NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ:NNE) shares rose 4% on Monday after the company announced it had been selected for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract through AFWERX.
The award supports development of the company’s KRONOS MMR™ Energy System as part of efforts to address operational challenges for the U.S. Department of the Air Force.
Contract supports military energy innovation
The project forms part of the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX initiative to simplify the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, helping accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies.
The Department of the Air Force launched its Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 to encourage innovative solutions from private companies. NANO Nuclear Energy officially began work under the new contract on July 21, 2026.
Company highlights growing defense opportunities
James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear Energy, commented: “This award represents another meaningful step in the continued advancement of NANO Nuclear’s defense commercialization strategy. We now have multiple active engagements with the Department of the Air Force that demonstrate increasing confidence in our technology and technical capabilities.”
Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear Energy, added: “Energy resilience has become a strategic priority across the U.S. military, and advanced microreactors have the potential to fundamentally change how critical installations are powered. This award is significant not only because it expands our opportunity with the Air Force, but because it represents continued commercial validation of our technology roadmap.”
Expanding pathway for defense deployment
According to the company, the latest contract further strengthens its relationship with the Department of the Air Force while creating additional opportunities to deploy its microreactor technology in future defense applications.
The award also represents another milestone in NANO Nuclear Energy’s strategy to commercialize advanced nuclear technologies for both military and civilian energy markets.
NANO Nuclear Energy stock price
