the proposal for the SBIR Phase III program.

 

In consideration for the ALIP acquisition, we (i) issued 50,000 shares of common stock to Dr. Maidana and (ii) paid Dr. Maidana cash consideration of $50,000. Additionally, we agreed to deliver to Dr. Madana an additional (x) 50,000 shares of common stock and (y) cash consideration of $50,000, contingent upon the successful completion of SBIR Phase III project prior to June 21, 2025, without additional expense to, or funding requirement by, us.

 

ZEUS Provisional Patent

 

On March 27, 2024, we filed an application for a U.S. Provisional patent – “ZEUS” to protect certain key design considerations. In July 2024, we filed another application for a U.S. Provisional Patent to secure our newly acquired annual linear induction pump technology (ALIP). As of December 27, 2024, these two patent applications remain under review by the USPTO. Other than that, for competitive reasons, to date we have not filed for any other U.S. or international patents related to our technology and have opted to maintain such technology as a trade secret. This includes our ODIN microreactor and other technologies. However, we have been in consultation with legal counsel to discuss patenting aspects of our developed technology. In addition, we are implementing a strategy to further the research and progress of our microreactor technology to a more finalized form. We believe that developing technology more comprehensively before patenting offers several advantages that can enhance the overall value and protection of the patent. Such advantages include stronger patent claims, reduced risk of invalidity, potential increased market value, minimized prior art, strategic timing, cost savings, better understanding of applications, and trade secrets protection. We plan to file utility or design patents for ZEUS and ODIN microreactors before March 27, 2025.

 

Overall, we believe developing technology more comprehensively before patenting it provides our company with certain potential strategic advantages. However, we will balance the advantages of comprehensive development with the risk of potential delays in securing patent protection. We will continue to consult qualified intellectual property counsel so we can make informed decisions regarding the timing of patent filings and the overall protection strategy.

 

As of December 27, 2024, we have one trademark application “Smaller, Cheaper and Safer” on class 11, pending approval from the United States Patent and Trademark office, and one domain name.

 

Acquisition of USNC Assets – Patented MMR® Energy System and Pylon Reactor Technology

 

On December 18, 2024, we entered into the USNC Agreement with USNC to acquire select nuclear energy technology assets, including USNC’s micro modular nuclear reactor business marketed as a MMR Energy System, and transportable fission power system technology business marketed as a Pylon Transportable Reactor Platform, including certain contracts, intellectual property rights, demonstration projects and the equity interests of two non-U.S. entities.

 

The MMR Energy System is a zero-carbon nuclear power plant, integrating one or several standardized micro reactors with a heat storage unit and the adjacent plant for power conversion and utilization. The system, which is under development, could be used to provide carbon-free, high-quality process heat for co-located industrial applications, and for high-efficiency hydrogen production. The MMR Energy System compliments our own ‘ZEUS’ and “ODIN’ microreactors in development. However, whereas ‘ZEUS’ and “ODIN’ are being designed to be portable and produce 1 to 1.5 megawatts thermal (“MWth”) of power, the MMR Energy System is stationary and designed to produce power up to 45 MWth, opening additional potential markets to us. The MMR Energy System is being demonstrated at the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories with Ontario Power Generation and at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was also the first small modular reactor to enter the formal licensing review phase with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

 

The Pylon reactor is a compact nuclear reactor designed for versatility in application and deployment. It is designed to provide between 1 MWth and 5MWth of power and can be integrated with modular balance of plants tailored to specific applications including remote terrestrial, marine, and space deployments. The Pylon reactor is scheduled to be demonstrated at the Idaho National Laboratory’s DOME facility by 2027, following USNC’s selection for the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) Front-End Engineering program.

 

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The newly acquired technologies align closely with our intended uses for ZEUS and ODIN, which are designed for remote, industrial, infrastructural, maritime, and extra-terrestrial applications, including large-scale data and artificial intelligence centers and other energy-intensive operations, positioning us to capitalize on growing financial investment and societal momentum driving advanced nuclear energy technologies on a global scale. We will leverage our world-class technical team to analyze and optimize these technologies, key components, and intellectual property, before integrating them into its operational frameworks and ongoing innovation efforts. We also intend to build upon and strengthen the extensive industry relationships that USNC established during its operations. This includes collaboration with the U.K. government on the MMR reactor under a cost-share program and ensuring continuity in licensing, regulatory, and grant-related efforts wherever feasible. The acquired technology will also enable us to refine and better tailor our offerings within previously announced collaborations and partnerships, including ongoing initiatives.

 

Insurance

 

We currently have director & officer liability insurance for our officers and certain directors. We do not carry any key-man life insurance, business liability and other professional liability insurance. Neither have we purchased any property insurance or business interruption insurance. Even if we purchase these kinds of insurance, the insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against product liability or professional liability claims that may occur in future. As we are still at the development stage and we have not produced any products yet, we have determined that our current insurance coverage is sufficient for our business operations in the U.S.

 

Research and Development

 

As of December 27, 2024, our team has spent approximately 2.8 years on research and development and invested over an aggregate of approximately $5.4 million on research and development related to ZEUS and ODIN to develop this technology. Prior to forming our company in 2022, our technical teams were involved in microreactor research and development which has helped accelerate the development of our microreactors. Our current research and development efforts are centered on optimizing reactor dimensions, material compositions, simplifying mechanical systems, and lowering the lifecycle cost of our microreactors and supporting future licensing by the NRC. Our team is also involved in developing new innovative technologies that will represent future business endeavors, such as fuel processing and fuel transportation.

 

Our research and development team has nearly 150 years of collective experience related to nuclear energy and reactor design, involving scientists and engineers from the University of Berkeley, California, and the University of Cambridge.

 

On February 14, 2023, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement with INL for an Expert Review Panel of our ZEUS microreactor design. The SPP agreement is managed by BEA for the DOE. Over a 6-month period, INL reviewed our ZEUS-related technical information related to reactor design, siting, fuel, and decommissioning strategy and organized a Panel Review Workshop to discuss numerous areas of the design. This review panel not only provided recommendations on the current design but also outlined a path forward for further design and collaboration between us and INL.

 

In addition, we have been awarded 200 hours of subject matter expert (SME) support at INL as part of the National Reactor Innovation Center (NRIC) Resource Team program. NRIC accelerates the demonstration and deployment of advanced nuclear energy through its mission to inspire stakeholders and the public, empower innovators, and deliver successful outcomes. They are charged with and committed to demonstrating advanced reactors by the end of 2025. The work carried out focused on delivering a thermal-hydraulics model to study the temperature in our ZEUS reactor core as well as the thermal efficiency of the system, a Monte-Carlo model to study criticality and reactivity coefficients in the reactor core during depletion, and an optimized version of the reactor core including thermal-hydraulics and neutronics.

 

In the future, we expect our research and development expenses to increase significantly as we continue to accelerate the development of our products, services, and technologies.

 

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Material Agreements and Current Memoranda of Understanding

 

Services Agreement by and between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and Cambridge AtomWorks (2024) Limited (“Cambridge AtomWorks”)

 

On August 2, 2023, we entered into a services agreement with Cambridge AtomWorks LLP, which was replaced on July 29, 2024 with an updated services agreement with Cambridge AtomWorks (2024) Limited (or Cambridge AtomWorks). Through Cambridge AtomWorks, our ODIN development team, led by Ian Farnan and Eugene Schwageraus, provide services to us related to our ODIN microreactor in development. Pursuant to the 2023 agreement, Cambridge AtomWorks conducted a conceptual design feasibility study that analyzed the main design parameters of the ODIN microreactor and the proposed materials used to construct a power plant. These activities have been substantially completed, which led to the execution of the 2024 agreement with AtomWorks.

 

The responsibilities of Cambridge AtomWorks under the 2024 agreement include progressing the development of the ODIN reactor beyond the conceptual stage to achieve the various intermediate stages of development including, but not limited to, those related to optimizing key system components and functions, with the goal of advancing the ODIN design to be in the position to begin the formal regulatory application process. The 2024 agreement with Cambridge AtomWorks, like its predecessor agreement, contains customary data security and privacy, confidentiality, indemnification, and intellectual property covenants.

 

In consideration of the services provided, we will pay Cambridge AtomWorks up to $4,864,567 in fees and expense reimbursements. These fees are to be paid over a two-year term and are based on specific activities that Cambridge AtomWorks must perform. The 2024 agreement expires two years from the effective date, or until July 25, 2026, whichever is later. During the year ended September 30, 2024, we paid approximately $586,000 to Cambridge AtomWorks.

 

Memorandum of Understanding by and between Centrus and HALEU Energy

 

On March 30, 2023, our subsidiary HALEU Energy entered into a memorandum of understanding with Centrus. Pursuant to this agreement, both parties will explore the possibility of Centrus providing High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) to HALEU Energy, as needed, to support HALEU Energy’s research, development, and commercialization efforts, for fuel qualification, for our initial test reactor cores and our commercial variant micro reactors. The parties will also (i) explore the compatibility of HALEU Energy’s engineering and technical needs, and Centrus’ technical and manufacturing capabilities to satisfy those engineering and technical needs; (ii) explore Centrus providing engineering and/or advanced manufacturing services to HALEU Energy; and (iii) explore Centrus providing consulting services to HALEU Energy in the areas of fabrication, deconversion, regulatory and licensing, and transportation.

 

This is a nonbinding and nonexclusive relationship and has customary covenants regarding confidentiality. The term of this agreement ends on December 31, 2025, and may be extended prior to its expiration by mutual agreement of the parties.

 

Strategic Partnership Project Agreement No. 23SP817 between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and BEA

 

On February 14, 2023, we entered into a Strategic Partnership Project (SPP) agreement with BEA. Pursuant to the SPP agreement, BEA is the management and operating contractor of the INL and is operating as a contractor for the DOE. The purpose of the SPP agreement is to establish an expert design panel for our ZEUS microreactor design. This review panel will provide recommendations for the current reactor design and outline a path forward for further design and collaboration between BEA and us. The estimated period of performance for completion of the statement of work (“SOW”) outlined in the SPP agreement was six months from the effective date of this SPP agreement (the later of the date signed by the last signatory or the date on which BEA received advance funding from Nano).

 

On December 6, 2023, we entered into an amendment to the SPP agreement with BEA, pursuant to which the estimated timeline for completion of the SOW was extended from July 6, 2023 through January 3, 2025 and the term of the SPP agreement may be extended by mutual written agreement of both us and BEA. We expect to seek to extend the term of the SPP in light of the Memorandum of Understanding we signed in December 2024 with DOE as described further below.

 

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Services Agreement between Nano Nuclear Energy Inc. and Nuclear Education and Engineering Consulting LLC (“NEEC”)

 

On January 19, 2024, we entered into a services agreement with NEEC, effective on January 15, 2024. Pursuant to the NEEC agreement, NEEC will support the design and development of a solid core 1 Mwe nuclear reactor according to certain high-level objectives established by us, and in return, NEEC is entitled to a monthly fee of $80,000 or less depending on the workload. The NEEC agreement contains customary provisions regarding confidentiality, indemnification, data security, and privacy. The NEEC agreement will expire two years from January 15, 2024 and may be terminated sooner by either party in the event that the other party is in breach, and it may be terminated with or without cause by NEEC upon thirty days’ written notice to us.

 

Memorandum of Understanding with Everstar

 

In July 2024, we signed a memorandum of understanding with Everstar Inc. to explore the potential of leveraging Everstar’s developing suite of artificial intelligence driven advisory and technology solutions to modernize the regulatory licensing process for our fabrication, deconversion, transportation and microreactor development projects.

 

Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda Atomic Energy Board

 

In August 2024, we announced that we had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB). This memorandum establishes a framework under which we will work alongside the RAEB to facilitate the introduction and eventual integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, like our ZEUS and ODIN, throughout the Republic of Rwanda. We will also be responsible for enabling the development of the country’s entire ecosystem of nuclear energy systems. This includes providing technical assistance, training and educational programs to develop Rwanda’s technical expertise in the nuclear energy industry.

 

Memorandum of Understanding with Vert2Grow Energy Solutions

 

In November 2024, we announced that we had signed a memorandum of understanding with Vancouver-based start-up Vert2Grow Energy Solutions Inc. (Vert2Grow). Vert2Grow utilizes vertical farming technology provided by Food Security Structures Canada (FSSC). Under this memorandum, we and Vert2Grow aim to explore the integration of our portable microreactor technology with the innovative vertical farming solutions of Vert2Grow and its technology partner FSSC to deliver sustainable power and food production capabilities to remote communities worldwide. The memorandum establishes an initial, two-year exploration period and seeks to address the pressing challenges faced by remote and underserved areas, where access to reliable energy and food supply is limited. By leveraging our advanced reactor systems in development and FSSC’s proprietary controlled-environment agriculture technology, the collaboration will develop a comprehensive framework to deliver innovative solutions that can transform isolated communities, disaster-prone regions, and industrial sites and may eventuate in the execution of one or more definitive agreements between the parties. The collaboration’s initial scope of work over the next several years includes feasibility studies, site selection, pilot project implementation, and community engagement and training.

 

Founded in 2019, FSSC specializes in pioneering vertical farming systems that are designed for scalability, operational efficiency, and resilience. With advanced automation, energy-efficient lighting, and climate control technologies, FSSC’s growing system enables year-round, high-yield food production in challenging environments.

 

Memorandum of Understanding with the DOE Regarding ZEUS and ODIN

 

On December 4, 2024, we announced our execution of a memorandum of understanding with the Idaho Operations Office of the DOE setting forth a framework for the collaboration between our company and the DOE to evaluate the feasibility of siting, construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors at INL Through this memorandum, we will work with the DOE and BEA to progress the development, siting, and eventual testing of our innovative microreactor designs. The memorandum outlines several core activities, such as site evaluations, support of our NRC licensing activities, and the development of operational and security plans, including hazardous material management. We will collaborate with the DOE to assess the suitability of INL’s infrastructure and secure appropriate land-use agreements for supporting the experimental reactors, focusing on site selection, feasibility studies, and thorough security and emergency planning. Each party will be responsible for its own costs, as specified in the memorandum. The memorandum also includes provisions for regulatory coordination, communication strategies, and efforts to ensure environmental compliance under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), with both parties committed to adhering to all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

 

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Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Togolese Republic

 

On December 5, 2024, we announced that we had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Togolese Republic. The memorandum establishes a framework under which we will collaborate with the Togolese government to advance the development and deployment of nuclear reactors, fuel facilities and nuclear material transportation within the territory of Togo. The collaboration aims to supplement Togo’s national energy initiatives with advanced nuclear technologies, including microreactors like our ZEUS and ODIN microreactors, and build a more robust energy ecosystem. Under this memorandum, we will be responsible for evaluating the specific regional needs for energy systems that can support remote mines, industries, data centers, towns, hospitals, and desalination plants throughout the country, without the need to connect to the national grid. In turn, the Togolese government will support our licensing and implementation efforts in Togo, ensuring that the projects meet all international safety, non-proliferation and best practices.

 

Memorandum of Understanding with Digihost

 

On December 12, 2024, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with Digihost to advance the transition to carbon-free energy at Digihost’s 60-megawatt power plant in upstate New York. This strategic collaboration leverages our cutting-edge advanced nuclear reactor technologies in development to provide clean, reliable, and scalable energy for Digihost’s high-tech operations, including AI-driven data centers and digital asset colocation programs. The collaboration signifies a pivotal step toward zero-emission energy solutions for Digihost by transitioning its existing power infrastructure to leverage advanced nuclear energy, enabling us to offer practical strategies and innovative solutions to address energy challenges faced by industries within the state of New York. In the interim, we will assist in optimizing Digihost’s existing gas power infrastructure to ensure energy stability while nuclear deployment is developed.

 

As part of the collaboration, we will also provide consulting services to Digihost to support the planning and execution of the project, which will include regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development and stakeholder engagement. The project’s timeline aligns with our overall expectations for licensing and deployment, with reactor integration within Digihost’s operations targeted for 2031. Before deployment, we and Digihost will conduct a comprehensive site assessment of Digihost’s location, initiate site preparations and develop a comprehensive, phased implementation strategy, collaborate on the design, construction, testing, and commissioning of an advanced microreactor power system, and work together on regulatory and licensing activities. This memorandum is non-binding, and we will look to further memorialize our collaboration with Digihost through definitive agreements in the future.

 

Government Regulation

 

Microreactor Business

 

Nuclear Safety Regulation. The commercial use of nuclear technology is regulated in all countries, and approval from national regulatory bodies is required for the design, construction, and operation of nuclear plants, including our proposed microreactors. Nuclear safety regulators primarily consider the safety and robustness of designs of nuclear plants against applicable internal hazards (e.g., component failures and fires) and external hazards (e.g., earthquakes and weather loads such as snow, rain and wind), and also consider the environmental impacts of construction and operations (e.g., water use and preservation of historical sites and animal and plant species) of nuclear plants. Nuclear safety regulation must be addressed on a country-by-country basis, although regulators may collaborate when a design is deployed in multiple countries.

 

Our microreactor licensing strategy includes two primary goals: (1) obtain regulatory approval using the most efficient licensing pathway by engaging the regulator early and developing a complete and high-quality application; and (2) maintain a standard design for our microreactor in as many markets as possible by pursuing NRC Standard Design Certification that can be completely referenced in customer license applications.

 

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Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval in the United States. For a nuclear plant to be constructed and operated in the United States, an applicant must develop and submit either a construction permit application followed by an operating license application in accordance with 10 CFR Part 50 or submit a combined license application in accordance with 10 CFR Part 52. An applicant utilizing either licensing pathway can incorporate by reference a design certification thus limiting the scope of its license application to site-specific information and operational programs. A customer desiring to construct and operate one of our ZEUS or ODIN microreactors can increase the efficiency of NRC regulatory approval by incorporating by reference the NRC standard design certification for one of our microreactors into its application. In accordance with our licensing strategy, we expect to obtain NRC approval and certification of our standard microreactor design for incorporation by reference into prospective customer license applications. The design certification process ensures that NRC review of the design is final and that prospective customers that use our NRC standard design certification without modification will only need to support NRC review of site-specific design features (e.g., physical security systems, water intake structures, on-site emergency plan), operational programs (e.g., maintenance, emergency preparedness), and environmental impacts. Through design finality, the NRC will not re-review our microreactor design.

 

Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval Internationally. We are evaluating plans for pursuing international markets and engaging with international regulators with respect to our proposed microreactors. If we pursue markets outside of the U.S., we will assess all international regulatory requirements which may be applicable to our business.

 

Other Regulations. In addition to nuclear safety regulations, we are also subject to such other nuclear regulatory controls as nuclear material safeguards and non-proliferation restrictions, and liability insurance regimes (e.g., Price-Andersen Act, the 1960 Paris Convention, the 1963 Vienna Convention, and the 1997 Convention on Supplementary Compensation). We only plan to sell our microreactors in jurisdictions where nuclear liability is exclusively channeled to the plant operator.

 

Customers purchasing our microreactors must also obtain the permits, licenses, and insurance required for the jurisdiction where the facility will be located. In the U.S., a nuclear plant developer must obtain an NRC construction permit and operating license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 or a combined construction and operating license issued pursuant to 10 CFR Part 52. Other U.S. federal permits or licenses required for a nuclear plant may include those issued by the Army Corps of Engineers; the Federal Aviation Administration; the U.S. Department of Transportation; and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. State or local regulators may also require permits or licenses for a nuclear plant, including a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Construction Activities and to Construct a Sanitary Wastewater, Wastewater Treatment facility; Section 401 Water Quality Certification; Well Permits; Solid Waste Handling Permit; and appropriate building permits.

 

Export Controls. Our microreactor business is subject to, and complies with, stringent U.S. import and export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulations from the Bureau of Industry and Security which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and regulations issued by the DOE. The regulations exist to advance the national security and foreign policy interests of the U.S. and to further its nonproliferation policies. Nuclear technology, also known as technical data, is controlled by 10 CFR Part 810, under the regulations of the DOE. Nuclear hardware and codes specifically designed or modified for use in a nuclear reactor are controlled by the NRC under 10 CFR Part 110. We will work to ensure that strict internal control and measures are implemented to comply with export control regulations. Appendix A to 10 CFR Part 810 provides a list of countries that are considered Generally Authorized meaning they are considered to be non-sensitive. Countries not on this list are required to be specifically authorized prior to sharing any nuclear technology. Under Part 110, the NRC regulates the export or import of nuclear hardware, material and code, following the same sensitive countries versus non sensitive countries’ regulatory structure embedded in 10 CFR Part 810.

