US-based Oklo has signed a Department of Energy (DOE) Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) to support the design, construction, and operation of a radioisotope pilot plant under the DOE Reactor Pilot Program (RPP). Signing the OTA marks the transition from project selection and planning into active execution under DOE authorisation.
Oklo subsidiary Atomic Alchemy is using the Radioisotope Pilot Facility to lay the groundwork for future commercial plants that make medical and research radioisotopes in the US. These radioisotopes are essential for diagnosing cancer, treating disease, powering medical research, and supporting national security. Today, many are produced overseas or in ageing facilities. By first operating a pilot plant, Oklo can then scale into reliable, domestic production that helps ensure hospitals, researchers, and patients have consistent access to these lifesaving materials.
“This OTA establishes a framework for execution and risk reduction. By building and operating a pilot reactor, we generate the data and experience to streamline future commercial deployments, improve regulatory efficiency, and deliver long-term value,” said Jacob DeWitte, co-founder and CEO of Oklo.
Atomic Alchemy will now focus its near-term resources on building the Radioisotope Pilot Facility under DOE authorisation. As part of this learn-first-then-scale strategy, Atomic Alchemy has withdrawn its previously submitted Nuclear Regulatory Commission construction permit application for the Meitner-1 commercial radioisotope production facility at Idaho National Laboratory to focus on the Radioisotope Pilot Facility.
Atomic Alchemy is a radioisotope production company that is developing the 15 MWt light water Versatile Isotope Production Reactor (VIPR). The company was acquired by Oklo in 2024. It was one of 10 companies selected for support under the RPP in August 2025. Oklo views the RPP as an enabler and accelerator to deliver advanced nuclear technologies that strengthen US energy security, healthcare infrastructure, and industrial leadership.
