Bluecore Energy, a maritime nuclear energy startup based at the Port of Long Beach, California, has secured $50 million in seed funding to advance its development of small, modular, water-cooled nuclear reactors. Founded by Kofi Asante, whose diverse team includes engineers from SpaceX and Blue Origin as well as former naval nuclear officers, Bluecore is focused on creating floating energy barges that can quickly deliver zero-emission power to ports, critical infrastructure, and cargo ships. The company’s technology aims to address energy demand efficiently by bringing power sources directly to users rather than waiting for new infrastructure to be built.

This latest funding round follows a successful $10 million oversubscribed pre-seed round announced in July, which included several Black-owned and Black-led venture capital firms. Since officially emerging from stealth mode, Bluecore has made rapid progress, including securing a port terminal, delivering barges, initiating testing of their reactor design, and engaging with regulatory bodies such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Coast Guard. The startup also established a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration and the Port of Long Beach, signaling strong public sector collaboration.

Bluecore Energy’s initial floating nuclear plant is designed to generate enough power for about 15,000 homes, with plans to scale up to meet the needs of major port complexes. Founder Kofi Asante emphasized the company’s mission to deliver clean energy quickly and safely, highlighting that more than three billion people worldwide live within an hour of water, presenting a widely accessible target for their technology. With a team that combines nuclear expertise and experience from prominent aerospace and automotive companies, Bluecore is working to revolutionize energy delivery in maritime settings.

The recent $50 million round was led by Silverton Partners and included participation from existing investors like Harlem Capital and Slauson & Co., along with new backers such as MaC Ventures, Collab Capital, and Black Angel Group. This infusion of capital will accelerate Bluecore’s testing, development, and deployment efforts, supporting the startup’s goal of powering ports and maritime operations with zero-emission energy solutions. The company's work represents a significant step toward sustainable, scalable energy infrastructure in critical transportation hubs.