 

Fuel Processing and Transportation Businesses

 

Nuclear Safety Regulation. The commercial nuclear fuel industry is heavily regulated in the United States and regulatory approval is required for the design, safety systems and operation of a nuclear fuel facility such as our proposed HALEU fuel processing facility. Nuclear safety regulators from the NRC consider safety related impacts to the facility from external events (e.g., wildfires, impacts from nearby facilities), natural phenomena hazards (e.g., seismic events, wind, snow, floods), fire protection, environmental conditions and dynamic effects associated with operations, chemical protection, emergency response, criticality control, and instrumentation and control. The facility license application must identify items relied on for safety in order to limit potential radiation and chemical related impacts to workers, the public, and the environment.

 

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A nuclear fuel facility must also consider the impacts of the facility on the environment. An environmental report will be prepared which describes the impact of constructing the facility on the environment; adverse environmental impacts that cannot be avoided; alternatives to the proposed facility construction; the relationship between short-term uses and enhancement of long-term productivity; and irreversible commitments of resources. The NRC will consider environmental impacts in its licensing decision making process. The NRC will need to make an environmental related finding of no significant impact (FONSI) prior to issuance of a license for the fuel facility.

 

Our regulatory licensing strategy is to design a HALEU nuclear fuel processing facility using proven technology, processes and safety systems and engage the NRC early in the license application development process. Our intent is to produce a high-quality application that can be reviewed and approved by the NRC in the minimum amount of time.

 

On the fuel transportation side, we are evaluating the availability and use of comprehensive nuclear material packaging. The use of NRC certified transportation packages under applicable federal rules and meeting the appropriate Department of Transportation regulatory requirements for radioactive materials are necessary for nuclear fuel shipments within the United States. Additionally, international shipping requirements which follow IAEA regulations (and those of the recipient country), are needed for any international transport of nuclear fuel.

 

Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval in the United States. In order for a nuclear fuel facility to be constructed and operated, a license application and supporting documentation needs to be prepared and submitted for review and approval by NRC. The safety basis for the facility is documented in an integrated safety analysis (ISA). An ISA is a systematic examination of the facility’s processes, equipment, structures, and personnel activities to ensure that all relevant hazards that could result in unacceptable consequences have been adequately evaluated and appropriate protective measures have been identified. NRC fuel cycle facilities are similar to chemical processing plants and ISA techniques that have been applied in the chemical industry are generally applicable to a nuclear fuel facility. A document that contains a summary of the ISA will be submitted to the NRC with the license application.

 

The license application submitted to the NRC will also include (a) an overview of the site and processes; (b) the licensees organization, (c) the ISA methodology to be used, (d) a radiation protection program, (e) a nuclear criticality safety program; (f) a chemical process safety program; (g) a fire safety program; (h) an emergency management plan; (i) an environmental protection description; (j) a decommissioning plan; (k) a management measures program; (l) a fundamental nuclear material control and accounting plan; and (m) a physical protection plan.

 

An environmental report detailing the potential impacts of the facility (and alternatives) will also be prepared and submitted to the NRC for review. We expect that the NRC will complete its review of our license application and environmental report within 24-months. We believe that the NRC review time can be compressed by submitting a high-quality application for a facility using proven technology and following guidance documents prepared by the NRC. Communication with the NRC both during the pre-application period and during the review will help facilitate a successful licensing review.

 

After obtaining a license from the NRC, we will construct the facility in an expeditious manner. After construction is completed, it is expected that the NRC will perform an operational readiness review of the facility and grant NANO an authorization to operate.

 

To transport the fuel within the United States, NRC certified transportation packages will be used. If necessary, the package certificate of compliance will be amended by the package certificate holder in order to add our fabricated fuel as an authorized content for the transportation package. The certificate of compliance amendment request, if needed, will follow the appropriate regulatory requirements in the United States that are contained in 10 CFR Part 71.

 

Nuclear Safety Regulatory Approval Internationally. Since the fuel facility is being licensed to produce our fuel in the United States by the NRC, no international regulatory approvals will be needed.

 

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Shipping of the fuel will occur in the United State using NRC certified transportation packages and following the appropriate regulatory requirements that are necessary for fuel shipments. For international shipments, additional shipping approvals will be needed depending on the country that the fuel will be shipped to. International shipping requirements will be addressed by following IAEA transportation requirements for transport of nuclear fuel and the recipient’s country’s requirements.

 

Other Regulation. In addition to nuclear safety regulations, our fuel processing and transportation businesses are subject to other nuclear regulatory controls such as special nuclear material safeguards and non-proliferation restrictions. Other U.S. federal and state permits such as air quality, liquid effluent controls, and building permits will be required depending on the fuel facility design (types and quantity of waste materials produced) and the state in which the facility will be located which has not yet been determined.

 

Export controls. Exports related to our fuel processing facility and products are controlled by the NRC under applicable federal regulations. Nuclear fuel processing plant equipment and components are under NRC’s export licensing authority as per Appendix O to 10 CFR Part 110. This includes items that are considered especially designed for the fabrication of nuclear fuel including equipment that: (a) directly processes or controls the production flow of nuclear material; (b) seal the nuclear material with cladding; (c) check the integrity of cladding; (d) check the finished treatment of the sealed fuel; or (e) is used for assembling reactor fuel elements. This section of the regulations also includes equipment or systems of equipment specifically designed or prepared for use in a fuel processing plant. Additionally, 10 CFR 110.9a states that the export control of special nuclear material is also controlled by the NRC.

 

Many types of controls are required to ensure compliance with NRC export control regulations. For example, 10 CFR 110.28 lists embargoed destinations for exporting nuclear materials and technology. An application to the NRC for a specific license to export special nuclear material will be required. The specific license is issued on a case-by-case basis to a single specified person or entity which submits and is legally responsible for the proposed export transactions as described on NRC Form 7 application submitted to the NRC.

 

Human Capital Resources

 

As of December 27, 2024, we had five full time employees and had 39 independent contractors with an aggregate of 62 advanced degrees, including 31 master’s degrees in engineering and science, 17 PhDs and two JDs (Juris Doctors - Doctors of Law). We have utilized independent contractor relationships with our senior executive officers, except for Jay Jiang Yu, with whom we have an employment agreement, that became effective on October 1, 2024, but we intend to enter into formal employment agreements with our other senior executive officers in the future.

 

The following table provides a breakdown of our staff by function as of December 27, 2024.

 

Function  Number of Staff   % of Total 
Management   5    11.36%
Research and Development (1)   16    36.36%
Business Operation (2)   21    47.73%
Administration   2    4.55%
Total   44    100%

 

(1) There was an increase of headcounts for a total of nine staff, or approximately 129% of the total research and development personnel in the research and development department in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The above-mentioned increases were due to the recruitment of new staff for our research and development.

 

(2) There was an increase of headcounts for a total of eight staff, or approximately 62% of the business operation personnel in the business operation department in 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. The above-mentioned increases were due to the recruitment of new staff for our business operations.

 

Our workforce operates under a hybrid model that integrates both in-office and remote work arrangements. We have a seasoned leadership team with nearly 150 years of cumulative experience in the nuclear industry. Our management team places significant focus and attention on matters concerning our human capital assets, particularly on the specific industry and technical knowledge that are required to implement our nuclear energy-focused business plan. Accordingly, we regularly review staff development and succession plans for each of our functions to identify and develop our pipeline of talent.

 

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We believe we offer our staff competitive compensation packages and an environment that encourages self-development and, as a result, have generally been able to attract and retain qualified personnel and maintain a stable core management team. Our staff are not represented by a labor organization or covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that we maintain a good working relationship with our staff and to date, we have not experienced any labor disputes.

 

Description of Properties

 

Our corporate headquarters is located at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10018, covering approximately 7,800 square feet. We lease this space for $33,605 per month whereby the monthly lease rent will increase by 2.5% on an annual basis. The lease is effective on April 1, 2024 and has a term ending on July 31, 2031.

 

In August 2024, we purchased a 1.64-acre land package in the historic Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for $1.7 million. The purchase includes a 14,000 sq. ft., 2-story building to house our Nuclear Technology Headquarters. Situated in a world-class location for innovative nuclear technology research and development, this facility will serve as the central hub for our advanced nuclear technology design and engineering capabilities. The Nuclear Technology Headquarters is near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Spallation Neutron Source, the National Transportation Research Center, and The University of Tennessee’s Center of Excellence in Engineering. We expect to grow the number of personnel working at the facility over the next year and expect to ultimately employ up to 30 personnel at the facility.

 

We believe the above-mentioned facilities and offices are adequate and suitable for our current needs and that, should it be needed, suitable additional or alternative space will be available to accommodate any such expansion of our operations.

 

Corporate History and Corporate Structure

 

We were incorporated under the laws of the State of Nevada on February 8, 2022. We are primarily engaged in the design and development of mobile, easily deployable microreactors, the development of a commercial CAT II facility for fuel processing, and the creation of a commercial transportation technology and business, with the capacity to move fuel enriched up to 19.75% U235 across North America.

 

HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (which we refer to herein as HALEU Energy), incorporated on August 30, 2022 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned subsidiary. Through HALEU Energy, we are seeking to develop a domestic HALEU fuel processing facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors.

 

American Uranium Inc. (which we refer to herein as American Uranium), incorporated on February 9, 2022 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned subsidiary. Through American Uranium, we are engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of uranium mineral resource properties in the U.S. and internationally. American Uranium has not commenced operation as of the date of this Report.

 

Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (which we refer to herein as Advanced Fuel Transportation), incorporated on June 21, 2023 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly owned subsidiary. Through Advanced Fuel Transportation, we plan to manufacture a licensed high-capacity HALEU transportation system and produce a governmentally licensed and permitted high-capacity HALEU transportation system, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. Advanced Fuel Transportation has not commenced operation as of the date of this Report.

 

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Nano Nuclear Space Inc. (which we refer to herein as Nano Nuclear Space), incorporated on July 24, 2024 under the laws of Nevada, is our wholly-owned subsidiary. Through Nano Nuclear Space, we are seeking to explore the potential commercial applications of our developing micronuclear reactor technology in space, including the ALIP technology. In September 2024, Dr. Carlos Maidana was appointed to lead our Nano Nuclear Space activities.

 

Available Information

 

Our website is www.nanonuclearenergy.com. Access to copies of our SEC filings, corporate governance information, and other items that may be material or of interest to our investors is available via our website under “Financial Information”. The contents of our website are not incorporated by reference into this Report or in any other report or document we file with the SEC, and any references to our website are intended to be inactive textual references only. All information that we have filed with the SEC can also be accessed through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

 

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors

 

Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information contained in this Report, before deciding to invest in our securities. If any of the following risks materialize, our business, financial condition, results of operation and prospects will likely be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

Risks Related to Our Industry and Business

 

We have incurred losses and have not generated any revenue since our inception. We anticipate that we will continue to incur losses, and expect that we will not generate revenue, for the foreseeable future.

 

We have incurred significant operating losses since inception and have an accumulated deficit of $17.4 million as of September 30, 2024 and had negative operating cash flow for the year ended September 30, 2024. We expect that operating losses and negative cash flows will increase in the coming years because of additional costs and expenses related to our research and development (which we refer to herein as R&D), business development activities and our status as a publicly traded company.

 

To date, we have not generated any revenue. We do not expect to generate any revenue unless and until we are able to commercialize our reactors and/or other lines of business. As we have incurred losses and experienced negative operating cash flows since our inception, and accordingly we have undertaken equity financing from investors to satisfy our funding needs, and we will consider applications for government grants; however, we may not raise adequate funding to offset our expenses and losses. Moreover, we may encounter unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications, delays, and other unknown factors that may adversely affect our business. The magnitude of our future net losses will depend, in part, on the rate of future growth of our expenses and our ability to generate and grow revenue. We cannot predict the outcome of the actions to generate liquidity to fund our operations, whether such actions would generate the expected liquidity to fund our operations as currently planned or whether the costs of such actions will be available on reasonable terms or at all. Our continued solvency is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional working capital to complete our reactor development, to successfully market our reactors and to achieve commerciality for our reactors. Our prior losses and expected future losses have had and may continue to have adverse effects on our stockholders’ equity (deficit) and working capital and may lead to the failure of our business.

 

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We are an early-stage company in an emerging market with an unproven business model, new and unproven technologies, and a short operating history, which makes it difficult to evaluate our current business and prospects and may increase the risk of your investment.

 

We only have a limited operating history upon which to base an evaluation of our current and future business prospects. We were founded in February 2022 and are currently in the process of developing our nuclear microreactors and other lines of business as more fully described in the “Business” section of this Report. We anticipate that it will take several years for us to commence generating meaningful revenues. Moreover, we will be required to make significant expenditures over the near and long term just to achieve any level of revenues.

 

Over the next twelve months, we will continue to progress the development of our advanced microreactors and our vertically integrated fuel processing business, with estimated expenditures to be approximately $40 million. This allocation comprises approximately $25 million dedicated to the research, development, and physical test work of our microreactors and other technologies, such as our fuel transportation system. A further allocation of approximately $10 million will be allocated to the development of our planned HALEU fuel processing facilities alongside LIST, the related-party uranium enrichment company with whom we collaborate and in which we’ve made a strategic investment. The remaining approximately $5 million is earmarked for miscellaneous costs essential to propelling the progress of our microreactors, encompassing the support of current personnel engaged in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. We may also utilize our cash resources raised in 2024 for acquisitions of complementary businesses or assets.

 

We estimate that our microreactor demonstration work will be conducted between 2025 and 2027, our microreactor licensing application will be processed between 2026 and 2029, and our microreactors will be launched between 2030 and 2031. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry in 2025, both domestically and internationally. As part of our efforts domestically, following our collaboration with Digihost Technology Inc. (“Digihost”) in December 2024, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025. These services will support the planning and execution of the Digihost project and will encompass regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development, and stakeholder engagement. In addition to these rendered services, we are examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services. We have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have not entered into any definitive agreements for such acquisitions. In combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and our anticipated timelines are estimations only. These estimates are inherently subject to significant risks and change due to unforeseen circumstances, operational challenges, adjustments in the development plans for our microreactors and other technologies and uncertainties associated with the governmental licensing approval process, and other factors beyond our control. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.

 

Our limited operating history and early stage of our business makes an evaluation of our business and prospects difficult. You must consider our business and prospects in light of the risks and difficulties we encounter as an early-stage company in the new and rapidly evolving market of the nuclear energy industry. These risks and difficulties include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  Obtaining the necessary permits and licenses can be a lengthy and complex process, subject to rigorous safety and environmental regulations. Delays or denials in obtaining these approvals can significantly impact a project’s timeline and cost.
     
  Ensuring the safety of the reactor during operation and in case of accidents is paramount. Microreactors must be designed with robust safety features to prevent accidents, and emergency response plans must be in place to mitigate any potential incidents.
     
  Security concerns, including the risk of theft or sabotage, need to be addressed through physical security measures and cybersecurity protocols.

 

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  Microreactor and fuel fabrication projects are very capital-intensive, and securing adequate financing can be a significant hurdle. Economic risks related to cost overruns, construction delays, or market uncertainties must be managed effectively.
     
  The demand for microreactor-generated power may be uncertain, especially in the early stages of the business. Market fluctuations and changing energy policies can affect the profitability of the venture.
     
  Microreactors rely on specialized components and materials, which may have limited availability or long lead times. Supply chain disruptions can impact project timelines and costs.
     
  Addressing environmental concerns, including radioactive waste management and minimizing environmental impact, is essential for regulatory compliance and public acceptance. Proper disposal and management of radioactive waste and decommissioning plans need to be in place from the outset. Failing to account for these end-of-life considerations can lead to significant liabilities. Additionally, any adverse environmental impact can lead to public opposition and regulatory penalties.
     
  Public perception of nuclear energy and technology can be a challenge. Overcoming public skepticism or opposition and gaining social acceptance for the microreactor project is important.

 

We may not be able to successfully address any of these risks or others. Failure to adequately do so could seriously harm our business and cause our operating results to suffer.

 

Our nuclear microreactors are still at the development stage and have not been put into production yet. Developing, producing, and commercializing nuclear reactors is a complex and challenging endeavor due to various technical, regulatory, financial, and public perception obstacles, which may adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operation. No assurances can be given that we will be able to develop and commercialize our microreactors and other technologies on the timelines we currently anticipate, or at all, and our failure to do so would likely lead to the loss of your investment in our company.

 

Our business plans will require us to raise substantial additional amounts of capital. Future capital needs will require us to sell additional equity or debt securities that will dilute or subordinate the rights of our common stockholders. In addition, we may be unable to secure government grants as part of our funding strategy.

 

Our business plan is very costly. To develop and implement our businesses as currently planned, we will need to raise substantial amounts of additional capital, potentially hundreds of millions of dollars. We expect that we will need to make substantial investments in research and development of our products and technologies and other substantial investments before we can generate meaningful revenues. Moreover, our costs and expenses may be even greater than currently anticipated, and there may be investments or expenses that are presently unforeseen. In any case, we may be unable to raise sufficient capital to fund these costs and achieve significant revenue generation. In addition, given the relatively early stage of our company, our future capital requirements are also difficult to predict with precision, and our actual capital requirements may differ substantially from those we currently anticipate.

 

As a result, we will need to seek equity or debt financing to finance a large portion of our future capital requirements. Such financing might not be available to us when needed or on terms that are acceptable, or at all. We will likely issue additional equity securities and may issue debt securities or otherwise incur debt in the future to fund our business plan. If we issue equity or convertible debt securities to raise additional funds, our existing stockholders will experience dilution, and the new equity (including preferred equity) or debt securities or other indebtedness may have rights, preferences, and privileges senior to those of our existing stockholders. If we incur additional debt, it may increase our leverage relative to our earnings or to our equity capitalization, requiring us to pay additional interest expenses.

 

Our ability to obtain the necessary capital in the form of equity or debt to carry out our business plan is subject to several risks, including general economic and market conditions, as well as investor sentiment regarding our planned business. These factors may make the timing, amount, terms and conditions of any such financing unattractive or unavailable to us. The prevailing macroeconomic environment may increase our cost of financing or make it more difficult to raise additional capital on favorable terms, if at all. If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, we may have to significantly reduce our spending and/or delay or cancel our planned activities.

 

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We may also seek to raise additional funds through collaborations and licensing arrangements. These arrangements, even if we are able to secure them, may require us to relinquish some rights to our technologies, or to grant licenses on terms that are not favorable to us.

 

Finally, we plan to apply for government funding in the form of grants or other funding from agencies such as the DOE. We may not receive such funding for a variety of reasons, including the size of our company and the government’s assessment of our prospects. Even if we do receive such funding, the government could condition such funding on contractual provisions such as granting the government rights to our technology or products. Moreover, federal funding is subject to at least annual Congressional appropriations, which may not be forthcoming. The federal budget process is complex — the budget justification and Presidential budget requests are often incomplete; Congress may appropriate different amounts than those requested; and the DOE has varying degrees of discretion to reprogram or transfer appropriated funds. Nonetheless, to the extent Presidential budget requests or DOE budget justifications result in a shift of Congressional appropriations away from SMR funding generally or projects we are developing specifically, those shifts could materially and adversely affect the amount of DOE funding available to us and our business.

 

As a result of the foregoing, we might not be able to obtain any financing, and we might not have sufficient capital to conduct our business as projected, both of which could mean that we would be forced to curtail or discontinue our operations. If we cannot raise additional capital when we need or want to, our operations and prospects could be negatively affected, and our business could fail.

 

We and our officers and directors are presently parties to securities law and fiduciary duty lawsuits relating to our public statements made since our initial public offering. Our reputation may be damaged by these suits, and if we are unable to have them dismissed or should we receive adverse outcomes, our business and results of operations may suffer, including as a result of our indemnification obligations to our directors and officers.

 

On August 9, 2024, a putative securities class action lawsuit was filed against us and certain of our officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, captioned Yvette Yang v. Nano Nuclear Energy Inc., et al., No. 1:24-cv-06057 (S.D.N.Y.). The complaint asserts claims for alleged violations of federal securities laws related to statements concerning our business and prospects, including our progress toward microreactor development. The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of certain persons who purchased or otherwise acquired our common stock during the period from May 8, 2024 through July 18, 2024 and seeks unspecified damages and other relief. On October 28, 2024, the court entered an order appointing Hongyu Xie as lead plaintiff. On November 4, 2024, the court entered a scheduling order for the filing of lead plaintiff’s amended complaint and a briefing schedule for our anticipated motion to dismiss, under which lead plaintiff must file an amended complaint by January 6, 2025, and we must file a motion to dismiss by February 21, 2025. We dispute the allegations in the complaint and intend to defend the case vigorously. The case is at an early stage and we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of any potential financial loss or cost that could result from the lawsuit.

