Day One – 8/1 – Idea Generation and Context
How do you identify opportunities and markets? What risks are reasonable? Multiple nuclear companies of various sizes will present on how innovation factors into their idea generation, research, and development. Teams will be formed and you’ll spend the afternoon brainstorming ideas – as large as an entirely new reactor or as small as updated procedures for fuel degeneration testing at a lab bench – with your new group.
Day Two – 8/2 – Idea Development and Socialization
My idea, your idea. Today’s sessions will focus on selling your ideas to others, and on what comes after the ideation stage. Teambuilding exercises will help you get to know your group, and we’ll introduce the mentors you can access throughout the session.
Day Three – 8/3 – Ideas that Work
Today’s sessions will help you navigate the interplay between building what you want to build, building what your customers want you to build, and what is ethical and safe to build. Groups will narrow down your ideas to one, and start applying the lessons you’re learning to your selected topic.
Day Four – 8/4 – Ideas that Work in the World
How do you build a business plan for a project that will take a decade instead of the Silicon Valley “norm” of one year? What do you do when you face inevitable failures? The sessions for today will cover these practical issues, and include a case study of MIT’s offshore reactor.
Day Five – 8/5 – Getting to Market
Each group will start today with a mini-presentation about their ideas, and a small panel will provide feedback for groups to incorporate. The day will also consider the practical issue of regulation, and lessons that can be learned from experts in other highly regulated fields.
8/6 & 8/7 – Experience the San Francisco Bay Area
Local students will be leading events throughout the session that give you a taste of the Bay Area – it is summer, after all! The weekend is your time, and these students will lead trips around the Bay, based on your interests. Possibilities include the beach, local hikes, or a trip across the Golden Gate.
Day Six – 8/8 – What Else Matters?
Today’s sessions will provide a brief introduction into energy markets and nuclear economics, legal issues like export control and IP protections. Experienced industry members will help you understand the design choices behind existing reactors and the lessons they’ve learned throughout their careers.
Day Seven – 8/9 – Moving Forward in Entrepreneurship
Does anyone really know what a “startup” is? What’s the difference between an incubator, an accelerator, or a workspace? How do you find funding once you have your ideas? All these questions will be answered, with a particular emphasis on nuclear and emerging technologies.
Day Eight – 8/10 – Moving Forward in Nuclear
Recent initiatives, like the Gateway for Accelerating Innovation in Nuclear can be beneficial in developing ideas. Practical information in today’s sessions will give you skills that will appeal to old and new nuclear companies. Additional mentor sessions throughout the day will give your group time to turn your ideas into presentations.
Day Nine – 8/11 – Moving Forward in the World
Nothing can be successful unless you can navigate the political landscape and communicate effectively with the world around you. Information about both the US and international settings will help as you have last-minute mentor sessions and finalize your presentations.
Day Ten – 8/12 – Presentations
Today’s the day where you present your ideas. Professionals from throughout the nuclear industry – companies big and small, national labs, interested venture capital funders, and professors – will join us for a closing session with student presentations, awards, and a reception.
The Bootcamp promises to be the beginning of a shift in the way nuclear thinks about itself, and it all starts with YOU. Apply now for your spot in the future of nuclear energy.