Launch Two Acquisition's Merger Partner NuCube Energ Signs Collaboration Agreement With National Tsing Hua University Regarding Technical Exchanges And Feasibility Assessments Concerning Micro Modular Reactor Technology

As Taiwan’s leading comprehensive research university located in the heart of Hsinchu, Taiwan’s premier high-tech development and manufacturing hub, NTHU has played a vital role in Taiwan's nuclear science education and technological research for more than 60 years. Its Tsing Hua Open-Pool Reactor (THOR), located on the university’s campus, has been in operation for over 65 years and is scheduled to be decommissioned in 2040. To ensure the continuity of education, research, and medical applications in nuclear science, NTHU has decided, following site visits and extensive evaluations, to collaborate with NuCube to further explore the feasibility of deploying an MMR on its campus.

MMRs are a new generation of small nuclear reactors characterized by their compact size, modular design, and potential for factory fabrication and assembly. They incorporate passive safety systems and, depending on their configurations, can also support scientific research and other non-power applications.

NuCube’s NuSunᵀᴹ platform is a factory-built, microreactor design that uses TRISO fuel and heat-pipe cooling. This architecture is engineered for passive safety with minimal moving parts in the core, no reliance on active pumps or large pressure vessels for primary heat removal, and the ability to deliver high-temperature output. These features support simplified deployment, reduced maintenance, and potential applications in both electricity generation and high-value industrial heat. NuCube is currently advancing its first demonstration unit in partnership with Idaho State University under the U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Reactor Innovation Center Launch Pad USA program.

This Collaboration Agreement establishes a framework for technical exchanges and feasibility assessments on the potential deployment of NuCube’s NuSun™ platform microreactors at NTHU. Under the agreement, the parties intend to explore two potential platforms: a NuSun-1 unit with the use of thermophotovoltaic cells, and a modified version tailored for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT), research activities, and potential isotope production. This dual approach would support continuity of NTHU’s long-standing nuclear education and research mission while also evaluating clean power applications relevant to Taiwan’s energy needs and energy-intensive industries in the Hsinchu region as well as other industrial parks and regions throughout Taiwan.

NTHU President W. John Kao noted that Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, in its 2030 Energy Transition White Paper released in June this year, stated that the government would maintain an open attitude toward emerging nuclear technologies, continue monitoring international developments, and evaluate new nuclear technologies suitable for Taiwan. As Taiwan's only university with such comprehensive facilities and capabilities for nuclear education and research, NTHU has a natural role and unique capability to advance education and technological development in this field.

Professor Tsung-Kuang Yeh, Dean of NTHU's College of Nuclear Science, stated that the school plans to install the nation's first 1 MW NuSun-1 MMR at the university to support nuclear education and research.

Professor Yeh further noted that NTHU welcomes and encourages Taiwan's domestic mechanical and electrical equipment manufacturers to undertake preliminary preparations and actively explore opportunities to participate in the supply of materials, equipment, and components for potential MMR-related projects at NTHU. Such collaboration could strengthen the capabilities and opportunities of Taiwanese suppliers and manufacturers to participate in the advanced nuclear energy industry, creating mutual benefits for academia and industry.

NTHU could also serve as a demonstration and reference site for future applications of MMRs and Small Modular Reactors ("SMRs") in energy-intensive industries. The university could share its experience in reactor deployment, key nuclear safety considerations, technical expertise, and information on qualified personnel with interested industries.

"We are honored to partner with National Tsing Hua University, one of Asia’s premier institutions for nuclear science, education, and research," said Cristian Rabiti, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of NuCube Energy. "This collaboration builds on our ongoing work with Idaho State University and reflects NuCube’s approach of working closely with universities to advance technology demonstration, workforce development, and practical applications of our factory-built NuSun™ platform. We look forward to the technical exchanges ahead and to exploring how our simpler, passively safe microreactors can support NTHU’s mission in research, medical applications such as BNCT, and the broader transition toward advanced nuclear solutions in Taiwan."

This collaboration agreement between NTHU and NuCube Energy has garnered attention and support from public sectors and relevant industries in both Taiwan and the United States. NTHU anticipates that once NuCube Energy's MMR achieves commercial operation in the United States, it can be adopted on NTHU campus, marking the first step in Taiwan's transition toward adopting new nuclear technologies.