 

In addition, on August 23, 2024, a putative shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed purportedly on behalf of our company, as nominal defendant, against certain of our directors and officers in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada, captioned William Latza, Derivatively on Behalf of Nano Nuclear, Inc. v. James Walker, et al., No. A-24-900423-C. The complaint asserted claims for alleged breach of fiduciary duties and corporate waste, among others, related to statements concerning our business and prospects. On November 15, 2024, we filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 23.1 of the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure based on plaintiff’s lack of standing, and the director and officer defendants filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(5) of the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure based on plaintiff’s failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. On December 20, 2024, plaintiff filed an amended complaint. The amended complaint alleges claims for alleged breach of fiduciary duties, corporate waste, market manipulation, and racketeering, among others, related to our business and prospects, including our progress toward microreactor development, the qualifications of our management, and our investment in LIS Technologies Inc.

 

On behalf of our company, the plaintiff seeks damages from the director and officer defendants and an order directing our company to take actions to reform and improve corporate governance and internal procedures. The director and officer defendants deny all allegations of liability and intend to vigorously defend against all claims. Given the preliminary stage of the lawsuit and the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot determine with certainty the outcome of the case at this time.

 

Ongoing securities law and fiduciary duty lawsuits may divert significant financial and human resources away from our core business operations, increasing legal expenses and reducing available capital for other strategic initiatives. If the lawsuits result in adverse outcomes, such as judgments or settlements, we could face substantial monetary damages, penalties, or fines, which could negatively impact our financial position, cash flow, and overall business operations. These lawsuits may harm our reputation with investors, suppliers, and business partners. Even if we successfully defend against the claims, the mere existence of these lawsuits may erode confidence in our management, corporate governance, and financial reporting. The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of these lawsuits could create volatility in our stock price, leading to a decrease in investor confidence and possible difficulties in raising future capital.

 

Our officers and directors, who are critical to our leadership and decision-making, may be distracted by these lawsuits, which could lead to delays or inefficiencies in executing our business strategy. If these lawsuits persist or lead to unfavorable publicity, it may become more challenging to attract and retain qualified employees, including key executives, due to perceived instability or legal risk associated with our company.

 

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The current lawsuits may encourage other parties to file additional claims or lawsuits, increasing our legal risks and further burdening our resources. The case is still at an early stage and we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of any potential financial loss or cost that could result from this lawsuit. If we are unable to have them dismissed or should we receive adverse outcomes, our business and results of operations may suffer. The lawsuits may prompt increased scrutiny from regulatory authorities, leading to additional investigations, fines, or compliance requirements, which could further affect our business.

 

Further, under certain circumstances, we may have contractual or other legal obligations to indemnify and to incur legal expenses on behalf of investors, directors, officers, employees, or other third parties. Our business contractual and legal obligations related to indemnification and the coverage of legal expenses for investors, directors, officers, employees, and other third parties are critical components of our risk management and corporate governance. These obligations are typically outlined in various agreements, contracts, and corporate bylaws.

 

In our company, the key aspects of indemnification will be included in our directors and officers (D&O) insurance, our corporate governing documents, and investor agreements and other relevant arrangements. Nuclear companies often purchase director and officer insurance policies to indemnify their directors and officers against personal liability for actions taken in their roles. These policies provide financial protection for individuals in the event of lawsuits, regulatory actions, or other legal proceedings related to their corporate duties. The corporate governing documents may include provisions that obligate our company to indemnify its directors, officers, and sometimes employees to the extent allowed by law, with some conditions or limitations on indemnification as applicable. In cases where investors, such as venture capitalists or private equity firms, are involved, investment agreements may include indemnification clauses that protect the investors from certain liabilities related to their investment in our company. In our agreements with third parties, such as suppliers, partners, or service providers, indemnification provisions may also be included to specify who is responsible for indemnifying the other party in the event of specified breaches, disputes, or liabilities.

 

We may also be required to cover the legal expenses and other costs on behalf of individuals or third parties incurred during any applicable legal proceedings, which may divest our company’s resources and the management’s attention, thus materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and result in our inability to establish and grow our business.

 

The failure of production and commercialization of nuclear micro reactors as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.

 

We are in the process of developing the next-generation advanced nuclear microreactors, ZEUS, a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. With these products, we are advancing the development of the next generation of portable, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors. Through a collaboration of our world-renowned nuclear scientists and engineers, the national laboratories, and government support, we believe our reactors will have the potential to impact the global energy landscape. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these products by the year 2030 or 2031. If our plan to develop, manufacture or commercialize these products is delayed, suspended, interrupted, or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition, and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.

 

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We are in the process of developing a domestic HALEU fuel processing facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. The failure of completion and operation of such facility as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.

 

Building a nuclear fuel processing facility to produce commercial nuclear fuel for SMRs and microreactor companies involves a highly specialized and regulated process. There will be specific challenges at each stage of development, including but not limited to the following:

 

  Obtaining the necessary licenses and permits from regulatory authorities can be a complex and time-consuming process. Compliance with stringent safety, security, and environmental regulations is crucial.
     
  Ensuring the safety and security of the facility and the nuclear materials within it is of utmost importance. Robust safety measures and security protocols must be implemented to prevent accidents, theft, or unauthorized access.
     
  Fabricating nuclear fuel assemblies and components requires specialized knowledge and expertise in nuclear materials, metallurgy, and manufacturing processes. Recruiting and retaining a skilled workforce can be a challenge.
     
  Maintaining strict quality control and assurance processes is essential to ensure the reliability and safety of the nuclear fuel. Any defects or substandard materials can have serious consequences.
     
  Building and operating a nuclear fuel processing facility can be capital-intensive. Managing costs, including construction, operational, and maintenance expenses, is essential for the facility’s financial viability.
     
  Construction delays, regulatory approvals, and unforeseen technical challenges can extend the timeline for facility development, potentially affecting market entry and revenue generation.
     
  The demand for nuclear fuel can fluctuate based on the deployment of SMRs and Microreactors. Competition from other fuel suppliers and alternative energy sources can also affect market share and profitability.

 

In 2023, we established a subsidiary, HALEU Energy, to concentrate specifically on creating a domestic HALEU fuel processing facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors. In February 2023, we were selected as an official founding member of the DOE’s new HALEU Consortium to develop the U.S.’ domestic capability for the manufacture of HALEU and its processing. Currently we are still in the process of developing such facility and target to have such facility in operation early next decade.

 

In March 2023, we entered into a memorandum of understanding with Centrus Energy Corp. (or Centrus), an energy fuel company who will provide HALEU to support HALEU Energy’s research and development and commercialization on initial test reactor cores and its commercial variant reactors. However, such a memorandum is not binding on both parties with certain exceptions, such as confidentiality. There is no assurance that we will enter into any purchase agreement with Centrus in the future.

 

In November 2024, we announced a $2 million strategic investment in and entry into a collaboration with a laser-based uranium enrichment technology company, LIST, which is a related party. Through this investment and related collaboration, we aim to assist in advancing LIST’s technologies to secure a reliable low enriched uranium fuel supply for our future operations and the broader nuclear energy industry. The parties intend that LIST will provide us with enriched UF6 at no cost to be fabricated and sold to customers, with LIST to receive compensation as part of a profit-sharing arrangement to be agreed to between the companies in the future. Through collaboration with LIST, we intend to construct the supporting facilities alongside LIST’s enrichment facility, including the deconversion and fuel fabrication facilities. The construction of these facilities and related activities are subject to similar risks to those outlined above with respect to our own HALEU fuel processing facility. Further, there is a risk that LIST’s technology will itself not advance to commercial viability or secure applicable regulatory approvals. All of the foregoing creates the risk of loss with respect to our investment in and collaboration with LIST.

 

If our plan to complete and operate any fuel processing facilities is delayed, suspended, interrupted, or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.

 

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We plan to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation system, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America and worldwide. The failure of production and commercialization of such products as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.

 

We intend to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation system, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America and beyond. We received an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in April 2024, which will form the basis of a complete transportation package able to move the most commonly utilized fuel. The license grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for the use and development of certain transportation technology. If developed and commercialized, we believe this product would be the only one of its kind in North America and would serve as the basis for a domestic HALEU transportation company capable of providing commercial quantities of HALEU fuel.

 

In September 2024, we signed an agreement with GNS to undertake a wide-ranging project to produce an optimized HALEU transportation system solution based on our exclusively licensed fuel transportation basket design. The GNS agreement encompasses a study for the transport of multiple HALEU nuclear fuel types, including uranium oxide, TRISO particles, uranium-zirconium hydride, uranium mononitride, and salt fuel for molten salt reactors, thus optimizing the quantity of material that can be transported and developing a conceptual package design that will accommodate the new basket design. We are targeting to have our fuel transportation business in operation by 2028. However, there is no assurance that we can successfully produce such a product and operate such a business as planned. If our plan to produce and commercialize such product is delayed, suspended, interrupted or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.

 

We plan to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. Failure to do so as planned will adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition, and result of operations.

 

We plan to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. This business opportunity represents our most near-term revenue generating opportunity and our goal is to begin providing these services in 2025, both domestically and internationally. As part of our efforts domestically, following our collaboration with Digihost in December 2024, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025. These services will support the planning and execution of the Digihost project and will encompass regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development, and stakeholder engagement. In addition to these rendered services, we are examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services. We have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have not entered into any definitive agreements for such acquisitions. In combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully acquire or establish and thereafter grow our own consultation business, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our near-term revenue prospects. Moreover, the outlined expenditures and the timelines are estimations only. These estimates are inherently subject to significant risks and change due to unforeseen circumstances, operational challenges, adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process, and other factors beyond our control. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.

 

The current upsurge in interest in nuclear energy, combined with the increased investment from both private and governmental sources within the nuclear space, as well as the global push for zero carbon technologies, has created a demand for nuclear energy expertise which exceeds supply. The increased demand in personnel and nuclear related business activity will create increased demand for personnel involved in the licensing and regulatory aspects of the industry, which provide us with potential to root in this area. We have already identified several nuclear services and consultancy providers, which have been assessed as potentially suitable for acquisition by our company. However, there is no assurance that we can acquire them successfully or as planned. If our plan to start the consulting services is delayed, suspended, interrupted or cancelled for whatever reason, our business, financial condition and results of operations will be adversely and materially disrupted, and the value of our securities may significantly decline or become worthless.

 

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Providing a nuclear consulting service as a business comes with a unique set of difficulties and challenges due to the complexity and sensitivity of the nuclear industry. These challenges and difficulties include, but are not limited to:

 

  Providing valuable nuclear consulting services requires a deep understanding of nuclear science, engineering, and technology. Maintaining a team with the necessary expertise can be difficult.
     
  Consulting on nuclear projects involves addressing safety and security issues. Ensuring that clients are compliant with safety protocols and security measures is a critical responsibility.
     
  Handling sensitive nuclear information and data requires strict security measures and confidentiality protocols to protect classified or proprietary information.
     
  As a consultant, we may face liability issues if our advice leads to undesirable outcomes or non-compliance with regulations. Managing and mitigating these risks is essential.
     
  The nuclear consulting market can be competitive, with established consulting firms and experts in the field. Standing out and securing clients can be challenging, especially for newcomers.
     
  The nuclear industry is evolving with new technologies, safety standards, and market dynamics. Staying updated and adapting to these changes is vital to remain relevant and competitive.
     
  Managing multiple projects for different clients with varying timelines and needs can be challenging. Effective project management is essential to meet deadlines and deliver quality results.
     
  Meeting and managing client expectations can be demanding. Clients may have high expectations for the outcomes of their nuclear projects, and effective communication is essential to align expectations with reality.
     
  Leveraging data analytics and technological advancements can be challenging, especially when dealing with legacy system in the nuclear industry.

 

For our nuclear consulting business to be viable and grow, it will be crucial for us to build a strong team with diverse expertise, stay current with industry trends and regulations, prioritize security and confidentiality, and maintain high ethical standards. Effective communication, networking, and relationship-building with our clients and the regulatory authorities are also essential for establishing our credibility and trust in the industry. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no assurance we can address these or similar challenges and difficulties, the failure of which may adversely and materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.

 

We have undertaken and will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions. These acquisitions may be difficult to consummate and integrate and may create losses for us or not provide us with the anticipated benefits. We may not be able to successfully integrate our previous and future acquisitions or generate sufficient revenues or earnings from future acquisitions, which could cause our business to suffer.

 

We have undertaken (as in the case of the ALIP technology and our acquisition of the USNC Assets) and will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions of complimentary or additive businesses or assets to both diversify and further vertically integrate our business lines and accelerate our growth. If we buy a company, a division of a company or assets that we feel are complementary to our business, there can be no assurance that we will be able to profitably manage such business or successfully integrate such business or assets without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial problems. We are also faced with the risk that the businesses or assets we acquire will not achieve anticipated benefits, revenues and earnings. Additionally:

 

  the key personnel of the acquired business may decide not to work for us;
     
  changes in management at an acquired business may impair its relationships with employees and customers;

 

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  we may be unable to maintain uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies among acquired businesses;
     
  we may be unable to successfully implement infrastructure, logistics and system integration;
     
  we may be held liable for legal claims (including environmental claims) arising out of activities of the acquired businesses prior to our acquisitions, some of which we may not have discovered during our due diligence, and we may not have indemnification claims available to us or we may not be able to realize on any indemnification claims with respect to those legal claims;
     
  we will assume risks associated with deficiencies in the internal control of acquired businesses;
     
  we may not be able to realize the cost savings or other financial benefits we anticipated; and
     
  our ongoing business may be disrupted or receive insufficient management attention.

 

We face these and similar risks in connection with our June 2024 acquisition of the ALIP technology. We may not be able to successfully integrate the ALIP technology into our microreactor designs, which could lead to a loss of our investment in this technology. Moreover, we anticipate, pending the successful completion of the SBIR III program for the ALIP technology (which we are funding), that we will seek to separately commercialize the ALIP technology as a means of generating revenues. We are thus faced with the risks that the SBIR Phase III may not be completed on a timely basis or at all, and further that we may be unable to commercially sell or license the technology (or products derived from the technology) to third parties.

 

Similarly, we may face significant risks related to our acquisition of the USNC Assets. Even if the acquisition is consummated, we may encounter significant challenges in integrating the USNC Assets into our corporate structure or our intended regulatory strategies for our ZEUS and ODIN reactors, which could result in delays, increased costs or the inability to utilize the USNC Assets, thus leading to a loss of our investment in the USNC Assets and adversely affecting our business operations and financial condition.

 

Also, future acquisitions may require us to obtain additional, perhaps substantial, equity or debt financing, which may not be available on attractive terms. Moreover, to the extent an acquisition transaction financed by non-equity consideration results in additional goodwill, it will reduce our tangible net worth, which might have an adverse effect on our credit and bonding capacity.

 

If we experience significant fluctuations in our operating results and rate of growth and fail to meet revenue and earnings expectations, our stock price may fall rapidly and without advance notice.

 

Due to our limited operating history, our unproven and evolving business model and the unpredictability of our emerging industry, we may not be able to accurately forecast our rate of growth. We base our current and future expense levels and our investment plans on estimates of future revenue and future rate of growth. Our expenses and investments are, to a large extent, not fixed and we expect that these expenses will increase in the future. We may not be able to adjust our spending quickly enough if our revenue falls short of our expectations.

 

Our results of operations depend on both the growth of demand for the products and services we are going to offer in the future and the general economic and business conditions throughout the world. A softening of demand for our products and services for any reason will harm our operating results. Terrorist attacks, armed hostilities and wars in the past created, and may in the future create economic and business uncertainty that may also adversely affect our results of operations.

 

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Our revenue and operating results may also fluctuate due to other factors, including:

 

  our ability of the design, developing, manufacturing and sales of smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions, including nuclear reactors.
     
  our ability to develop a domestic HALEU fuel processing facility to supply the next generation of advanced nuclear reactors with fuel.
     
  our ability to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation system, capable of moving commercial quantities of a variety of HALEU fuels.
     
  our ability to provide nuclear service support and consultation services for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally.
     
  assumptions relating to the size of the market for our nuclear reactors.
     
  unanticipated regulations of nuclear energy that add barriers to our business and have a negative effect on our operations.
     
  our estimates of expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and our needs for, or ability to obtain, additional financing.
     
  new product and service introductions by our competitors.
     
  technical difficulties or interruptions in our service.
     
  general economic conditions in our geographic markets.
     
  additional investment in our service or operations.
     
  regulatory compliance costs.

 

As a result of these and other factors, we expect that our operating results may fluctuate significantly on a quarterly basis. We believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating results may not be meaningful, and you should not rely upon them as an indication of future performance.

 

Federal budget delays, federal debt ceiling limitations, or reductions in government spending could adversely impact government spending for the products and services we provide.

 

Federal government spending reductions could adversely impact U.S. government programs related to our products or services. While we believe many of our programs do not conflict with the U.S. government’s strategic priorities, government spending on these programs can be subject to negative publicity, political factors and public scrutiny. The risk of future budget delays or reductions is uncertain, and it is possible that spending cuts may be applied to U.S. government programs across the board, regardless of how programs align with those priorities. There are many variables in how budget reductions could be implemented that will determine its specific impact; however, reductions in federal government spending could adversely impact programs in which we provide products or services. In addition, these cuts could adversely affect the viability of the suppliers and subcontractors under our programs. These and similar risks are associated with our participation with LIST in the DOE’s LEU Acquisition Program. Such program could be eliminated or subject to reduction, and no assurances can be given that we will be allocated any material funding from the LEU Acquisition Program.

 

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The cost of electricity generated from nuclear sources may not be cost competitive with other electricity generation sources in some markets, which could materially and adversely affect our business.

 

Some electricity markets experience very low power prices due to a combination of subsidized renewables and low-cost fuel sources, and we may not be able to compete in these markets unless the benefits of the carbon-free, reliable and/or resilient energy generation are sufficiently valued in the market. Given the relatively lower electricity prices in the United States when compared to many international markets, the risk may be greater with respect to business in the United States.

 

The market for SMRs generating nuclear power is not yet established and may not achieve the growth potential we expect or may grow more slowly than expected.

 

The market for SMRs has not yet been established. Our estimates for the total addressable market are based on a number of internal and third-party estimates, including our potential contracted revenue, the number of potential customers, assumed prices and production costs, our ability to leverage our current logistical and operational processes, and general market conditions. However, our assumptions and the data underlying our estimates may not be correct and the conditions supporting our assumptions or estimates may change at any time, thereby reducing the predictive accuracy of these underlying factors. As a result, our estimates of the annual total addressable market for our services, as well as the expected growth rate for the total addressable market for our services, may prove to be incorrect.

 

All of our executive officers are presently engaged by us on an independent contractor basis, except for Jay Jiang Yu, our founder, President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, with whom we have an employment agreement, and they each have management, advisory or directorship positions with other companies and may allocate their time to other businesses, which may pose certain risks in fulfilling their obligations with us.

 

Except for Jay Jiang Yu, our founder, President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, with whom we have an employment agreement, all of our other executive officers are presently engaged by us as independent contractors due to the fact that they each have management, advisory or directorship positions with other companies and may allocate their time to other businesses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Mr. Yu has concurrently served on the board and management team of several companies and currently allocates at least 15 hours per week to his roles at other companies. Mr. Yu also concurrently serves as president and chairman of the board of LIST.

 

Mr. James Walker, our Chief Executive Officer, currently allocates at least ten hours per week to support Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (or Ares), a Canadian-based company listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under (Ticker: ARS) engaged in junior natural resource mining, where he is responsible for the construction of plants, purchases of land, operations, marketing, financing, safety regulation compliance, and shareholder relations. He is also concurrently serving on the board of directors of several small-cap publicly traded companies and a consultant to LIST. Jaisun Garcha, our Chief Financial Officer, is currently, and will continue to, work full time with us, and is currently also working as the part time chief financial officer and a director of LIST.

