Zeno Power Raises $50M Series B to Develop Nuclear Batteries for Space, Maritime Use

Zeno Power, a startup developing nuclear batteries using radioisotope power systems, has raised $50 million in a Series B funding round led by Hanaco Ventures to expand its workforce and manufacturing capabilities. The company aims to deliver its first commercial nuclear battery by 2027, targeting applications in extreme environments such as space, the deep ocean, and the Arctic where traditional power sources are inadequate. Zeno's batteries utilize strontium-90, a more abundant isotope compared to plutonium-238 traditionally used in NASA missions, and is also researching americium-241 for future systems. The startup has secured over $60 million in contracts from NASA and the U.S. Department of Defense to develop power systems for satellites, lunar landers, and seabed infrastructure. CEO Tyler Bornstein emphasized the strategic importance of energy in contested domains like the ocean floor, Arctic, and lunar surface amid rising global competition. Zeno plans full-scale demonstrations of its technology by 2026 and expects to produce dozens of units annually once in full production.