UK-based start-up Cambridge Atomworks and Cambridge Vacuum Engineering (CVE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to collaborate on accelerating the production of the ODIN nuclear microreactor. The collaboration focuses on leveraging CVE’s advanced electron beam (EB) welding expertise, specifically its proprietary Ebflow technology.
EB welding will be explored to manufacture critical reactor components, such as vessels and internals. The process aims to drastically reduce welding times, minimise distortion, improve manufacturing repeatability, and support automated production while meeting strict nuclear safety and regulatory codes.
Cambridge Atomworks is targeting an operational prototype of the ODIN reactor by 2031, with full global commercial deployment slated for the mid-2030s. ODIN was originally designed by US-based Nano Nuclear Energy, which sold the design and intellectual property to Cambridge Atomworks in 2025. ODIN is a low-pressure reactor using solid nuclear fuel and a molten salt coolant. It is engineered as a transportable, standalone power system designed to fit into standard shipping containers. The primary target applications for ODIN include remote and island communities, mining operations and off-grid industrial sites, disaster relief zones and developing markets.
The partnership represents a major milestone in strengthening the UK’s domestic nuclear supply chain and scaling advanced manufacturing capabilities for next-generation clean energy projects.
“Building the next generation of nuclear technology in the UK requires us to combine our innovative reactor design with world-class manufacturing capabilities,” said Cambridge Atomworks CEO Ian Farnan. “Our agreement with CVE is an important step in developing the supply chain and manufacturing approach needed to make our microreactor technology a reality. Electron beam welding has the potential to transform how key reactor components are manufactured. As we move towards deployment, we are delighted to be working with CVE to explore what its Ebflow technology can deliver.”
Chris Punshon, Director of R&D and Applications at CVE, said: “Electron beam welding can significantly reduce welding times, improve manufacturing repeatability, reduce distortion and support highly automated production processes in nuclear power projects. The benefits of our Ebflow technology to the manufacture of large-scale nuclear pressure vessels and other pieces of energy infrastructure is already proven. Our work with Cambridge Atomworks will examine how these capabilities can be applied to its ODIN microreactor manufacturing strategy while meeting the stringent quality, safety and regulatory requirements of the nuclear sector….We have an opportunity to demonstrate how UK engineering expertise can make a lasting contribution to a competitive global nuclear industry looking to shorten project delivery timescales for both large and small-scale clean energy projects.”
Cambridge Atomworks, founded in January 2023, was initially formed as a consulting partnership to design a transportable microreactor for US firm NANO Nuclear Energy. The company advanced the ODIN reactor through a US Department of Energy pre-conceptual review in August 2023. After NANO shifted its focus toward fixed reactors for data centres, Cambridge Atomworks bought back the ODIN intellectual property in late 2025 to become an independent UK reactor delivery company.
Company personnel combine University of Cambridge research with industry veterans. Leading scientists and engineers from Cambridge include CEO Ian Farnan. Industrial veterans include experts recruited from Rolls-Royce Submarines and molten salt startup Moltex. Operating from the St John’s Innovation Centre, the company expanded opening the Granta Park Laboratory – a light industrial facility – in 2026 for molten salt coolant testing. In March a MOU was signed with Mott MacDonald to advance technical and regulatory development. The company is also partnering with Chiltern Vital Group to deploy technology across strategic science and industrial parks.