 

Our executive officers are not employees of our company (Mr. Yu excepted), instead, they serve as independent contractors and can be terminated by either party at any time. They may pursue any other activities and engagements during their terms of agreements with us. The existing external commitments and any future commitments of our officers to other companies may potentially divert their significant time and attention away from the strategic and operational needs of our company. Their divided focus could lead to delays in decision-making, hinder effective communication within our organization, give rise to potential conflicts of interest, and introduce a divergence in priorities, consequently impacting the overall efficacy of leadership. Additionally, the potential for conflicting interests arising from commitments to multiple entities may pose challenges in aligning those officers’ priorities with the long-term goals and interests of our company, thereby introducing an element of uncertainty and potential disruption to our operations. It is essential to acknowledge and address these complexities to ensure that our officers can effectively balance their responsibilities and fulfill their commitments to our company while maintaining transparency and integrity in their various roles. Failure to do so may adversely affect our business, financial conditions, and results of operations.

 

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We may be unable to manage our future growth effectively, which could make it difficult to execute our business strategy.

 

If our operations grow as planned, we may need to expand our sales and marketing, research and development, supply and manufacturing functions, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to scale our business as planned. If we are not able to achieve and maintain cost-competitiveness in the United States or elsewhere, our business could be materially and adversely affected.

 

We and our target customers operate in a politically sensitive environment, and the public perception of nuclear energy can affect our target customers and us.

 

Nuclear energy is closely tied to government policies and regulations due to its potential risks and benefits. Governments often play a central role in the approval, regulation, and funding of nuclear projects. Changes in political leadership or shifts in public sentiment can lead to shifts in nuclear energy policies, which can affect the viability and profitability of nuclear businesses. The regulatory framework for nuclear energy is stringent and subject to public scrutiny. Regulatory decisions can influence the cost, timeline, and feasibility of nuclear projects. Public concerns and political pressure can lead to tighter regulations or stricter enforcement of existing ones. Government policies and incentives, often influenced by public opinion and political considerations, can directly impact the growth and competitiveness of nuclear energy. Favorable policies such as subsidies, tax credits, or incentives for clean energy can attract more customers to the nuclear energy sector.

 

In addition, public perception of nuclear energy can range from positive to highly skeptical or negative, often influenced by historical events, accidents, and media coverage. Negative public sentiment can lead to protests, legal challenges, and public resistance to new nuclear projects, potentially delaying or preventing their development. Nuclear facilities often need to engage with local communities where they operate. Building and maintaining trust with these communities is crucial for obtaining social acceptance. Public opposition, fueled by concerns about safety or environmental impact, can hinder a company’s ability to establish a presence in a particular location. Public perception of nuclear safety and viability can also influence the willingness of investors and financial institutions to fund nuclear projects. Negative public sentiment can increase financing costs and make it more difficult to secure the necessary capital. However, public preferences for energy sources can influence the demand for nuclear energy. A positive perception of nuclear power as a clean and reliable energy source can boost its market appeal. Conversely, public concerns about nuclear safety and waste disposal can lead to decreased demand, impacting a nuclear company’s customer base. Additionally, public perception of a country’s nuclear industry can affect its ability to export nuclear technology, reactors, and fuel assemblies to international customers. International perceptions of safety and reliability play a role in export decisions.

 

As a result, the risks associated with nuclear energy materials and the public perception of those risks can affect our business. Opposition by third parties can delay or prevent the construction of new nuclear power plants and can limit the operation of nuclear reactors. Adverse public reaction to developments in the use of nuclear power could directly affect our customers and indirectly affect our business. In the past, adverse public reaction, increased regulatory scrutiny and litigation have contributed to extended construction periods for new nuclear reactors, sometimes delaying construction schedules by decades or more or even shutting down operations. In addition, anti-nuclear groups in Germany successfully lobbied for the adoption of the Nuclear Exit Law in 2002, which lead to the shutdown of all German nuclear power plants as of April 15, 2023. Adverse public reaction could also lead to increased regulation or limitations on the activities of our customers, more onerous operating requirements or other conditions that could have a material adverse impact on our target customers and our business.

 

Accidents involving nuclear power facilities, including but not limited to events like the Three Mile Island, Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accidents, or terrorist acts or other high-profile events involving radioactive materials could materially and adversely affect our target customers and the markets in which we operate and increase regulatory requirements and costs that could materially and adversely affect our business.

 

Our future prospects are dependent upon a certain level of public support for nuclear power. Nuclear power faces strong opposition from certain competitive energy sources, individuals and organizations. The accident that occurred at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan in 2011 increased public opposition to nuclear power in some countries, resulting in a slowdown in, or, in some cases, a complete halt to new construction of nuclear power plants, an early shut down of existing power plants or a dampening of the favorable regulatory climate needed to introduce new nuclear technologies, all of which could negatively impact our business and prospects. As a result of the Fukushima accident, some countries that were considering launching new domestic nuclear power programs delayed or cancelled the preparatory activities they were planning to undertake as part of such programs. If accidents similar to the Fukushima disaster or other events, such as terrorist attacks involving nuclear facilities, occur, public opposition to nuclear power may increase, regulatory requirements and costs could become more onerous, which could materially and adversely affect our business and operations.

 

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Risks Related to Our Intellectual Property

 

If we fail to develop, gain approval for, protect or enforce our intellectual property or proprietary rights, our business and operating results could be harmed.

 

We currently own the rights to the significant majority of our intellectual property, including one trademark pending registration. We received an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in April 2024, which will form the basis of a complete transportation system to move a range of fuel types. The license grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. We may enter into other license agreements in the future for our business development. There is no assurance that we, as the licensee, will be able to obtain or renew, if at all or in a timely manner, any of the license agreements upon its expiration. Failure to obtain or renew, or early termination of, any such agreement may materially and adversely affect our business, financial conditions and results of operations.

 

We regard the protection of our trade secrets, trademarks, licenses, trade dress, patents and copyrights (if any, in future), domain names and other intellectual property or proprietary rights as critical to our success. We strive to protect our intellectual property rights by relying on federal, state and common law rights, as well as contractual restrictions. We seek to protect our confidential proprietary information, in part, by entering into consulting agreements, and/or services or employment agreements that contain non-disclosure and non-use provisions with our employees, consultants, advisors and any third parties who have access to our proprietary know-how, information or technology. However, we cannot be certain that we have executed such agreements with all parties who may have helped to develop our intellectual property or who had access to our proprietary information, nor can we be certain that our agreements will not be breached. Any party with whom we have executed such an agreement could potentially breach that agreement and disclose our proprietary information, including our trade secrets, and we may not be able to obtain adequate remedies for such breaches. We cannot guarantee that our trade secrets and other confidential proprietary information will not be disclosed or that competitors will not otherwise gain access to our trade secrets or independently develop substantially equivalent information and techniques. Detecting the disclosure or misappropriation of a trade secret and enforcing a claim that a party illegally disclosed or misappropriated a trade secret is difficult, time-consuming and could result in substantial costs and the outcome of such a claim is unpredictable. Further, the laws of certain foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to the same extent or in the same manner as the laws of the United States. As a result, we may encounter significant problems in protecting and defending our intellectual property or proprietary rights both in the United States and abroad. If we are unable to prevent the disclosure of our trade secrets to third parties, or if our competitors independently develop any of our trade secrets, we may not be able to establish or maintain a competitive advantage in our market, which could harm our business.

 

We currently have no registered patents related to our technology, but we have two patent applications with The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) which are under review. We are currently in the process of acquiring USNC’s patented MMR® Energy System, along with all associated patents and other intellectual property rights, as well as its Pylon reactor technology and related intellectual property, and certain demonstration project partnerships related to the MMR system, pending closing. We also believe developing technology more comprehensively before patenting it provides our company with certain potential strategic advantages. We are balancing the advantages of comprehensive development with the risk of potential delays in securing patent protection and continue to consult qualified intellectual property counsel so we can make informed decisions regarding the timing of other patent filings and the overall protection strategy. Patent laws, and scope of coverage afforded by them, have recently been subject to significant changes, such as the change to “first-to-file” from “first-to-invent” resulting from the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. This change in the determination of inventorship may result in inventors and companies having to file patent applications more frequently to preserve rights in their inventions, which may favor larger competitors that have the resources to file more patent applications. Another change to the patent laws may incentivize third parties to challenge any issued patent in the USPTO, as opposed to having to bring such an action in U.S. federal court. Any invalidation of a patent claim could have a significant impact on our ability to protect the innovations contained within our products and could harm our business.

 

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The USPTO and various foreign governmental patent agencies require compliance with a number of procedural, documentary, fee payment and other provisions to maintain patent applications and issued patents. We may fail to take the necessary actions and to pay the applicable fees to obtain or maintain our patents in the future. Non-compliance with these requirements can result in abandonment or lapse of a patent or patent application, resulting in partial or complete loss of patent rights in the relevant jurisdiction. In such an event, competitors might be able to use our technologies and enter the market earlier than would otherwise have been the case.

 

We pursue the registration of our domain names, trademarks and service marks in the United States. We may seek to protect our trademarks, patents and domain names in an increasing number of jurisdictions in future, a process that is expensive and time-consuming and may not be successful or which we may not pursue in every location.

 

Litigation may be necessary to enforce our intellectual property or proprietary rights, protect our trade secrets or determine the validity and scope of proprietary rights claimed by others. Any litigation of this nature, regardless of outcome or merit, could result in substantial costs, adverse publicity or diversion of management and technical resources, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results. If we fail to maintain, protect and enhance our intellectual property or proprietary rights, our business may be harmed.

 

We rely on our unpatented proprietary technology, trade secrets, designs, experiences, workflows, data, processes, software and know-how.

 

We rely on proprietary information (such as trade secrets, know-how and confidential information) to protect intellectual property that may not be patentable or subject to copyright, trademark, trade dress or service mark protection, or that we believe is best protected by means that do not require public disclosure. We generally seek to protect this proprietary information by entering into consulting agreements, and/or services or employment agreements that contain non-disclosure and non-use provisions with our employees, consultants, contractors and third parties. However, we may fail to enter into the necessary agreements, and even if entered into, these agreements may be breached or may otherwise fail to prevent disclosure, third-party infringement or misappropriation of our proprietary information, may be limited as to their term and may not provide an adequate remedy in the event of unauthorized disclosure or use of proprietary information. We have limited control over the protection of trade secrets used by our current or future partners and suppliers and could lose future trade secret protection if any unauthorized disclosure of such information occurs. In addition, our proprietary information may otherwise become known or be independently developed by our competitors or other third parties. To the extent that our employees, consultants, contractors, advisors and other third parties use intellectual property owned by others in their work for us, disputes may arise as to the rights in related or resulting know-how and inventions. Costly and time-consuming litigation could be necessary to enforce and determine the scope of our proprietary rights, and failure to obtain or maintain protection for our proprietary information could adversely affect our competitive business position. Furthermore, laws regarding trade secret rights in certain markets where we operate may afford little or no protection to its trade secrets.

 

We also rely on physical and electronic security measures to protect our proprietary information, but we cannot provide assurance that these security measures will not be breached or provide adequate protection for our property. There is a risk that third parties may obtain and improperly utilize our proprietary information to our competitive disadvantage. We may not be able to detect or prevent the unauthorized use of such information or take appropriate and timely steps to enforce our intellectual property rights.

 

We may be accused of infringing intellectual property rights of third parties and content restrictions of relevant laws, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Third parties may claim that the technology used in the operation of our business infringes upon their intellectual property rights. Although we have not in the past faced any litigation involving direct claims of infringement by us, the possibility of intellectual property claims against us increases as we continue to grow. Such claims, whether having merit, may result in our expenditure of significant financial and management resources, injunctions against us or payment of damages. We may need to obtain licenses from third parties who allege that we have infringed their rights, but such licenses may not be available on terms acceptable to us or at all. These risks have been amplified by the increase in third parties whose sole or primary business is to assert such claims.

 

The outcome of any claims, investigations and proceedings is inherently uncertain, and in any event defending against these claims could be both costly and time-consuming and could significantly divert the efforts and resources of our management and other personnel. An adverse determination in any such litigation or proceedings could cause us to pay damages, as well as legal and other costs, limit our ability to conduct business or require us to change the manner in which we operate.

 

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Risks Related to Regulation and Compliance

 

Our business is subject to a wide variety of extensive and evolving government laws and regulations. Changes in and/or failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

We are subject to new or changing international, federal, state, and local regulations, including laws relating to the design, development, manufacturing, marketing, servicing, or sales of our nuclear-fuel related products. Such laws and regulations may require us to pause sales and modify our products, which could result in a material adverse effect on our ability to generate revenues (or any future revenues) and our financial condition generally. Such laws and regulations can also give rise to liability such as fines and penalties, property damage, bodily injury, and cleanup costs. Failure to comply with such regulations could lead to the withdrawal or recall of our products from the market, delay our projected revenues, increase cost, or make our business unviable if we are unable to modify our products to comply. Capital and operating expenses needed to comply with laws and regulations can be significant, and violations may result in substantial fines and penalties, third-party damages, suspension of production or a cessation of our operations. Any failure to comply with such laws or regulations could lead to withdrawal or recall of our products from the market.

 

Regulatory risk factors associated with our business also include our ability to obtain additional applicable approvals, licenses or certifications from regulatory agencies, if required, and to maintain current approvals, licenses or certifications. Any regulatory delays, delays imposed as a result of regulatory inspections and changing regulatory requirements, may impede our planned actions from being implemented or completed, many of which may be out of our control. Any natural disasters, changes in governmental regulations or in the status of our regulatory approvals or applications or other events that force us to cancel or reschedule our product development and production, could have an adverse impact on our business and financial condition.

 

We are subject to U.S. and foreign anti-corruption and anti-money laundering laws and regulations. We can face criminal liability and other serious consequences for violations, which can harm our business.

 

We are subject to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.S. domestic bribery statute contained in 18 U.S.C. § 201, the U.S. Travel Act, the Money Laundering Control Act 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1957, and other anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws in countries in which we conduct activities. Anti-corruption laws are interpreted broadly and prohibit companies and their employees, agents, contractors and other collaborators from authorizing, promising, offering or providing, directly or indirectly, improper payments or anything else of value to recipients in the public or private sector, and require that we keep accurate books and records and maintain internal accounting controls designed to prevent any such actions. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of our employees, agents, contractors and other collaborators, even if we do not explicitly authorize or have actual knowledge of such activities.

 

As we intend to conduct international cross-border business and expand our operations abroad, we may engage business partners and third-party intermediaries to market our products and to obtain necessary permits, licenses and other regulatory approvals overseas. In addition, we or our third-party intermediaries may have direct or indirect interactions with officials and employees of government agencies or state-owned or affiliated entities. We can be held liable for the corrupt or other illegal activities of these third-party intermediaries, our employees, representatives, contractors, partners and agents, even if we do not explicitly authorize such activities. We cannot assure you that all of our employees and agents will not take actions in violation of our policies and applicable law, for which we may be ultimately held responsible. As we intend to expand our international business, our risks under these laws may increase.

 

Detecting, investigating and resolving actual or alleged violations of anti-corruption laws can require a significant diversion of time, resources and attention from our management. In addition, non-compliance with anti-corruption or anti-bribery laws could subject us to whistleblower complaints, investigations, sanctions, settlements, prosecution, enforcement actions, fines, damages, other civil or criminal penalties, injunctions, suspension or debarment from contracting with certain persons, reputational harm, adverse media coverage and other collateral consequences. If any subpoenas are received or investigations are launched, or governmental or other sanctions are imposed, or if we do not prevail in any possible civil or criminal proceeding, our business, operating results and financial condition could be materially harmed.

 

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If we fail to comply with the laws and regulations relating to the collection of sales tax and payment of income taxes in the various states in which we do business, we could be exposed to unexpected costs, expenses, penalties and fees as a result of our non-compliance, which could harm our business.

 

By engaging in business activities in the United States, we become subject to various state laws and regulations, including requirements to collect sales tax from our sales within those states, and the payment of income taxes on revenue generated from activities in those states. A successful assertion by one or more states that we were required to collect sales or other taxes or to pay income taxes where we did not could result in substantial tax liabilities, fees and expenses, including substantial interest and penalty charges, which could harm our business.

 

General Risks Associated with Our Company

 

We are highly dependent on our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel. If we are unable to attract, retain and maintain highly qualified personnel, including our senior management team, we may not be able to implement our business strategy and our business and results of operations would be harmed.

 

Our business and prospect are highly dependent on the continued services of our senior management team, particularly our Chief Executive Officer James Walker, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, our Chairman of the Board Jay Jiang Yu, and our Chief Financial Officer Jaisun Garcha. Our senior management team has extensive experience in the energy and finance industries, and we believe that their depth of experience is instrumental to our continued success. See “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” for further details. The loss of any one or more members of our senior management team, for any reason, including resignation or retirement, could impair our ability to execute our business strategy and have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition if we are unable to successfully attract and retain qualified and highly skilled replacement personnel.

 

In addition, our ability to execute our plans and grow our company will depend in large part on our ability to attract, motivate, develop, retain and maintain a sufficient number of other highly skilled personnel, including engineers, nuclear energy professionals, finance, marketing and sales personnel. Maintaining a diverse team of skilled personnel who can collectively address the technical, regulatory, financial, and operational aspects of our business, including but not limited to, nuclear engineers and scientists, regulatory and licensing experts, safety and security experts, quality control and assurance managers, environmental and waste management experts, and financial and legal professionals, is also essential to our business. Our goal is to build a well-rounded and experienced team with expertise in these areas to ensure the development, operation, and commercialization of our business, while ensuring safety, regulatory compliance, and long-term viability.

 

However, if we are unable to attract, retain, and maintain our senior management team and other highly skilled personnel, we may not be able to implement our business strategy, and our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely and materially affected. If any of our senior management team members were to terminate his or her employment with us, there can be no assurance that we would be able to find suitable replacements in a timely manner, at acceptable cost or at all. The loss of services of senior management team members or the inability to identify, hire, train and retain other qualified and managerial personnel in the future may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

Mr. Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, has a significant influence over our company due to his ownership of a material percentage of our outstanding common stock. Also, his interests may not always be aligned with the interests of our other stockholders, which may lead to conflicts of interest that harm our company.

 

As of December 27, 2024, Mr. Jay Jiang Yu, our President and Chairman, beneficially owns an aggregate of approximately 28.70% shares of our common stock. Due to his ownership of a material percentage of our outstanding common stock, Mr. Yu could have significant influence in determining the outcome of any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to the stockholders for approval, including mergers, consolidations, the appointment of directors and other significant corporate actions. Without the consent of Mr. Yu, we may be prevented from entering into transactions that could be beneficial to us or our other stockholders. Moreover, our interests and the interests of Mr. Yu may not always be aligned, which could create conflicts of interest of Mr. Yu and may not be resolved in favor of all of our stockholders or may otherwise harm our company. For more information regarding Mr. Yu’s ownership of our company, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

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Failure to establish and maintain effective internal control in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.

 

Prior to the completion of our initial public offering in May 2024, we were a private company with limited accounting personnel to adequately execute our accounting processes and limited supervisory resources with which to address our internal control over financial reporting. As a private company, we did not design or maintain an effective control environment as required of public companies under the rules of the SEC implementing Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and therefore are not required to make a formal assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for that purpose. Specifically, we lack a sufficient number of professionals with an appropriate level of accounting knowledge, training and experience to appropriately analyze, record and disclose accounting matters timely and accurately while maintaining appropriate segregation of duties.

 

Upon becoming a publicly traded company, we became required to comply with the SEC’s rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of controls over financial reporting. Though we are required to disclose changes made in our internal controls and procedures on a quarterly basis, we are not required to make our first annual assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404 until the year following our first annual report required to be filed with the SEC.

 

Proper system of internal control over financial accounting and disclosure controls and procedures are critical to the operation of a public company. We may be unable to effectively establish such system, especially in light of the fact that we expect to operate as a publicly reporting company. This would leave us without the ability to reliably assimilate and compile financial information about our company and significantly impair our ability to prevent error and detect fraud, all of which would have a negative impact on our company from many perspectives.

 

Moreover, we do not expect that disclosure control or internal control over financial reporting, even if established, will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in the control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Failure of our control system to prevent error or fraud could materially adversely impact us.

 

Our ability to effectively manage our anticipated growth and expansion of our operations will also require us to enhance our operational, financial and management controls and infrastructure, human resources policies and reporting system. These enhancements and improvements will require significant capital expenditures and allocation of valuable management and employee resources.

