Global Nuclear Energy Economic Summit advances Indiana's role in nuclear innovation

Arvind Raman, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Purdue University’s College of Engineering, speaks during the Global Nuclear Energy Economic Summit, a two-day event in West Lafayette focused on breakthrough technologies for small modular reactors.

The Global Nuclear Energy Economic Summit, a landmark event hosted in partnership with the state of Indiana and Purdue University’s College of Engineering, convened top leaders in energy, industry and public policy to shape the future of nuclear power in Indiana and beyond.

The two-day summit in West Lafayette focused on breakthrough technologies for small modular reactors (SMRs), including advanced nuclear manufacturing and technology integration, nuclear energy solutions for AI’s energy demands, civil infrastructure and site construction, financing and regulatory assurance, and workforce development. Prominent speakers and expert panels drawn from across government, academia and the private sector participated.

During the event, several important announcements were made:

Purdue has launched the nation’s first online credential program focused on SMRs to address workforce shortages in the nuclear industry.
The new Institute for Energy Innovation unites Purdue faculty, students and industry partners to develop transformational, industry-driven energy solutions that advance U.S. energy leadership, technology innovation, domestic supply chain resilience and Indiana’s economic vitality.
Purdue and BWX Technologies, a leading supplier of nuclear technology for government and commercial customers globally, signed a memorandum of understanding that is part of a broader commitment by both institutions to deepen collaboration in support of their shared missions to advance nuclear energy, innovate civil infrastructure, integrate autonomous control systems and bolster cybersecurity to support next-generation nuclear technologies.
First American Nuclear, developer of a fast-spectrum SMR designed to deliver the most cost-effective utility-scale power in the world, announced plans to establish the company’s headquarters, manufacturing facilities and an energy park in Indiana to position the state at the forefront of U.S. global leadership in nuclear technology.

Giving keynote speeches were top leaders in the nuclear community, including Theodore Garrish, assistant secretary for nuclear energy in the U.S. Department of Energy; David Wright, chairman of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and William D. Magwood, director-general of the Nuclear Energy Agency.

Purdue University President Mung Chiang and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun participate in a fireside chat on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Day 1 concluded with a fireside chat between Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and Purdue President Mung Chiang, who highlighted Purdue’s globally recognized research capabilities, underscoring the urgent need for a skilled workforce in the nuclear sector.

"The quadruple announcements made at the Nuclear Energy Economic Summit marks a major milestone in Purdue's contributions to nuclear energy across education, research and industry partnership," Chiang said. "As highlighted in the fireside chat with Governor Braun, we have the opportunity to advance nuclear energy for national and economic security as electricity demand rises sharply in the age of AI and manufacturing reshoring."

Purdue, home to a top 10 nuclear engineering program, is recognized as a national leader in scalable and affordable energy innovation. The university operates PUR-1, the first and only nuclear reactor in the U.S. licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to use a fully digital instrumentation and control system. Purdue’s long-standing expertise positions it at the cutting edge of next-generation nuclear technologies, including SMRs and microreactors.

“Purdue is at the forefront of nuclear energy innovation, particularly in the development and application of small modular reactors,” said Arvind Raman, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering. “With world-class faculty and strong industry partnerships, we’re driving research that supports an energy future with abundant energy and reinforces our leadership in this critical field.”