Bluecore Energy Emerges from Stealth to Democratize Access to Zero-Emission Maritime Nuclear Energy

Bluecore Energy, democratizing access to clean energy, led by Kofi Asante and the team, has emerged from stealth with a new approach to meeting the growing energy demands of the near future. As cities, ports, hospitals, data centers, and industry place increasing demands on the grid, building new energy generation infrastructure can take over a decade. The company has raised approximately $10 million in an oversubscribed financing round to accelerate technology development and commercialization. The round was led by Slauson & Co., with participation from Harlem Capital, Precursor Ventures, LMNT, Visible Hands VC, Karman Ventures, Chris Larsen, Capital Factory, Share VC, X&, Markham Ventures and Hartbeat Ventures, alongside angel investors from Tesla, Uber, Amazon and Google.

Bluecore Energy is developing small modular, water-cooled nuclear reactors designed for deployment on floating energy barges. The reactors are intended to provide reliable, zero-emission power to ports, critical infrastructure and cargo ships, supporting both shoreside energy needs and maritime propulsion.

Kofi Asante, Founder and CEO of Bluecore Energy, said the company's mission is to expand access to reliable, clean energy by delivering nuclear power to locations where traditional energy infrastructure is limited. With billions of people living near coastlines and waterways, floating nuclear energy systems could help overcome geographic and infrastructure constraints.

Bluecore Energy's initial focus is on power generation, with a longer-term vision of developing nuclear energy systems for the maritime economy. The company aims to provide reliable, zero-emission power for ports and critical infrastructure while eventually supporting the electrification and propulsion needs of commercial shipping.

Built at the Port.

Bluecore Energy is headquartered at the Port of Long Beach, becoming the first small modular reactor (SMR) company to establish its headquarters within a major U.S. port. The location places the company's engineering and operations teams alongside one of the country's largest maritime trade hubs.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson said the city's position as the world's first Green Port makes it a natural location for developing next-generation zero-emission maritime energy technologies, highlighting the growing ecosystem of clean technology, advanced manufacturing and engineering talent.

The Port of Long Beach handles more than 9 million container units and approximately $300 billion in cargo annually, making it one of the busiest container ports in the United States. As global ports prepare for electrification and rising energy demand, Bluecore Energy sees an opportunity to combine nuclear energy with maritime infrastructure to support future zero-emission operations.

Dr. Noel Hacegaba, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of Long Beach, said the port's long-term strategy will require new energy technologies to meet growing electricity demand and welcomed Bluecore Energy's efforts to develop SMR-based solutions for the maritime sector.

Bringing Power to Where It Is Needed.

Bluecore Energy is developing modular nuclear energy systems designed to bring reliable power directly to locations facing growing energy demand, including ports, industrial facilities, data centers and critical infrastructure.

Kofi Asante, Founder and CEO of Bluecore Energy, said the company aims to address rising global energy needs by applying established nuclear engineering principles in a more flexible deployment model, bringing power generation closer to where it is required rather than waiting years for traditional infrastructure expansion.

The company’s initial 10 MWe system is designed to provide power equivalent to approximately 15,000 homes or support the energy needs of a major port. The reactor is intended to operate for years after a single fueling and can be deployed in scalable configurations for ports, utilities, data centers, offshore infrastructure and communities with limited energy access.

Bluecore Energy views power generation as the first application of its technology, with a longer-term goal of adapting its nuclear systems for the maritime sector, including potential applications in cargo ship propulsion.

From Concept to Construction.

Bluecore Energy is moving from concept development toward physical execution, developing floating small modular nuclear reactors designed to bring reliable, zero-emission power closer to where it is needed.

Kofi Asante, Founder and CEO of Bluecore Energy, said the company’s approach builds on decades of proven nuclear engineering, adapting established reactor technology into a smaller, mobile power generation system deployed on a floating platform.

The company has already secured and delivered its first barge to its headquarters at the Port of Long Beach and is advancing engineering, regulatory, classification and commercialization efforts for its technology.

Bluecore Energy’s team includes engineers and operators with experience across aerospace, defense, automotive and maritime industries, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Northrop Grumman, Toyota and Uber, alongside U.S. Navy nuclear submarine officers and nuclear licensing experts.

Ajay Relan, Managing Partner at Slauson & Co., said Bluecore Energy’s mission aligns with the firm’s focus on expanding access to entrepreneurship, highlighting the company’s technology, market opportunity and founding team.

Austin Clements, Managing Partner at Slauson & Co., added that Asante represents the type of founder the firm aims to support, building a next-generation nuclear energy company focused on expanding access to clean power.