 

We expect to experience significant growth in the scope and nature of our operations. Our ability to manage our operations and future growth will require us to continue to improve our operational, financial and management controls, compliance programs and reporting system. We may not be able to implement improvements in an efficient or timely manner and may discover deficiencies in existing controls, programs, systems and procedures, which could have an adverse effect on our business, reputation and financial results. Additionally, rapid growth in our business may place a strain on our human and capital resources. Furthermore, we expect to continue to conduct our business internationally and anticipate increased business operations in the United States, Asia, and Europe. Asia and Europe are obvious destinations to launch manufacturing operations given the high demand for clean technologies, developed technical workforce, and strong manufacturing bases with nuclear experience. We will also be targeting developing countries that could benefit from the introduction of mobile, remote, power sources able to unlock a lot of economic resources. These diversified, global operations place increased demands on our limited resources and require us to substantially expand the capabilities of our administrative and operational resources and to attract, train, manage and retain qualified management, technical, experts, engineering, sales and other personnel, the failure of which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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We are subject to cybersecurity risks.

 

Like other businesses, we face cybersecurity risks. Threat sources continue to seek to exploit potential vulnerabilities. These cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and dynamic. We expect these cyberattacks to continue to occur in the future and we are constantly managing efforts to infiltrate and compromise our information technology systems and data. Given the highly regulated and sensitive industry in which we operate, cybersecurity threats pose a particular risk for our company. While we develop and maintain systems seeking to prevent security breaches from occurring, the development and maintenance of these systems is costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as techniques used in such attacks become more sophisticated and change frequently. We, and the third parties on which we rely, may be unable to anticipate these techniques or implement adequate preventive measures.

 

A cybersecurity breach, including physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, malware, attacks by hackers, ransomware attacks, phishing attacks, supply chain attacks, breaches due to employee error or misconduct and other similar breaches, of our physical assets or information systems, or those of our vendors, business partners and interconnected entities or regulators could impact our operations or result in the theft or inappropriate release of certain types of information, including critical infrastructure information, sensitive customer, vendor and employee data, trading or other confidential data. The risk of these system-related events and cybersecurity breaches occurring continues to intensify, and while we have not directly experienced a material breach or disruption to our network or information systems or our operations to-date, such cyberattacks continue to increase in sophistication and frequency, and we may be unable to prevent all such cyberattacks in the future.

 

If a significant breach were to occur, our reputation could be negatively affected, customer confidence in us or others in the industry could be diminished, or we could be subject to legal claims, loss of revenues, increased costs or operations shutdown. In addition, our network and information systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from power outages, telecommunications failures, accidents, natural disasters (including extreme weather arising from short-term or any long-term changes in weather patterns), terrorist attacks and similar events. Our system redundancy may be ineffective or inadequate, and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Moreover, the amount and scope of insurance maintained against losses resulting from any such events or security breaches may not be sufficient to cover losses or otherwise adequately compensate for any disruptions to business that could result. Furthermore, in the future, such insurance may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

 

In addition, new or updated security regulations or unforeseen threat sources could require changes in current measures taken by us or our business operations and could adversely affect our consolidated financial statements.

 

We will incur significantly increased costs as a result of, and devote substantial management time to operating as, a public company.

 

We only became a public company in May 2024. As such, we have incurred and will continue to incur significant legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. For example, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and will be required to comply with the applicable requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, as well as rules and regulations subsequently implemented by the SEC, including the establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls, changes in corporate governance practices and required filing of annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and operating results. These requirements have and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costly. In addition, our management and other personnel need to divert attention from operational and other business matters to devote substantial time to these public company requirements. We will also need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge and will need to establish an internal audit function. Operating as a public company makes it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. This could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified people to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as executive officers. In addition, after we no longer qualify as an “emerging growth company,” as defined under the JOBS Act we expect to incur additional management time and cost to comply with the more stringent reporting requirements applicable to companies that are deemed accelerated filers or large accelerated filers, including complying with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We are just beginning the process of compiling the system and processing documentation needed to comply with such requirements. We may not be able to complete our evaluation, testing and any required remediation in a timely fashion. In that regard, we currently do not have an internal audit function, and we will need to hire or contract additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge.

 

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We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may continue to incur as a result of operating as a public company or the timing of such costs.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” and we cannot be certain if the reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

We are an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the JOBS Act, and we may take advantage of certain exemptions from reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. Pursuant to Section 107 of the JOBS Act, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards until those standards would otherwise apply to private companies. As a result, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of issuers who are required to comply with the effective dates for new or revised accounting standards that are applicable to public companies, which may make our common stock less attractive to investors. In addition, if we cease to be an emerging growth company, we will no longer be able to use the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards.

 

We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of: (1) the last day of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of our listing; (2) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.235 billion; (3) the date on which we have, during the previous rolling three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities; and (4) the date on which we are deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under the rules of the SEC.

 

We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. For example, if we do not adopt a new or revised accounting standard, our future results of operations may not be comparable to the results of operations of certain other companies in our industry that adopted such standards. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock, and our stock price may be more volatile.

 

If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes appearing elsewhere in this Report. We base our estimates on short duration historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.” The results of these estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities, and equity, and the amount of revenue and expenses. Significant estimates and judgments involve: legal contingencies; valuation of our common stock and equity awards; and income taxes. Our results of operations may be adversely affected if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our results of operations to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, resulting in a decline in the market price of our common stock.

 

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Our current insurance coverage may not be adequate, and we may not be able to obtain insurance at acceptable rates, or at all.

 

We currently have director and officer liability insurance for our officers and certain directors. We do not carry any key-man life insurance, business liability and other professional liability insurance. Neither have we purchased any property insurance or business interruption insurance. Even if we purchase these kinds of insurance, the insurance may not fully protect us from the financial impact of defending against product liability or professional liability claims that may occur in future. As we are still at the development stage and we have not produced any products yet, we have determined that our current insurance coverage is sufficient for our business operations in the U.S. However, the local government may take an opposite position against us and we may need to purchase additional insurance to operate our business. If we fail to obtain the insurance as required by the local government, or if we were to incur substantial losses or liabilities due to fire, explosions, floods, other natural disasters or accidents or business interruption, our business and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

 

Our business is subject to the risks of earthquakes, fire, floods and other natural catastrophic events, global pandemics, and interruptions by man-made problems, such as network security breaches, computer viruses or terrorism. Material disruptions of our business or information system resulting from these events could adversely affect our operating results.

 

We are vulnerable to damage from catastrophic events, such as natural disasters, power loss, and similar unforeseen events beyond our control. The global pandemics or fear of spread of contagious diseases, such as COVID-19, Ebola virus disease (EVD), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), H1N1 flu, H7N9 flu, and avian flu, as well the catastrophic events could disrupt our business operations, reduce or restrict our supply of products and services, incur significant costs to protect our employees and facilities, or result in regional or global economic distress, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Actual or threatened war, terrorist activities, political unrest, civil strife, and other geopolitical uncertainty could have a similar adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Any one or more of these events may adversely affect our operation results, or even for a prolonged period of time, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

We cannot assure you that we are adequately protected from the effects of earthquakes, fire, floods, typhoons, earthquakes, global pandemics, power loss, telecommunications failures, break-ins, war, riots, network security breaches, computer viruses, terrorist attacks, or similar events. Any of the foregoing events may give rise to interruptions, damage to our property, delays in production, breakdowns, system failures, technology platform failures, or internet failures, which could cause the loss or corruption of data or malfunctions of our internet system as well as adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

If a natural disaster, power outage or other event occurred that prevented us from using all or a significant portion of our headquarters, damaged critical infrastructure, or otherwise disrupted operations, it may be difficult or, in certain cases, impossible for us to continue our business for a substantial period of time. The disaster recovery and business continuity plans we have in place are unlikely to provide adequate protection in the event of a serious disaster or similar event. We may incur substantial expenses as a result of the limited nature of our disaster recovery and business continuity plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

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Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

 

The trading market for our common stock is very new, and consistently robust and liquid trading market may not develop or be sustained over the long term.

 

We only recently conducted our initial public offering in May 2024, and so the trading market for our common stock is very new and unestablished. If a consistently robust and liquid trading market for our common stock does not develop, you may not be able to sell your shares quickly or at the market price. Our ability to raise capital to continue to fund operations by selling our securities and our ability to acquire other companies or technologies by using our securities as consideration may also be impaired.

 

The trading price of our common stock has been and may continue to be very volatile, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

 

Since our initial public offering, the market for our common stock has been very volatile, including significant increases and decreases in the price of our stock. The trading price of our common stock is likely to continue to be volatile and could continue to be subject to fluctuations in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our common stock as you might be unable to sell your shares at or above the price you paid in this offering. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include the following:

 

  price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
     
  volatility in the trading prices and trading volumes of nuclear energy stocks;
     
  changes in operating performance and stock market valuations of other nuclear energy companies generally, or those in our industry in particular;
     
  sales of shares of our common stock by us or our stockholders;
     
  failure of securities analysts to maintain coverage of us, changes in financial estimates by securities analysts who follow our company, or our failure to meet these estimates or the expectations of investors;
     
  the financial projections we may provide to the public, any changes in those projections, or our failure to meet those projections;
     
  announcements by us or our competitors of new products, features, or services;
     
  the public’s reaction to our press releases, other public announcements and filings with the SEC;
     
  rumors and market speculation involving us or other companies in our industry;
     
  actual or anticipated changes in our results of operations or fluctuations in our results of operations;
     
  actual or anticipated developments in our business, our competitors’ businesses or the competitive landscape generally;
     
  litigation involving us, our industry, or both, or investigations by regulators into our operations or those of our competitors;
     
  developments or disputes concerning our intellectual property or other proprietary rights;
     
  announced or completed acquisitions of businesses, products, services or technologies by us or our competitors;
     
  new laws or regulations or new interpretations of existing laws or regulations applicable to our business;
     
  changes in accounting standards, policies, guidelines, interpretations or principles;
     
  any significant change in our management; and
     
  general economic conditions and slow or negative growth of our markets.

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing potential causes of volatility, you are cautioned that specific causes of volatility are never perfectly clear. Moreover, our relatively small public float may amplify the impact the actions taken by a few stockholders have on the price of our common stock, which may cause the price of our common stock to deviate, potentially significantly, from a price that better reflects the underlying performance of our business.

 

Also, in recent years, the stock markets generally have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of listed companies. Broad market and industry factors may significantly affect the market price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance. These fluctuations may be even more pronounced in the trading market for our common stock shortly after your investment. Volatility in our common stock could lead to the loss of some or all of your investment.

 

In addition, in the past, following periods of volatility in the overall market and in the market price of a particular company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against these companies. This litigation, if instituted against us, could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.

 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

 

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If only a limited number of securities or industry analysts commence coverage of our company, the trading price for our stock could be negatively impacted. If one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

 

Future sales of our securities or warrants exercisable for our common stock may depress our stock price.

 

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock or securities convertible into our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future.

 

We have issued underwriter’s warrants to purchase shares in connection with our May 2024 initial public offering, and two underwritten follow-on offerings in July and October 2024 (“July and October Offerings”), respectively, to purchase up to an aggregate of 364,139 shares of common stock. In connection with the July and October Offerings and our November 2024 private placement offering, we issued warrants to investors to purchase up to an aggregate of 4,235,148 shares of common stock with a weighted-average exercise price of $22.68 per share. If a large number of shares of our common stock are issued upon exercise of the outstanding warrants in the public market, this could reduce the trading price of our common stock, perhaps significantly, and impede our ability to raise future capital.

 

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Our failure to meet the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq could result in a delisting of our common stock.

 

If we fail to satisfy the continued listing requirements of Nasdaq, such as the corporate governance requirements or the minimum closing bid price requirement, Nasdaq may take steps to delist our common stock. Such a delisting would likely have a negative effect on the price of our common stock and would impair your ability to sell or purchase our common stock when you wish to do so. In the event of a delisting, we can provide no assurance that any action taken by us to restore compliance with listing requirements would allow our common stock to become listed again, stabilize the market price or improve the liquidity of our common stock, prevent our common stock from dropping below the Nasdaq minimum bid price requirement or prevent future non-compliance with Nasdaq’s listing requirements.

 

Our directors, executive officers and principal stockholders have substantial control over us and could delay or prevent a change of corporate control.

 

Our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 5% of our common stock, together with their affiliates, beneficially own, in the aggregate, approximately 33.19% of our outstanding common stock as of December 27, 2024. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, these stockholders, acting together, have the ability to control the management and affairs of our company. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership could harm the market price of our common stock by:

 

  delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us;
     
  impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us; or
     
  discouraging a potential acquiror from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us.

 

See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” below for more information regarding the ownership of our outstanding stock by our executive officers, directors and holders of more than 5% of our common stock, together with their affiliates.

 

Unanticipated changes in effective tax rates or adverse outcomes resulting from examination of our income or other tax returns could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We will be subject to income taxes in the United States, and our domestic tax liabilities will be subject to the allocation of expenses in differing jurisdictions. Our future effective tax rates could be subject to volatility or adversely affected by a number of factors, including:

 

  changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets and liabilities;
     
  expected timing and amount of the release of any tax valuation allowances;
     
  tax effects of stock-based compensation;
     
  costs related to intercompany restructurings; or
     
  changes in tax laws, regulations or interpretations thereof.

 

In addition, we may be subject to audits of our income, sales and other transaction taxes by federal, state and local authorities. Outcomes from these audits could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Anti-takeover provisions in Nevada law could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of our company and may affect the trading price of our common stock.

 

Some of the provisions of Nevada law may have the effect of delaying, deferring or discouraging another person from acquiring control of our company or removing our incumbent officers and directors. These provisions are expected to discourage certain types of coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection against an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging such proposals.

 

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We have never paid dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying dividends for the foreseeable future.

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition and other relevant facts. We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, to finance the development and growth of our business. Accordingly, you must rely on the sale of your common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gain on your investment.

 

Our bylaws designate certain courts as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, or employees.

 

Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, a state or federal court located in the State of Nevada shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of our company to us or our stockholders, (iii) any actions asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the NRS, our Articles of Incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws, in each case as amended, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to such court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein (the “Nevada Forum Provision”). This, however, shall not apply to claims or causes of action brought to enforce a duty or liability created by the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. Our bylaws further provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America shall be the sole and exclusive forum for resolving any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Federal Forum Provision”). In addition, our bylaws provide that any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of our common stock is deemed to have notice of and consented to the Nevada Forum Provision and the Federal Forum Provision.

 

Section 27 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. As a result, the Nevada Forum Provision will not apply to suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or any other claim for which the federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction. We note, however, that there is uncertainty as to whether a court would enforce this provision and that investors cannot waive compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

 

We recognize that the Nevada Forum Provision and the Federal Forum Provision in our bylaws may impose additional litigation costs on stockholders in pursuing any such claims, particularly if the stockholders do not reside in or near the State of Nevada. Additionally, the Nevada Forum Provision and the Federal Forum Provision may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a claim in a forum that they find favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees even though an action, if successful, might benefit our stockholders. If the Federal Forum Provision is found to be unenforceable, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters. The Federal Forum Provision may also impose additional litigation costs on stockholders who assert that the provision is not enforceable or invalid. The competent courts of the State of Nevada and the United States District Court may also reach different judgments or results than would other courts, including courts where a stockholder considering an action may be located or would otherwise choose to bring the action, and such judgments may be more or less favorable to us than our stockholders.

 

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ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

Not Applicable

 

ITEM 1C. Cybersecurity

 

Risk Assessment and Strategy

 

Our management evaluates cybersecurity risk from computer viruses and more sophisticated and targeted cyber-related attacks such as ransomware, as well as cybersecurity failures resulting from human error and technological errors. Such risks are reviewed on a periodic basis as deemed appropriate.

 

Our overall strategy in combatting known cybersecurity risks includes a variety of individual tactics, including:

 

  the use of antivirus software, as well as other software to prevent and detect data intrusions.
     
  the installation of updates and patches as they are available and maintaining the current versions of major software to reduce the exposure to vulnerabilities.
     
  if necessary, the use of third-party security experts if and when an incident is detected
     

We are not aware of having experienced any material cybersecurity incidents. We are not aware of any existent cybersecurity threats that would materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our business strategy, results of operations or financial conditions.

 

Board Oversight

 

Our board of directors has yet to establish any formal committees related to cybersecurity risks. Management updates our board of directors regarding cybersecurity risks as necessary.

 

ITEM 2. Properties

 

Our principal executive office, including our headquarters, is located at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10018, covering approximately 7,800 square feet. We lease this office under a long-term lease commencing from April 1, 2024 through July 31, 2031, with the monthly lease rent of $33,605 to be increased by 2.5% on an annual basis.

 

In August 2024, we purchased a 1.64-acre land package in the historic Heritage Center Industrial Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee for $1.7 million. The purchase includes a 14,000 sq. ft., 2-story building to house our Nuclear Technology Headquarters. Situated in a world-class location for innovative nuclear technology research and development, this facility will serve as the central hub for our advanced nuclear technology design and engineering capabilities. The Nuclear Technology Headquarters is near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the Spallation Neutron Source, the National Transportation Research Center, and The University of Tennessee’s Center of Excellence in Engineering. We expect to grow the number of personnel working at the facility over the next year and expect to ultimately employ up to 30 personnel at the facility.

 

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ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

 

On August 9, 2024, a putative securities class action lawsuit was filed against us and certain of our officers in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, captioned Yvette Yang v. Nano Nuclear Energy Inc., et al., No. 1:24-cv-06057 (S.D.N.Y.). The complaint asserts claims for alleged violations of federal securities laws related to statements concerning our business and prospects, including our progress toward microreactor development. The plaintiff seeks to represent a class of certain persons who purchased or otherwise acquired our common stock during the period from May 8, 2024 through July 18, 2024 and seeks unspecified damages and other relief. On October 28, 2024, the court entered an order appointing Hongyu Xie as lead plaintiff. On November 4, 2024, the court entered a scheduling order for the filing of lead plaintiff’s amended complaint and a briefing schedule for our anticipated motion to dismiss, under which lead plaintiff must file an amended complaint by January 6, 2025, and we must file a motion to dismiss by February 21, 2025. We dispute the allegations in the complaint and intend to defend the case vigorously. The case is at an early stage and we cannot reasonably estimate the amount of any potential financial loss or cost that could result from the lawsuit.

 

In addition, on August 23, 2024, a putative shareholder derivative lawsuit was filed purportedly on behalf of our company, as nominal defendant, against certain of our directors and officers in the Eighth Judicial District Court of Clark County, Nevada, captioned William Latza, Derivatively on Behalf of Nano Nuclear, Inc. v. James Walker, et al., No. A-24-900423-C. The complaint asserted claims for alleged breach of fiduciary duties and corporate waste, among others, related to statements concerning our business and prospects. On November 15, 2024, we filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 23.1 of the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure based on plaintiff’s lack of standing, and the director and officer defendants filed a motion to dismiss pursuant to Rule 12(b)(5) of the Nevada Rules of Civil Procedure based on plaintiff’s failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. On December 20, 2024, plaintiff filed an amended complaint. The amended complaint alleges claims for alleged breach of fiduciary duties, corporate waste, market manipulation, and racketeering, among others, related to our business and prospects, including our progress toward microreactor development, the qualifications of our management, and our investment in LIS Technologies Inc.

 

On behalf of our company, the plaintiff seeks damages from the director and officer defendants and an order directing our company to take actions to reform and improve corporate governance and internal procedures. The director and officer defendants deny all allegations of liability and intend to vigorously defend against all claims. Given the preliminary stage of the lawsuit and the inherent uncertainties of litigation, we cannot determine with certainty the outcome of the case at this time.

 

In addition, from time to time, we may be subject to various additional claims, lawsuits, and other legal and administrative proceedings that may arise in the ordinary course of business. Some of these claims, lawsuits, and other proceedings may range in complexity and result in substantial uncertainty; it is possible that they may result in damages, fines, penalties, non-monetary sanctions, or relief.

 

As we continue to grow and develop our products, we anticipate that we will expend significant financial and managerial resources in the defense of our products in the future. We also anticipate that we will expend significant financial and managerial resources to defend against claims that our products and services infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties.

 

ITEM 4. Mine and Safety Disclosure

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

Market Information

 

Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NNE.”

 

Holders of Record

 

As of December 27, 2024, we had 39 holders of record of our common stock.

