Summary
Highlights
Introduction of Stefano Buono, a physicist and entrepreneur who previously founded a successful company in the PET sector. He is now building Newcleo, a company focused on a new, safer type of nuclear reactor, aiming to revitalize nuclear energy in Italy.
Explanation of Newcleo's strategy to go public on the Nasdaq via a SPAC. This move aims to tap into American investors and shift operations toward the US, where regulatory environments have recently become more favorable to their technology of recycling nuclear fuel.
Discussion on why deep-tech requires massive capital, focusing on the costs of licensing, R&D, and building components to verticalize the supply chain. Newcleo acquired existing companies to secure know-how and generate early revenue.
Technical overview of their flagship product: a small modular reactor (SMR) of the fourth generation. It is a fast neutron reactor cooled by lead that uses MOX fuel, which allows for fuel recycling and significant reduction of nuclear waste.
Stefano Buono reflects on the challenges of balancing scientific research with business development, the necessity of having a clear strategic vision, and the importance of hiring highly motivated people over merely following traditional management structures.
The potential size of the nuclear market is discussed in terms of trillions, as it aims to replace fossil fuels. Stefano concludes by advising aspiring deep-tech entrepreneurs to have conviction and fight until the end to turn innovations into successful realities.