US-based maritime nuclear energy startup Bluecore Energy said on 21 July it had raised $10m (€8.7m) in a pre-seed funding round that was led by early-stage venture capital firm Slauson & Co.

Founded seven months ago by chief executive officer Kofi Asante, who previously worked with transport and logistics company Uber Freight, Bluecore is building small nuclear reactors (SMRs) designed to operate aboard floating energy barges and deliver reliable, zero-emission power directly to ports, critical infrastructure and cargo ship propulsion.

Bluecore’s initial 10 MW nuclear system is being developed to power the equivalent of approximately 15,000 homes or scale to meet the power needs of a major port.