 

Dividend Policy

 

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our capital stock, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our earnings, capital requirements and financial condition and other relevant facts. We currently intend to retain all future earnings, if any, to finance the development and growth of our business.

 

Under NRS 78.288, the directors of a corporation may authorize, and the corporation may make, distributions (including cash dividends) to stockholders, but no such distribution may be made if, after giving it effect:

 

  the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or
     
  the corporation’s total assets would be less than the sum of (x) its total liabilities plus (y) the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution.

 

The NRS prescribes the timing of the determinations above depending on the nature and timing of payment of the distribution. For cash dividends paid within 120 days after the date of authorization, the determinations above must be made as of the date the dividend is authorized. When making their determination that a distribution is not prohibited by NRS 78.288, directors may consider:

 

  financial statements prepared on the basis of accounting practices that are reasonable in the circumstances;
     
  a fair valuation, including, but not limited to, unrealized appreciation and depreciation; and/or
     
  any other method that is reasonable in the circumstances.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

During the past three years, we issued securities that were not registered under the Securities Act as set forth below. The offers, sales and issuances of the securities described below were exempt from registration either (i) under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder in that the transactions were between an issuer and sophisticated investors or members of its senior executive management and did not involve any offering within the meaning of Section 4(a)(2), or (ii) under Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act in that offers, sales and issuances were not made to persons in the United States and no directed selling efforts were made in the United States, or (iii) under Rule 144A under the Securities Act in that the shares were offered and sold by the initial purchasers to qualified institutional buyers, or (iv) under Rule 701 promulgated under the Securities Act in that the transactions were under compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation.

 

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In February 2022, we issued 10,000,000 shares of common stock to I Financial Ventures Group LLC, of which our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jay Jiang Yu, is the sole shareholder and director, and received proceeds of $50,000.

 

Between March 2022 and April 2022, we issued an aggregate of 7,500,000 shares of common stock to certain members of our management team and certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $375,000.

 

Between February 2022 and September 2022, we issued an aggregate of 675,000 shares of common stock to certain consultants for services received.

 

Between April 2022 and February 2023, we issued an aggregate of 4,146,869 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $4,146,869.

 

Between April 2023 and September 2023, we issued an aggregate of 2,778,000 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate proceeds of $6,945,000.

 

In January 2024, we issued an aggregate of 822,144 shares of common stock to certain investors, and received an aggregate gross proceeds of $2,466,437, of which $2,106,437 was received in advance as of December 31, 2023, and $360,000 was received in January 2024.

 

In June 2024, we issued an aggregate of 50,000 shares of common stock to Dr. Maidana as consideration for the ALIP Acquisition.

 

In August 2024, we issued an aggregate of 20,000 shares of common stock to certain consultants for services received.

 

In August 2024, we issued an aggregate of 250,000 shares of common stock to consultants who exercised their outstanding stock options.

 

In September 2024, we issued an aggregate of 343,000 shares of common stock to consultants who exercised their outstanding stock options.

 

In October 2024, we issued an aggregate of 230,000 shares of common stock to consultants who exercised their outstanding stock options.

 

In November 2024, we issued an aggregate of 15,000 shares of common stock to consultants who exercised their outstanding stock options.

 

In December 2024, we issued an aggregate of 120,000 shares of common stock to consultants who exercised their outstanding stock options.

 

On November 24, 2024, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “November 2024 SPA”) with three accredited institutional investors pursuant to which we agreed to offer and sell an aggregate of $60,000,048 of our securities in a private placement (the “November 2024 Private Placement”), consisting of (i) 2,500,002 shares (“Shares”) of our common stock and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 2,500,002 shares of common stock (the “November 2024 Warrants”). The Private Placement closed on November 27, 2024. After deducting the placement agent fees and estimated offering expenses payable by us, we received net proceeds of approximately $55,122,000. We intend to use these net proceeds for general working capital and general corporate purposes, which could include potential acquisitions of complementary businesses or assets. Pursuant to the November 2024 SPA, we issued and sold 2,500,002 Shares and associated Warrants to purchase up to an aggregate of 2,500,002 shares of common stock at a combined purchase price of $24.00 per share. The associated Warrants have a term of five (5) year with an exercise price of $26.00 per share and will be exercisable immediately upon issuance of the Warrants. The November 2024 SPA includes standard representations, warranties and covenants of the Company and Investors, including certain restrictions on future issuances of our capital stock for 30 days following effectiveness of the registration statement discussed below. On November 24, 2024, in connection with the Private Placement, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the investors pursuant to which we agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) covering the resale of the Shares and the shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrants by no later than January 15, 2025 (the date of filing, the “Filing Date”), with such registration statement to be effective within 30 days of the Filing Date (if such registration statement is not subject to review by the SEC), or within 60 days after the Filing Date (if such registration statement is subject to limited or full review by the SEC). The investors are also entitled (subject to certain exceptions) to customary piggyback registration rights during the period in which the registration statement is effective. We are subject to customary requirements to pay liquidated damages to the investors in the Private Placement in the event it does not meet certain filing and effectiveness deadlines set forth in the registration rights agreement in an amount equal to 1% of such investor’s subscription amount, plus interest, as applicable, on a monthly basis until such event giving rise to the liquidated damages is cured. The Benchmark Company, LLC acted as placement agent for the Private Placement and received a cash fee equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds received by us in the Private Placement, a non-accountable expense allowance equal to 1% of the gross proceeds received by us from the Private Placement, and reimbursement of up to $175,000 in legal expenses.

 

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Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. [Reserved]

 

 

ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes contained elsewhere in this Report and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The following discussion may contain predictions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Report. These risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from any future performance suggested below.

 

Overview

 

We are an emerging, pre-revenue nuclear energy company developing smaller, cheaper, and safer advanced portable clean energy solutions, utilizing proprietary reactor designs, intellectual property and research methods, to develop technology and products that work towards a sustainable future. Led by a world class scientific and management team, we envision a business with comprehensive engagement within almost every sector of the nuclear power industry, from sourcing raw materials, to fuel processing, and finally the deployment of our cutting edge microreactors. Our dedication extends further, to also develop into areas such as fuel transportation and nuclear service support and consulting services.

 

Currently, we are in the pre-revenue stage and are principally focused on four business lines as part of our development strategy, including our micro nuclear reactor business, our nuclear fuel processing business, our nuclear fuel transportation business, and our nuclear consultation services business.

 

Our mission is to become a commercially focused, diversified and vertically integrated technology-driven nuclear energy company that will capture market share in the very large and growing nuclear energy sector. To implement our plans, since our founding in 2022, our management has secured certain connections within key U.S. government agencies, including the DOE, the Idaho National Laboratory (“INL”) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (“ORNL”), each of which are a part of the DOE’s national nuclear laboratory system. Our company also maintains important collaborations with leading researchers from the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre and The University of California, Berkeley.

 

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Overview of Operational Plan and Estimated Timelines for Corporate Achievements

 

In light of approximately $122 million in net proceeds we generated from our May 2024 initial public offering, our July and October Offerings, and our November 2024 private placement, over the next twelve months, we will continue to progress the development of our advanced microreactors, and our vertically integrated fuel processing business, with estimated expenditures to be approximately $40 million. This allocation comprises approximately $25 million dedicated to the research, development, and physical test work of our microreactors and other technologies, such as our fuel transportation system. A further allocation of approximately $10 million will be allocated to the development of our planned HALEU fuel processing facilities alongside LIST, the related-party uranium enrichment company with whom we collaborate and in which we’ve made a strategic investment. The remaining approximately $5 million is earmarked for miscellaneous costs essential to propelling the progress of our microreactors, encompassing the support of current personnel engaged in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. We may also utilize our cash resources raised in 2024 for acquisitions of complementary businesses or assets.

 

We estimate that our microreactor demonstration work will be conducted and built between 2025 and 2027, our formal microreactor licensing application will be submitted between 2026 and 2029, and our microreactors will be launched between 2030 and 2031, unless the Advance Act succeeds to reduce the licensing time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, there is no assurance that we can meet successfully the above-mentioned timelines. We also plan on providing nuclear service support and consultation services in 2025 for the expanding and resurgent nuclear energy industry, both domestically and internationally. As part of our efforts domestically, following our collaboration with Digihost in December 2024, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025. These services will support the planning and execution of the Digihost project and will encompass regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development, and stakeholder engagement. In addition to these rendered services, we are examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services. We have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have not entered into any definitive agreements for such acquisitions. In combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the outlined expenditures and the anticipated timelines for execution of our plans discussed above and throughout this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are estimations only. These estimates are inherently subject to significant risks and change due to unforeseen circumstances, operational challenges, adjustments in the microreactor development plan and uncertainties associated with the licensing approval process, and other factors beyond our control. Given that these elements may exceed our initial expectations or lie beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the actual expenditures and timelines.

 

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Factors and Trends Affecting Our Business and Results of Operations

 

Our Ability to Develop Our Microreactors

 

In 2022, we began designing our two next-generation advanced nuclear microreactors, ZEUS and ODIN. ZEUS, is a solid core battery reactor, and ODIN, is a low-pressure salt coolant reactor. We aim to complete the detailed design for these reactors in under a two-year timeframe, progress through demonstration and physical test work, and initiate the licensing, certification, and development processes required to build a licensed prototype. Our goal is to commercially launch one of these microreactors in the early 2030s. The success of this endeavor will be dependent on our ability to effectively utilize our relationship with the national laboratories and DOE to advance our microreactor designs through demonstration work and take advantage of the large capabilities offered by the existing national nuclear sites. We have conducted and completed a design audit on the ODIN reactor to provide assistance with design considerations. Additionally, the design audit for the ZEUS reactor was conducted and completed by INL in February 2024. The report was finalized and issued by INL, summarizing their findings for Nano to facilitate the development of the reactor. The technical reactor audit provides an external and neutral perspective to assist the advancement of the concepts and to validate the microreactors’ direction and technology.

 

Design and Construction of Fuel Processing Facility

 

We have potentially identified a land package that is suitable for the design, construction and commissioning of our own commercial nuclear High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (“HALEU”) fuel processing facility to supply fuel to our own reactors currently under development, to the U.S. nuclear industry, the U.S. national laboratories, and to supply the DOE’s nuclear fuel needs if necessary.

 

Development of Fuel Transportation Business

 

We intend to produce a regulatorily licensed, high-capacity HALEU transportation system, capable of moving commercial quantities of HALEU fuel around North America. We hope to have our fuel transportation business in operation by 2028. We received an exclusive license for a high capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket design in April 2024, which will form the basis of a complete transportation system to move a range of fuel types. This license grants us, as the licensee, exclusive rights for use and development of the technology. In addition, the licensor is not permitted to license the technology to any other parties within the specified scope. This technology could potentially enable us to transport enriched HALEU material in various forms. We are seeking to form the first transportation company capable of supplying all emerging SMR and microreactor companies with the fuel they require at their manufacturing facilities to construct their reactors. We also expect to service the national nuclear laboratories and DOE programs which require HALEU by providing the fuel for their programs. Mobile reactors requiring HALEU for remote military bases are also anticipated, with potential military contacts. Our fuel transportation business will build on the work already completed and authorized by the INL and ORNL to create a high-capacity HALEU transportation package, with 18 inner canisters, combined with a basket design and a borated aluminum flux trap. We have also received private funding and support from the former executives of the largest shipping company in the world. These executives are aware of our transportation plans and have agreed to assist us in developing a HALEU transportation company to create the first vertically integrated HALEU commercial quantity delivery service in North America.

 

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Our Business Services and Consulting Business

 

We have identified an opportunity for more immediate revenue for our company by acquiring more expertise to advance our businesses and deploying those personnel as part of a consulting and services business. We have already identified several nuclear business services and consultancy providers, which have been assessed as potentially suitable for acquisition by our company. We have concentrated on identifying small teams with expert personnel, with good portfolios of work and existing contracts, and good expansion potential, which would provide us with immediate revenue post-acquisition. We believe we are in a competitively advantageous position to expand these acquired businesses with the highly qualified teams it has built over the previous years. This expansion potential can be further complimented by the education programs we are assembling with the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, part of the University of Cambridge, which will involve the sponsorship of MSc and PhD Nuclear programs to produce the next generation of qualified nuclear energy personnel. Part of our education sponsorship programs will involve providing work to the qualifying individuals after they have completed their programs, allowing for further expansion of the nuclear services we are able to offer clients. In furtherance of this effort, in early August 2024 we announced that we have joined the University of Cambridge Nuclear Industry Club to further our collaboration with Cambridge and our efforts to foster and recruit the next generation of nuclear researchers and engineers. With an expanded team we plan to retain with a portion of the proceeds from our 2024 public offerings, we will market our expertise and deploy consultants to both government and private industry nuclear projects. Consultants will be hired out for either hourly rates, or for contractual periods and weekly or monthly rates depending on the project type and scope. The acquisitions and their subsequent expansions will also provide in-house expertise, at greatly reduced costs, which we can utilize for our own research and development, streamlining our company while expanding our technical and human capital capacity.

 

We expect to start providing nuclear service support and consultation services for the nuclear energy industry in 2025, both domestically and internationally. As part of our efforts domestically, following our collaboration with Digihost in December 2024, we expect to provide consulting services to Digihost beginning in the first quarter of 2025. These services will support the planning and execution of the Digihost project and will encompass regulatory advice, site assessment, roadmap development, and stakeholder engagement. In addition to these rendered services, we are examining strategic acquisitions to expand our business and consultancy services. We have commenced several material discussions with potential targets for such acquisitions, but as of the date of this Report, we have not entered into any definitive agreements for such acquisitions. In combination with our intention to acquire existing revenue generating consultancy businesses, we are focusing on building our own internal nuclear consultation business in coordination with certain outside academic institutions, which we anticipate would require approximately $2 million over the next twelve months to recruit additional staff and build corresponding infrastructure to be capable of providing these services. No assurances can be given that we will be able to successfully establish and grow our own consultation business, and our failure to do so would adversely affect our nearer term revenue prospects.

 

Regulatory Approvals

 

The regulatory licensing process for our microreactor prototypes is expected to be completed by approximately 2030 or 2031. Manufacturing facilities will begin construction during the licensing phase so we are ready to deploy microreactors across the country upon subsequent approval of a manufacturing license. Initial NRC contact will involve early communication from us of the estimated company timelines, so that the regulator can secure the required number of personnel to successfully examine the microreactors. Our ability to successfully license and certify our microreactors will subsequently be dependent on working through the licensing process with the NRC and satisfying their examinations that the reactor is safe to deploy to customers, provided the agreed protocols are adhered to.

 

Our ability to successfully design and construct our own commercial nuclear HALEU fuel fabrication facility will be dependent on obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from the NRC. Fuel cycle facilities must comply with the regulatory requirements established by the NRC. The facility will need to acquire an NRC license containing site-specific requirements that the facility is required to comply with. Each license is unique and is specific to the nuclear material and hazards present at the fuel cycle facility. The NRC inspects the site construction at new fuel cycle facilities and only approves the facility’s capability to possess nuclear material after ensuring that the facility’s safety controls are robust and able to safely handle these materials. NRC safety oversight includes three important components: NRC inspection, the routine assessment of each licensee’s performance, and enforcement in the case that the regulatory requirements are not met.

 

Our company has identified the potential site and will work with the NRC through the process established under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, which will begin when a federal agency develops a proposal to take a major federal action.

 

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Technology Acquisitions and Collaborations

 

During 2024, we have made announcements regarding our acquisition of a complementary nuclear pump technology (the ALIP technology), our acquisition of the USNC Assets as well as our execution of several non-binding memoranda of understanding with third party collaborators to explore the use of our microreactors in remote artificial intelligence datacenters and the use of artificial intelligence in modernizing the nuclear regulatory and licensing process. We expect that a material aspect of our business will involve continuing to develop, identify or seek to collaborate on, or acquire novel and complimentary assets, business and technology for our company. Our inability to grow our company through such acquisition or collaborations could have a material adverse effect on our business prospects.

 

Results of Operations

 

Comparison of the Year Ended September 30, 2024, and the Year Ended September 30, 2023

 

Revenue

 

We have not generated any revenue from our inception through September 30, 2024.

 

Expenses

 

Research and Development Expense

 

Our research and development expenses represent costs incurred for designing and engineering products, including the costs of developing design tools. All research and development costs related to product development are expensed as incurred.

 

Research and development expenses increased by $2,191,565, or 143%, to $3,725,565 for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1,534,000 for the comparative period ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to our acquisition of the ALIP technology which was expensed during the year ended September 30, 2024 in the amount of $1,673,000 compared to the year ended September 30, 2023. Research and development expenses primarily reflect the internal and external personnel costs corresponding to the design and analysis of our microreactors as well as the costs to acquire technology and other assets from third parties. During the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $0 and $420,563, respectively, of our research and development expenses corresponded to equity-based compensation.

 

General and Administrative Expense

 

Our general and administrative expenses consist of compensation costs for personnel in executive, finance, accounting, and other administrative functions. General and administrative expenses also include legal fees, professional fees paid for accounting, auditing, consulting services, advertising costs, and insurance costs.

 

General and administrative expenses increased by $2,101,598, or 44%, to $6,850,993 for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared to $4,749,395 for the comparative period ended September 30, 2023, primarily due to additional office and staff costs to support our research and development activities during the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to the year ended September 30, 2023. During the year ended September 30, 2024, general and administrative expenses primarily consisted of $2.7 million in personnel costs. During the year ended September 30, 2023, general and administrative expenses primarily consisted of $3.1 million in personnel costs. During the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, $320,257 and $1,963,440, respectively, of our general and administrative expenses corresponded to equity-based compensation.

 

Revaluation of contingent consideration

 

Revaluation of contingent consideration corresponds to equity based contingent consideration corresponding to the ALIP technology we acquired which is revalued at the end of each financial quarter based on the closing stock price of our common shares.

 

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The revaluation of contingent consideration was ($66,000) for the year ended September 30, 2024, compared to $nil for the comparative period ended September 30, 2023, as a result of our acquisition of the ALIP technology on June 21, 2024.

 

Other Income

 

During the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we earned interest income of $359,002 and $32,994, respectively, on its cash held at a financial institution.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents will fund our current operating, research and development and business development plans through at least the next twelve months from the date of this Report. Although we have negative operating cash outflows of $8,464,146 for the year ended September 30, 2024, and $3,867,573 for the year ended September 30, 2023, we had approximately $29 million in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2024 (compared to approximately $7.0 million as of September 30, 2023) and working capital of approximately $28 million as of September 30, 2024 (compared to approximately $6.9 million as of September 30, 2023). In addition, we received net proceeds of approximately $37.2 million from our October 2024 underwritten follow-on offering as well as net proceeds of approximately $55.1 million from our November 2024 private placement.

 

However, the future development of our business towards ultimate commercialization of our products will require significant additional amounts of capital resources. Since we do not anticipate generating meaningful revenues for several years, we intend to finance our future cash requirements for capital expenditures, research and development and business development activities, any acquisitions we may undertake and general working capital through cash on hand and public or private equity or debt financings, third-party (including government) funding, or any combination of these approaches. If we raise additional funds through further issuances of equity or equity-linked instruments, or if outstanding warrants are exercised for cash, our existing stockholders would suffer dilution, perhaps significantly so. Moreover, no assurances can be given that we will be able to raise required funding on favorable terms, if at all, and our inability to raise additional funding when needed could have a material adverse effect on our company and results of operations and could cause our business to fail.

 

Going Concern

 

As part of issuing our consolidated financial statements, we evaluated whether there were any conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern over the twelve months after the date the consolidated financial statements included in this Report are issued. We have incurred significant operating losses since our inception, and as of September 30, 2024 we had an accumulated deficit of approximately $17.4 million and negative operating cash flow during fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. Management expects that operating losses and negative cash flows will likely increase from the 2024 levels because of additional costs and expenses related to our research and development and business development activities. Our continued solvency is dependent upon our ability to obtain additional working capital to complete development, regulatory licensing and effective commercialization of our products and technology in development.

 

To date, we have not generated any revenue. We do not expect to generate any meaningful revenue unless and until we are able to complete development, regulatory licensing and effective commercialization of our products and technology in development. We will require additional capital to develop our reactors and to fund operations for the foreseeable future. Particularly in light of our significant capital raising activity in 2024, we believe that our existing cash is sufficient to support our business plan in the near-term. However, as our business plans and industry are rapidly evolving, certain costs are not reasonably estimable at this time.

