Vouchers provide companies access to extensive research facilities and expertise across DOE’s national laboratory complex.
June 5, 2025
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced today that three companies will receive GAIN vouchers to accelerate research on advanced fuels, materials, and sensors. The vouchers provide companies access to extensive research facilities and expertise across DOE’s national laboratory complex to advance promising projects that can provide more reliable, secure, and affordable nuclear energy for the American people.
AiMiLight Sensors and Intelligent Systems Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) will work with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory to test a prototype of the company’s new “smart” cable. The fiber-embedded electric cable is designed to track temperature and radiation exposure in real-time. The cable could assist nuclear power plants in transitioning to condition-based maintenance of electrical cables in harsh environments.
Hayward Tyler, Inc. (Colchester, VT) will collaborate with Argonne National Laboratory to test several new materials for use in sodium-cooled fast reactor pumps to find cost-effective alternatives for cobalt alloys. The findings could help reduce U.S. dependence on China-sourced cobalt and strengthen U.S. supply chains.
Standard Nuclear Inc. (Oak Ridge, TN) will partner with Oak Ridge National Laboratory to calibrate their alternative approach to assess the carbon and oxygen content in ceramic-coated TRISO fuel kernels to reduce the cost and inefficiencies associated with current destructive testing methods.
DOE’s Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) program provides the nuclear community with the technical, regulatory, and financial support needed to move innovative nuclear technologies toward commercialization while ensuring the continued, safe, and economic operation of the existing fleet.
GAIN voucher recipients do not receive direct financial awards. Vouchers provide funding to DOE laboratories to help businesses overcome critical technological and commercialization challenges. All awardees are responsible for a minimum 20 percent cost share, which could be an in-kind contribution.
This marks the second round of GAIN vouchers awarded for fiscal year 2025. Please visit the GAIN website for more information on upcoming award rounds.
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Donna Kemp Spangler
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E: Donna.KempSpangler@inl.gov