## Overview
Oklo Inc. is a pioneering advanced nuclear technology company based in Santa Clara, California, founded in 2013 by MIT graduates Jacob DeWitte and Caroline DeWitte[1]. The company’s mission is to develop and deploy next-generation fission power plants that deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy at scale, with a strong emphasis on inherent safety and the ability to use recycled nuclear waste as fuel[2][6]. Oklo’s approach stands out in the energy sector by marrying proven nuclear technology with innovative business models, including Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS), where customers purchase power directly rather than the reactor itself[1][4].
## Technology and Products
Oklo’s flagship product is the Aurora powerhouse, a compact fast neutron reactor designed to generate 15–75 megawatts of electrical power (MWe)[1][2]. The Aurora is intended for off-grid applications such as data centers, industrial sites, remote communities, and military bases, capable of operating for up to 10 years without refueling[1]. The reactor design leverages over 400 reactor-years of operational experience with liquid-metal-cooled, metal-fueled fast reactors, a technology lineage dating back to the Experimental Breeder Reactor programs of the mid-20th century[5]. These reactors are inherently safe—able to self-stabilize and shut down without external intervention—making them “walk-away safe” and suitable for a variety of deployment scenarios[5].
## History and Achievements
Oklo’s name is inspired by the Oklo region in Gabon, Africa, where natural nuclear fission reactions occurred billions of years ago[1]. The company has achieved several industry firsts, including receiving the first-ever advanced reactor site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy in 2019, securing recycled fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, and submitting the first advanced reactor combined license application to U.S. regulators[2][5]. These milestones position O