 

Management is of the opinion that sufficient working capital is on hand or available to meet our company’s liabilities and commitments as they come due for the next twelve months after the date of this Report so as to conform to the going concern uncertainty period. In order to achieve our company’s long-term strategy, we expect to raise additional capital or secure other sources of financing to support our plans and growth.

 

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Summary Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023

 

The following table sets forth the primary sources and uses of cash for the periods presented below:

 

  

For the Year Ended

September 30, 2024

  

For the Year Ended

September 30, 2023

 
Net cash used in operating activities  $(8,464,146)  $(3,867,573)
Net cash provided by investing activities   (3,700,000)   - 
Net cash provided by financing activities   33,718,608    8,690,369 
Net increase in cash   21,554,462    4,822,796 

 

Cash Flows used in Operating Activities

 

Net cash used by operating activities for the year ended September 30, 2024 was $8,464,146, which consisted of our net loss of $10,151,556, net of non-cash items of $1,213,682, and net of changes in working capital accounts. Net cash used by operating activities for the year ended September 30, 2023 was $3,867,573, which consisted of our net loss of $6,250,401, net of non-cash items of $2,384,003, and net of changes in working capital accounts. Our cash used in operating activities increased by $4,596,573 during the year ended September 30, 2024, due to an increase in net loss and changes in working capital accounts. The significant increase in cash used in operating activities during the year ended September 30, 2024, when compared to the year ended September 30, 2023, was primarily due to increased research and development activities and additional office and staff costs to support our research and development activities during the year ended September 30, 2024 compared to the year ended September 30, 2023.

 

Cash Flows used in Investing Activities

 

Net cash used by investing activities for the year ended September 30, 2024 was $3,700,000, which consisted of $1,700,000 used to purchase a 14,000 sq. ft., 2-story building in Oak Ridge, Tennessee to house our Nuclear Technology Headquarters, and $2,000,000 as a strategic equity investment into LIS Technologies Inc. (a related party). During the year ended September 30, 2023, we did not use any cash in investing activities.

 

Cash Flows provided by Financing Activities

 

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2024 was $33,718,608, which consisted of $34,953,937 in cash received from the issuance of shares of common stock less $3,554,829 in offering costs. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2023 was $8,690,369, which consisted of cash received from the issuance of shares of common stock less deferred offering costs paid.

 

Commitments

 

We are a party to one long-term operating lease for our corporate headquarters. We have one lease commitment corresponding to our corporate headquarters as of September 30, 2024. We did not have any lease commitments as of September 30, 2023. Our corporate headquarters is located at 10 Times Square, 30th Floor, New York, New York 10018, covering approximately 7,800 square feet. We lease this space for $33,605 per month whereby the monthly lease rent will increase by 2.5% on an annual basis. The lease has a term ending on July 31, 2031.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of September 30, 2024 and 2023, we have not engaged in any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

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Critical Accounting Estimates

 

Leases

 

We recognize right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities for leases with terms greater than 12 months. Leases are classified as either finance or operating leases. This classification dictates whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. As of September 30, 2024, we have one long-term operating lease. As of September 30, 2023, we have one short-term operating lease.

 

Long-term leases (leases with initial terms greater than 12 months) are capitalized at the present value of the minimum lease payments not yet paid. We use our incremental borrowing rate to determine the present value of the lease when the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable. Short-term leases (leases with an initial term of 12 months or less or leases that are cancelable by the lessee and lessor without significant penalties) are not capitalized but are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Our short-term lease relates to office facilities which did not meet the criteria for capitalization as of September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023.

 

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

As a “smaller reporting company” we are not required to provide information required by this Item.

 

ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

Reference is made to pages F-1 through F-21 comprising a portion of this Report, which are incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that, as of September 30, 2024, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed by our company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the officers who certify our financial reports and to the members of our senior management and board of directors as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in the Exchange Act. Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements prepared for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our CEO and CFO, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2024.

 

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In addition, because we are an “emerging growth company” as defined under the terms of the JOBS Act of 2012, our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to issue an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the year ended September 30, 2024, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Inherent Limitations on Internal Controls

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. No evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

 

ITEM 9B. Other Information

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions That Prevent Inspections

 

Not Applicable.

 

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PART III

 

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Listed below are the names of the directors and executive officers of the Company, their ages as of the date of this Report, their positions held and the year they commenced service with the Company.

 

Name   Age   Position
James Walker   41   Chief Executive Officer, Head of Reactor Development and Director
Jay Jiang Yu   44   President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors
Jaisun Garcha   44   Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Tsun Yee Law   41   Independent Director
Diane Hare   35   Independent Director
Dr. Kenny Yu   37   Independent Director

 

Biographies of Executive Officers and Directors

 

James Walker has been our Chief Executive Officer, Head of Reactor Development and director since 2022. Mr. Walker has over seventeen years of engineering project management experience across various industries, such as construction, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering. Since 2020, Mr. Walker has served as the senior executive manager at Ares, where he is responsible for the construction of plants, purchases of land, operations, marketing, financing, safety regulation compliance, and shareholder relations. He is also concurrently serving on the board of directors of several small-cap publicly traded companies in Canada, including Bayhorse Silver Inc. (Ticker: BHS, Canada: TSX Venture) and Xander Resources, Inc. (Ticker: XND, Canada: TSX Venture), and serves as a consultant to LIST. From 2016 to 2020, Mr. Walker served as the head of company strategy of Lithium Energy Products (or Lithium), a company primarily engaged in the exploration of lithium prospects, where he oversaw the company’s projects, resource allocation, grant submissions, and collaborative ventures. Prior to joining Lithium, from 2013 to 2016, Mr. Walker was an engineering project manager for the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence (or the Ministry of Defence). While there, he was responsible for infrastructure projects and worked in each stage of the nuclear product life cycle, from concept to decommissioning. At the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Walker was primarily engaged in design, modelling, rigs, testing, and problem shooting. He also managed multidisciplinary teams involving engineers, managers, contractors and finance and commercial personnel, and served as the project lead and manager for the building of a nuclear material reclamation plant, and as the engineering manager for constructing factories and facilities designed to manufacture reactor cores. Between 2012 and 2013, Mr. Walker was seconded and worked as a nuclear physicist at Rolls-Royce, leading a project to model various configurations of Rolls-Royce’s Zero-Power reactor using probabilistic physics software to digitally replicate real-world behavior and determine program accuracy margins. Prior to this role, Mr. Walker served as a mechanical engineer and a nuclear engineer at the Ministry of Defence.

 

Mr. Walker holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, a Master of Science degree in Mining Engineering from the University of Exeter, and a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from Cranfield University. He is also a Chartered Engineer (CEng, issued 2014) with the IMechE, a Professional Engineer (PEng, issued 2023) with the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers, qualified Project Manager with APM in 2015, and a Chartered Physicist with the Institute of Physics in 2023. We believe that Mr. Walker is well qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his extensive experience within the nuclear industry and with public markets and the operation of public and private companies.

 

Jay Jiang Yu is our founder, and has been our President, Secretary and Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board since 2022. Since 2022, Mr. Yu has served as president and chairman of the board of LIST. Since 2022, Mr. Yu has been the chairman of the board of directors of St. James Gold Corp. (or St. James Gold), a Canadian-based publicly traded company (Ticker: LORD, Canada: TSX Venture) engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. Since 2008, Mr. Yu has served as the chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of I Financial Ventures Group, a corporate advisory and start-up consulting business that advises private and public companies. Mr. Yu is also the founder and chief executive officer of Lunar NYC Inc., a youth-focused 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Earlier in his career, Mr. Yu worked as an analyst in the Corporate & Investment Banking Division at Deutsche Bank, on Wall Street in New York City.

 

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Mr. Yu holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the City College of New York. He has completed core classes from Borough of Manhattan Community College and has taken continuing education classes at Columbia University. We believe Mr. Yu is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his experience with public companies, capital fundings, structured financing, and other business development services. In 2021, Mr. Yu was honored as one of The Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business.

 

Jaisun Garcha has been our Chief Financial Officer since 2022. Mr. Garcha has extensive experience and knowledge in financial management, corporate governance, and risk management for public and private companies. Since 2022, Mr. Garcha has served as the part time chief financial officer and a director at LIST. From March 2022 to October 2024, Mr. Garcha served as the chief financial officer of St. James Gold (“St. James”), a Canada-based publicly traded company (Ticker: LORD, Canada: TSX Venture) engaged in mining exploration. From February 2013 to October 2024, Mr. Garcha served as the chief financial officer of Snipp Interactive Inc. (“Snipp Interactive”), a Canada-based publicly traded company (Ticker: SPN, Canada: TSX Venture) engaged in global loyalty and promotion solutions. Prior to this, Mr. Garcha served as the chief financial officer or senior financial consultant of various private and public companies in a wide spectrum of sectors including but not limited to mining, oil and gas exploration, and venture capital. Mr. Garcha began his career as an accountant in 2001. Over the course of his twenty-year career, Mr. Garcha has assisted several companies in going public through initial public offerings and reverse takeovers. Mr. Garcha is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Certified General Accountant (CGA) and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Business Administration from Laurentian University.

 

Dr. Tsun Yee Law has been our director since 2022. Dr. Law is a physician who holds professional memberships in Doctors for Nuclear Energy and the American College of Nuclear Medicine. Since 2022, Dr. Law has served as a director at LIST. Since 2014, Dr. Law has practiced orthopedic medicine in South Florida, specializing in hip and knee osteoarthritis. He is actively engaged in clinical research with a special focus on robotic and sensor technologies, medical innovation, and healthcare investments. Dr. Law has served as a physician consultant for Flagler Healthcare Investment Property Group since 2015 and has served as a physician consultant for Financial Ventures Group since 2017.

 

Dr. Law has a Bachelor of Business Administration from Davenport University, a Doctorate of Medicine from American Global University School of Medicine, and a Master of Business Administration from Davenport University. We believe that Dr. Law is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his education background in nuclear medicine and nuclear energy as well as his business background.

 

Diane Hare has been our director since April 28, 2023. Ms. Hare has been the chief executive officer of BizLove LLC (or BizLove), a consultancy firm which she founded in 2018, primarily engaged in helping organizations grow by delivering strategic positioning and cross-functional strategies for transformative moments such as mergers and acquisitions, product and service launches, growth strategies, and digital/data priorities. From 2011 to 2018, Ms. Hare worked at Ernst & Young, where she served the fortune 500 and specialized in purpose-driven enterprise transformation. Ms. Hare holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Iona University and received her Maser of Business Administration in Marketing and International Business from Long Island University. We believe Ms. Hare is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of her experience in business strategy consultancy.

 

Dr. Kenny Yu has been our director since May 8, 2023. Dr. Yu is a licensed pharmacist in New York and has been the director of Pharmacy Services at NYU Langone Health since 2021. In this role, he provides executive leadership and coordination for all pharmacy services provided within NYU Langone Health to promote the standardization and alignment of practices across all pharmacy sites. Dr. Yu has also served as Educational Advisory Counsel at Apexus LLC, a company engaged in increasing access to medications and improving patient care nationwide. Dr. Yu was the inaugural director of 340B pharmacy services, a drug pricing program, in 2016. In this role, he managed both the compliance and optimization of the 340B program, which he and his team built from the ground up. Dr. Yu holds a Master of Business Administration from George Washington University and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University. We believe that Dr. Yu is qualified to serve as a director of our company because of his experience in analyzing and interpreting financial information.

 

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Our Executive Advisory Board

 

We have assembled an Executive Advisory Board comprised of military, scientific and governmental experts. Our Executive Advisory Board provides industry knowledge and important contacts to our management team. The following table sets forth certain information regarding our Executive Advisory Board:

 

Name   Age   Position
Gen. Wesley K. Clark (Ret.)., KBE   79   Chairman of Executive Advisory Board for Military and Defense
Dr. Robert Gallucci   78   Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for Nuclear Policy
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo   67   Executive Advisory Board Member
Lt. General Terry G. Robling (Ret.)   70   Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for Federal and Defense Appropriations and Requirements
Daniel M. Donovan Jr.   68   Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for Market Intelligence
Mark Nichols   55   Executive Advisor for Military, Defense and Policy
Dr. Lassina Zerbo   61   Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for Africa
David Huckeba   69   Chairman of the Executive Advisory Board for USA
Ruth Jin   49   Chair of Executive Advisory Board for Corporate Governance
Michelle Amante-Harstine   68   Senior Strategic Advisor to the Executive Advisory Board for U.S. Energy Initiatives
Tom Cuce   60   President of Advanced Fuel Transportation (our subsidiary)
Darlene T. DeRemer   69   Chairwoman of its Executive Advisory Board for Institutional Finance

 

Gen. Wesley K. Clark (Ret.), KBE has been the Chairman of Executive Advisory Board for Military and Defense since 2023. General Clark graduated first in his class from WestPoint Academy in June 1966 with a bachelor’s degree, and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to the University of Oxford, where he obtained a M.A. degree in Economics. His military career involved multiple commands and spanned three decades, propelling him into the international spotlight.

 

From 1994 to 1996, he acted as director of strategic plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. General Clark then took the role of the lead military negotiator for the Bosnian Peace Accords in 1995 before serving as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, the second-highest military position within NATO, from July 1997 to May 2000. In 2000, Gen. Clark received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bill Clinton for his service to the nation, and in 2003 ran for President of the United States. In 2004, Gen. Clark founded and continues to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wesley K. Clark & Associates, a strategic advisory and consulting firm, and in 2009, he co-founded and became chairman of Enverra, Inc., an investment banking firm. Between 2018 and 2019, Gen. Clark served as a Centennial Fellow at Georgetown University. In 2019, Gen. Clark founded Renew America Together, a non-profit intended to promote and achieve greater common ground in America by reducing partisan division and gridlock. Gen. Clark currently also serves Chairman and Founder of Enverra, Inc., a licensed investment bank; Chairman of Energy Security Partners, LLC, an energy security company; as well as a board member for, among other companies, BNK Petroleum, Leagold Mining, and International Crisis Group. He also serves as the Co-Chair of Growth Energy, Chairman of Clean Terra, Inc., and Chairman of City Year Little Rock, an education advocacy group in that city.

 

Dr. Robert Gallucci has been the chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for Nuclear Policy since 2023. Dr. Gallucci previously served as U.S. Ambassador-at-Large and Special Envoy for the U.S. Department of State, focusing on the non-proliferation of ballistic missiles and weapons of mass destruction. He was the chief U.S. negotiator during the North Korean nuclear crisis of 1994, and served as Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs and as Deputy Executive Chairman of the United Nations Special Commission following the first Gulf War. Upon leaving public service, Dr. Gallucci served as Dean of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University for 13 years, and since January 2018, he has been serving as Distinguished Professor in the Practice of Diplomacy at Georgetown University. Dr. Gallucci was named president of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation in 2009. Dr. Gallucci holds a Bachelor of Arts from Stony Brook University, and a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy from Brandeis University.

 

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Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has been our Executive Advisory Board Member since March 2024. Gov. Cuomo served as the 56th Governor of New York from 2011 to 2021. Before his tenure as governor, he was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton from 1997 to 2001 and served as New York’s Attorney General from 2007 to 2010. Gov. Cuomo oversaw numerous significant initiatives, including the Clean Energy Standard, during his time in office as well as major infrastructure developments like the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge construction and the LaGuardia Airport redevelopment. He supported social initiatives such as the Marriage Equality Act and managed responses to Hurricane Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic during his time as governor. Gov. Cuomo received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fordham University and a Juris Doctor degree from Albany Law School.

 

Lt. General Terry G. Robling (Ret.) has been chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for Federal and Defense Appropriations and Requirements since August 2024. Lt. General Robling’s 38 years of distinguished service in the United States Marine Corps earned him 31 Department of Defense commendations, including the Order of the Rising Sun from the Emperor of Japan and the Legion of Honour (Rank of Knight) from the President of France. A three-star general, Lt. Gen. Robling culminated his military career as the Commanding General of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, where he oversaw all Marine Corps operations in the strategically vital Asia-Pacific region. A naval aviator with over 5,200 flight hours and a graduate of the U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (“Top Gun”), Lt. Gen. Robling has participated in numerous combat and operational missions. His leadership roles positioned him as one of the most influential figures in the Marine Corps, responsible for managing large-scale military operations and fostering international partnerships critical to U.S. national security. Following his retirement, Lt. Gen. Robling turned to the private sector, founding a firm specializing in consulting services for large aerospace manufacturers, before eventually taking up the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of PKL Services Inc., which he held for over five years. Currently, Lt. Gen. Robling is a strategic advisor to numerous companies and sits on the advisory board of multiple non-profit associations. Lt. General Robling received of Bachelor of Science degree from Central Washington University and a Master’s Degree from the National Defense University.

 

Daniel M. Donovan Jr. has been chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for Market Intelligence since August 2024. From 2015 to 2019 he served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives representing the 11th District of New York. During his time in Congress, Mr. Donovan was a vocal advocate for national security, veterans’ affairs, and disaster recovery, serving on several key committees and subcommittees. As part of the Committee on Homeland Security, he chaired the Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communication, and was also an active member of the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection, and Security Technologies. Additionally, Mr. Donovan contributed to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, where he served on the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations, as well as the Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere. Mr. Donovan also previously serviced as the District Attorney for Richmond County, New York (Staten Island) and as an Assistant District Attorney for New York County. Mr. Donovan received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. John’s University and a Juris Doctor degree from Fordham University.

 

Mark Nichols has been our Executive Advisor for Military, Defense and Policy since 2023. Currently, Mr. Nichols is President of Seven Summits LLC, a strategic advisor firm in Washington D.C. Mr. Nichols has an extensive background in European affairs, energy, infrastructure, commodities, emerging markets, and national security. From 2004 to 2011, Mr. Nichols worked at Wesley K. Clark and Associates, focusing on a variety of projects in the energy, defense, and security sectors. Previously during the Clinton Administration, Mr. Nichols was a senior advisor at the State Department in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Europe. He worked on the NATO 50th Anniversary Summit, The Sarajevo Summit and the Stability Pact for Southeast Europe, a multi-billion dollar program with the EU to rebuild the region after the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo. Mr. Nichols earned a Bachelor of Arts in European History from Bard College and graduated from Columbia University with a master’s degree in international affairs (SIPA).

 

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Dr. Lassina Zerbo has been the chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for Africa since 2022. Dr. Zerbo is a Burkinabé politician and scientist who served as the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso from 2021 to 2022. Since 1994, he has served as a nuclear science diplomat and a geophysicist, focusing on Africa’s responses to global challenges. Dr. Zerbo currently serves as a chairman of the board of directors at the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board, an organization which establishes nuclear facilities based on the international standards, and coordinates the research and implementation of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology project. From 2013 to 2021, Dr. Zerbo served as the 3rd Executive Secretary of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, an interim organization tasked with building up the verification regime of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty in preparation for the treaty’s entry into force. Between 1992 and 1994, Dr. Zerbo was a post-doctorate in Airborne Radiometric and Electromagnetic at Geoterrex, Ottawa, and a post-doctorate in Time Domain Electromagnetic and Complex Resistivity at Zonge Engineering and Research Organization in Tucson, Arizona. Dr. Zerbo received a Ph.D. in Geophysics at Université de Paris XI, in Orsay, France in 1992, a Master of Science in Geophysics at Université de Paris VI in, Paris, Jussieu, France in 1989, and a bachelor’s degree in Fundamental and Applied Geology at Université de Caen in Normandie, France in 1988.

 

David Huckeba has been the chairman of our Executive Advisory Board for the USA since 2022. Mr. Huckeba has been a managing partner of FreightSource LLC, a third-party logistics company engaged in transportation management services, since January 2018. Mr. Huckeba is also currently a partner of Monolith Commercial Group, LLC, a nationwide general contracting firm that specializes in hospitality and hotel renovation. Mr. Huckeba spent 34 years at UPS, where he held various leadership positions in operations, industrial engineering, and corporate transportation planning. Since retiring from UPS in 2010, Mr. Huckeba has started four transportation focused companies, a restaurant and hospitality company with four restaurant concepts, and a hotel and commercial general contracting company. Mr. Huckeba received a Bachelor of Arts in Business from DePaul University.

 

Ruth Jin has been the Chair of Executive Advisory Board for Corporate Governance since 2023. Ms. Jin has 19 years of experience delivering high-quality and business-focused legal solutions to private fund sponsors and asset managers of all sizes and strategies. Her work encompasses a variety of matters, including fund formation, regulatory compliance, exit strategies, private and public securities offerings, forming a SPAC, and guiding portfolio companies for their initial public offerings. In addition, Ms. Jin has extensive experience advising businesses through all stages of growth from start-up and capital raising right through to initial public offering and their ongoing securities law compliance and periodic reporting. Ms. Jin is recognized as Top 10% Attorneys by Lawyers of Distinction and was selected as a Top Rated Lawyer and a Legal Leader by ALM on New York Magazine and New York Law Journal in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively. She was also selected as a 2019 Woman Leaders in the Law by ALM on New York Law Journal and New York Magazine and in 2013, she was selected as Rising Star by Super Lawyer magazine, a rating company of outstanding lawyers by Thomson Reuters. Ms. Jin received a Bachelor of Laws from Peking University, a Master of Laws and a Doctor of Juridical Science from University of Tokyo, and a Master of Laws from Georgetown University.

 

Michelle Amante-Harstine has been the Senior Strategic Advisor to the Executive Advisory Board for U.S. Energy Initiatives since 2023. Since 2022, she has been the Chief Executive Officer of Congressional Energy Engagement, LLC., a company engaged in empowering lasting U.S. bi-partisan energy solutions, and since 2023, she has also been serving on the Tennessee Nuclear Energy Advisory Council. Between 2017 and 2020, Ms. Harstine served on the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, where she was a Senior Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement, where she developed strategic relationships, designed, developed, and led inaugural initiatives on Capitol Hill, such as the Atomic Wings Lunch & Learns and the Up & Atom Morning Briefings, bringing together Members of Congress, Congressional staff, industry, educational institutions, national laboratories, Embassy representatives and the Administration. With over 25 years of experience in both the public and private sectors spearheading government, business, community and organization initiatives, Ms. Harstine focuses on advanced nuclear technologies through strategic communication engagements among bipartisan Members of Congress and C-level industry and organization leaders. She developed the U.S. Congressional Energy Leaders Forum, monthly by-invitation only bipartisan programs for U.S. Members of Congress and C-Level nuclear energy leaders and has brought them under the American Nuclear Society with the Nuclear Policy Leadership Dinner & Discussion. She previously launched the National K-12 education initiative “Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World” with DOE, the American Nuclear Society and Discovery Education, to engage the ORNL and University Students for two-day immersive programs.

 

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Tom Cuce has been President of Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. since 2023. His expertise has been honed by over 25 years of driving transformative supply chain solutions and profitability through strategic planning and process optimization across the global logistics and package delivery industry. Mr. Cuce has held numerous positions with UPS, the multinational shipping and receiving and supply chain management company, including Vice-President of Package Operations and Southern California District Manager, before serving as UPS President of Global Transportation. He currently serves on the Advisory Board of several private companies and is the Founder and President of Summit View Solutions. Mr. Cuce received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Manhattan College.

 

Darlene T. DeRemer has been our Chairwoman of Executive Advisory Board for Institutional Finance since November 2024. With over 25 years of experience as a leading adviser in the financial services industry, Ms. DeRemer has specialized in strategic marketing, product design, and the implementation of innovative service strategies. Ms. DeRemer is the Chair of the ARK Invest ETF Trust Board and co-founder of Grail Partners LLC, where she leads the firm’s Boston office. As a senior banker, she focuses on the global asset management industry, advising clients on a wide range of strategic transactions. Before transitioning into investment banking, Darlene led or participated in numerous advisory transactions. Her current clients include institutional and mutual fund managers in the U.S., as well as alternative investment firms seeking to access public markets both domestically and internationally. Previously, Ms. DeRemer ran NewRiver’s eBusiness Advisory unit for four years and operated her own strategy firm, DeRemer + Associates, for 18 years. Founded in 1987, DeRemer + Associates was the first consultancy focused on the U.S. mutual fund industry. Darlene holds a BS in finance and marketing (summa cum laude, 1977) and an MBA with distinction (1979) from Syracuse University.

 

Role of the Executive Advisory Board

 

The role of our Executive Advisory Board is to assist our management with general business and strategic planning, leveraging the expertise of its members in nuclear industry, military and governmental matters. The function of the Executive Advisory Board includes, without any limitation, the following:

 

  leveraging their professional networks and relationships to connect us with key industry stakeholders, potential partners, clients, and other valuable contacts and marketing resources;
     
  assessing the impact of our programs, projects and events;
     
  offering ad hoc support and expertise on specific challenges or opportunities as they arise, serving as a valuable resource for our management team;
     
  serving as a non-political advocate and ambassador for our company, including seeking new business opportunities for us and connecting us with individuals relevant to the development and advancement of our projects.
     
  offering strategic advice and counsel to our management team based on the members’ diverse experiences and expertise, contributing to the formulation and execution of effective business strategies; and
     
  providing industry-specific knowledge and insights to help us navigate market trends and safety standards, anticipate challenges, and identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

 

Consulting Agreements with the Members of the Executive Advisory Board

 

We have entered into a consulting agreement with each member of our Executive Advisory Board under similar terms and conditions, except for Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and Mark Nichols. Our arrangement with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has been formalized through a consulting agreement with Innovation Strategies LLC, who serves as the manager, and is subject to analogous terms and conditions, and our arrangement with Mark Nichols has also been formalized through a consulting agreement with Seven Summits, LLC, who serves as the president, and is subject to analogous terms and conditions. Our Executive Advisory Board members are not employees of our company; instead, they serve as independent contractors and can resign or be terminated by us at any time. They may pursue any other activities and engagements during their terms of agreements with us.

 

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Pursuant to these consulting agreements, each member of our Executive Advisory Board is entitled to certain cash payments and options to purchase shares of our common stock for services rendered. These agreements also contain customary restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-disparagement, and indemnification. The term of these agreements is between 18 months and 36 months, commencing from their respective effective dates between August 2022 and August 2023, subject to early termination. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, our executive advisory board was paid a total of $247,500 and $70,000, respectively.

 

Option Agreements with the Members of the Executive Advisory Board

 

We have entered into stock option agreements with the members of our Executive Advisory Board pursuant to the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 (as defined below), except for Tom Cuce and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo who were granted options that are not governed by either our 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 or our Stock Option Plan #2. Under the stock option agreements, each member was granted an option to acquire certain common stock at certain exercise price.

 

Their options shall fully vest on the effective date of their option agreements and exercisable at any time until their respective expiration date. The following table provides information regarding each stock options held by the named member of our Executive Advisory Board as of the date of this Report.

 

   Grant Date 

Vesting

Start date

  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
vested (#)
  

Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised

options
unvested (#)

   Options
exercise
price ($)
   Option
Expiration date
Gen. Wesley K. Clark KBE  August 30, 2023  August 30, 2023   125,000            -   $3.00   August 30, 2026
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo  March 13, 2024  March 13, 2024   125,000    -   $3.00   March 13, 2027
Mark Nichols  June 7, 2023  June 7, 2023   62,000    -   $3.00   June 7, 2026
Ruth Jin  June 7, 2023  June 7, 2023   50,000    -   $3.00   June 7, 2026
Michelle Amante-Harstine  August 30, 2023  August 30, 2023   50,000    -   $3.00   August 30, 2026
Tom Cuce  August 30, 2023  August 30, 2023   60,000    -   $3.00   August 30, 2026

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships between or among any of the current directors, executive officers or persons nominated or charged to become directors or executive officers.

 

Number and Terms of Office of Officers and Directors

 

Our business and affairs are organized under the direction of our board of directors. Our board of directors consists of five directors, including two executive directors and three independent directors.

 

Our bylaws provide that the number of directors will be fixed by the board of directors within a range of between one and fifteen directors. The directors need not be stockholders unless so required by our articles of incorporation. The minimum or maximum number may be increased or decreased from time to time only by an amendment to the bylaws, which power belongs exclusively to our board of directors.

 

Our officers are appointed by the board of directors and shall hold office at the discretion of the board of directors until their successors are duly elected and qualified, unless sooner removed. Our board of directors is authorized to appoint officers to the offices set forth in our bylaws.

 

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Director Independence

 

The Nasdaq listing standards require that a majority of our board of directors be independent. An “independent director” is defined generally as a person who has no material relationship with the listed company (either directly or as a partner, shareholder or officer of an organization that has a relationship with our company). We have three “independent directors” as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and applicable SEC rules prior to completion of this offering.

 

Our board has determined that Dr. Tsun Yee Law, Dr. Kenny Yu and Ms. Diane Hare are independent directors under applicable SEC and Nasdaq rules. Our independent directors have regularly scheduled meetings at which only independent directors are present.

 

Board Committees

 

Our board of directors has established an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee. Our board of directors has adopted a charter for each of these three committees. Copies of each committee’s charter have been posted on the Investor Relations section of our website, which are located at www.nanonuclearenergy.com. Each of the committees of our board of directors shall have the composition and responsibilities described below. Our board of directors may from time to time establish other committees as it deems appropriate.

 

Audit Committee

 

Drs. Kenny Yu, Tsun Yee Law and Ms. Diane Hare serve as members of our Audit Committee with Dr. Tsun Yee Law serving as the chairman of the Audit Committee. Each of our Audit Committee members satisfies the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules and meets the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Our board of directors has determined that Ms. Diane Hare possesses accounting or related financial management experience that qualifies her as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Our Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial reporting processes and the audits of our financial statements. Our Audit Committee performs several functions, including:

 

  evaluating the performance, independence and qualifications of our independent registered public accounting firm and determining whether to retain our existing independent registered public accounting firm or engage new independent registered public accounting firm;
     
  reviewing and approving the engagement of our independent registered public accounting firm to perform audit services and any permissible non-audit services;

 

  reviewing our annual and quarterly financial statements and reports, including the disclosures contained under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and discussing the statements and reports with our independent registered public accounting firm and management;
     
  reviewing with our independent registered public accounting firm and management significant issues that arise regarding accounting principles and financial statement presentation and matters concerning the scope, adequacy and effectiveness of our financial controls;
     
  reviewing our major financial risk exposures, including the guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and risk management is implemented; and
     
  reviewing and evaluating on an annual basis the performance of the audit committee, including compliance of the audit committee with its charter.

 

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Compensation Committee

 

Drs. Kenny Yu, Tsun Yee Law and Ms. Diane Hare serve as members of our Compensation Committee with Dr. Tsun Yee Law serving as the chairman of the Compensation Committee. All of our Compensation Committee members satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The functions of this committee include, among other things:

 

  reviewing, modifying and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) our overall compensation strategy and policies;
     
  reviewing and approving the compensation, the performance goals and objectives relevant to the compensation, and other terms of employment of our executive officers;
     
  reviewing and approving (or if it deems appropriate, making recommendations to the full board of directors regarding) the equity incentive plans, compensation plans and similar programs advisable for us, as well as modifying, amending or terminating existing plans and programs;
     
  reviewing and approving the terms of any employment agreements, severance arrangements, change in control protections and any other compensatory arrangements for our executive officers;
     
  reviewing with management and approving our disclosures under the caption “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in our periodic reports or proxy statements to be filed with the SEC; and
     
  preparing the report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

Drs. Kenny Yu, Tsun Yee Law and Ms. Diane Hare serve as members of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee with Ms. Diane Hare serving as the chairwoman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. All of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee members satisfy the “independence” requirements of the Nasdaq listing rules and meet the independence standards under Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. The functions of this committee include, among other things:

 

  identifying, reviewing and evaluating candidates to serve on our board of directors consistent with criteria approved by our board of directors;
     
  evaluating director performance on the board and applicable committees of the board and determining whether continued service on our board is appropriate;
     
  evaluating, nominating and recommending individuals for membership on our board of directors; and
     
  evaluating nominations by stockholders of candidates for election to our board of directors.

 

The nominating and corporate governance committee takes into account many factors in determining recommendations for persons to serve on the board of directors, including the following:

 

  personal and professional integrity, ethics and values;
     
  experience in corporate management, such as serving as an officer or former officer of a publicly-held company;
     
  experience as a board member or executive officer of another publicly-held company;
     
  strong finance experience;

 

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  diversity of expertise and experience in substantive matters pertaining to our business relative to other board members;
     
  diversity of background and perspective including, without limitation, with respect to age, gender, race, place of residence and specialized experience;
     
  experience relevant to our business industry and with relevant social policy concerns; and
     
  relevant academic expertise or other proficiency in an area of our business operations.

 

Role of Board in Risk Oversight Process

 

Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, beneficially owns approximately 28.70% of the voting power of our common stock as of the date of this Report. Periodically, our board of directors assesses these roles and the board of directors leadership structure to ensure the interests of our company and our stockholders are best served. Our board of directors has determined that its current leadership structure is appropriate. Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, and James Walker, our CEO and director, have extensive knowledge of all aspects of our company, our business and risks.

 

While management is responsible for assessing and managing risks to our company, our board of directors is responsible for overseeing management’s efforts to assess and manage risk. This oversight is conducted primarily by our full board of directors, which has responsibility for general oversight of risks, and standing committees of our board of directors. Our board of directors satisfies this responsibility through full reports by each committee chair regarding the committee’s considerations and actions, as well as through regular reports directly from officers responsible for oversight of particular risks within our company. Our board of directors believes that full and open communications between management and the board of directors are essential for effective risk management and oversight.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of our executive officers serves, or in the past has served, as a member of our board of directors compensation committee, or other committee serving an equivalent function. None of the members of our compensation committee is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of our company.

 

Amended and Restated Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

In December 2024, our board of directors adopted an amended and restated written code of business conduct and ethics (originally adopted in April 2024 prior to our initial public offering) that applies to our employees, officers and directors. A current copy of the current code is posted on the Corporate Governance section of our website, which will be located at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/corporate-governance/governance-overview. The amendments to the code undertaken in December 2024 were technical, administrative or non-substantive.

 

We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of our code of business conduct and ethics, or waivers of such provisions applicable to any principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, and our directors, on our website identified above or in filings with the SEC.

 

Amended and Restated Insider Trading Policy

 

In December 2024, our board of directors adopted an Amended and Restated Insider Trading Policy, which updated the policy adopted in April 2024. The policy was adopted in order that we can take an active role in the prevention of insider trading violations by our officers, directors, employees, consultants, attorneys, advisors and other related individuals. The Amended and Restated Insider Trading Policy is filed as an exhibit to this Report.

 

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Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of our common stock with the Commission. Directors, executive officers and ten percent stockholders are also required to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely on our review of such forms furnished to us and written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that during the year ended September 30, 2024, all reports applicable to our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were filed in a timely manner in accordance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

ITEM 11. Executive Compensation

 

This section discusses the material components of the executive compensation program for our named executive officers for the years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Individuals we refer to as our “named executive officers” include our President, Chie Executive Officer and any other highly compensated executive officers whose salary and bonus for services rendered in all capacities equaled or exceeded $100,000 during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table presents the compensation awarded to or earned by or paid to our named executive officers during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Name and

Principal Position

  Year  Salary
($)
   Bonus
($)
   Option
Awards
($)
   Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
   Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
   Total
($)
 
Jay Jiang Yu  2024   -    -    -    -    -   $390,000   $390,000 
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors  2023   -    -   $317,652    -    -   $225,000   $542,652 
James Walker  2024   -    -    -    -    -   $185,000   $185,000 
Chief Executive Officer and Director  2023   -    -   $317,652    -    -   $90,000   $407,652 
Jaisun Garcha  2024   -    -    -    -    -   $170,000   $170,000 
Chief Financial Officer  2023   -    -   $77,786    -    -   $90,000   $167,786 

 

Narrative to Summary Compensation Table

 

Employment Agreement with Jay Yu

 

On October 17, 2024, we entered into an employment agreement with Jiang Jay Yu, pursuant to which Mr. Yu will continue to serve as our President, reporting to our board of directors. The Compensation Committee of our board (with the members of such committee also comprising a majority of the entire board) independently reviewed and approved the employment agreement.

 

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The employment agreement has an effective date of October 1, 2024, and has a three-year term, after which the employment agreement will automatically renew for additional one-year period unless either party provides written notice of its intention not to extend the employment agreement at least 90 days prior to a renewal date. Mr. Yu will provide no less than 40 hours per week to the business and affairs of our company.

 

The employment agreement entitles Mr. Yu to a base salary of $420,000, eligibility for an annual bonus, eligibility for equity-based compensation awards and fringe benefits, perquisites, and employee benefits consistent with our practices. The employment agreement also entitles Mr. Yu to be indemnified and advanced legal fees to the maximum extent permitted under our bylaws and other governing documents.

 

Under the employment agreement, if we terminate Mr. Yu without “Cause” or Mr. Yu terminates employment with the Company for “Good Reason” (each as defined in the employment agreement), subject to the execution and non-revocation of a release of claims, Mr. Yu is entitled to receive the following: (i) 100% of any earned, pro-rated bonus, (ii) continued base salary for one year following termination, (iii) subsidized COBRA coverage for up to 18 months, and (iv) the treatment of Mr. Yu’s outstanding equity awards to be determined in accordance with the applicable equity plan and award agreement.

 

The employment agreement includes standard restrictive covenants in favor of our company, including confidentiality and one-year post-termination customer and employee non-solicitation and non-competition restrictions.

 

Consulting Agreements with Our Executive Officers

 

We have entered into a consulting agreement with each of our executive officers under similar terms except for Jay Jiang Yu, our President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board, with whom we have an employment agreement. We previously entered into a consulting agreement with I Financial Ventures Group LLC where Jay Jiang Yu is the sole member and manager and provided relevant services to us, which was terminated on October 17, 2024. In general, except for Jay Jiang Yu, our other executive officers are not employees of our company, instead, they serve as independent contractors and can be terminated by either party at any time. They may pursue any other activities and engagements during their terms of agreements with us.

 

Pursuant to those consulting agreements, our executive officers are entitled to a retention fee for services so rendered, and at the sole discretion of our company, they are also eligible to receive additional compensation awards and participate in our employee benefit programs. Those agreements also contain customary restrictive covenants relating to confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disparagement, as well as indemnification.

 

The term of those consulting agreements is 36 months commencing from their respective effective date of those agreements, subject to early termination.

 

2023 Stock Option Agreements

 

We have entered into nonqualified stock option agreements (or the 2023 Stock Option Agreements) pursuant to the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 (as defined below) and the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 (as defined below) with our executive officers and directors under similar terms. Under the 2023 Stock Option Agreements, each applicable executive officer and officer was granted an option to acquire certain common stock under those two option plans at certain exercise price.

 

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Their options shall vest immediately on the date of grant, subject to their continued service with our company or its subsidiaries on each applicable vesting date. The following table provides information regarding each stock options held by the named executive officers as of the date of this Report.

 

  

Grant

Date

 

Vesting

Start date

 

Number of

securities

underlying

unexercised

options

vested (#)

  

Number of

securities

underlying

unexercised

options

unvested

(#)

  

Options

exercise

price

($)

  

Option

Expiration

date

Jay Jiang Yu  February 10, 2023  February 10, 2023   500,000    -   $1.50   February 10, 2026
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Directors  June 7, 2023  June 7, 2023   200,000    -   $3.00   June 7, 2026
                         
James Walker  February 10, 2023  February 10, 2023   500,000    -   $1.50   February 10, 2026
Chief Executive Officer and Director  June 7, 2023  June 7, 2023   200,000    -   $3.00   June 7, 2026
                         
Jaisun Garcha  February 10, 2023  February 10, 2023   150,000    -   $1.50   February 10, 2026
Chief Financial Officer  June 7, 2023  June 7, 2023   40,000    -   $3.00   June 7, 2026

 

2023 Stock Option Plans

 

On February 10, 2023, and on June 7, 2023, our board adopted two distinct stock option plans for our company (which we refer to individually, the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 and the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2; collectively, the 2023 Stock Option Plans). There are currently no shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1. There are currently 860,349 shares available for issuance under the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2, and the maximum number of shares available increases quarterly tied to the number of issued and outstanding common shares, beginning on June 30, 2023. The plans are otherwise substantially similar in their substance.

 

The principal purposes of the 2023 Plans are to: (a) improve individual performance by providing long-term incentives and rewards to certain of our employees, directors, and consultants; (b) assist our company in attracting, retaining, and motivating certain employees, directors, and consultants with experience and ability; and (c) align the interests of such persons with those of our stockholders.

 

The following description of the principal terms of the 2023 Stock Option Plan #1 and the 2023 Stock Option Plan #2 is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by their full text and all amendments thereto.

 

Administration

 

The 20