Hadron Energy

Hadron Energy is a micro modular reactor (MMR) developer headquartered in San Francisco, California, focused on the research, design and development of micro nuclear reactors that generate carbon-free electricity. Its reactors are described as portable units small enough to fit in the back of a semi truck, with individual outputs cited in the range of 1 to 20 MW depending on design, and a stated design point of 2 MW of electric power. Multiple units can be combined to serve larger loads, allowing customers to scale output as demand grows. Target applications include data centers, industrial complexes, remote communities and mining operations.

The company was incorporated on July 8, 2024 by founder and CEO Samuel Gibson, a mechanical engineering graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and was started with past ASME president Mahantesh Hiremath, who serves as a mentor and advisor. Hadron Energy has engaged with organizations including the American Nuclear Society, World Nuclear Association, Nuclear Energy Institute, the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. It held its first public meeting with the NRC on July 8, 2025, receiving feedback on its Regulatory Engagement Plan, and participated in the NRC's July 2025 rulemaking sessions on licensing requirements for microreactors and other low-consequence reactors.

Company-published updates dated 2026 describe a commercial product line branded the Halo micro-modular reactor, an announced business combination with GigCapital7 Corp. valued at $1.2 billion, trading on Nasdaq under the ticker "HDRN", the appointment of former TerraPower COO Eric Williams as Executive Vice President of Engineering, and the engagement of CORE IR for investor relations.

Founding story

Founder and CEO Samuel Gibson graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May 2023 with degrees in mechanical engineering and engineering leadership, having revived and led the university's ASME student section, which grew from 4 to more than 200 members and drew engagement from companies such as NASA, Google, Boeing and Tesla. He received ASME's International Standards & Certification Scholar award and the Charles T. Main Global Student Leader award. After graduating he helped build an industrial/HVAC company, reported at $4 million in revenue with 18 employees, before launching Hadron Energy in July 2024 — incorporated July 8, 2024 — as the culmination of several years of research in materials science, nuclear engineering and mechanical engineering. He started the company with Mahantesh Hiremath, a past ASME president who remains an advisor and mentor.

Traction

As of the ASME Watch List 2025 profile, Hadron Energy had grown to 25 employees within under a year, raised over $1 million, and reported 3.5 gigawatts of signed letters of intent to purchase its microreactors ahead of having a prototype. Earlier company material (September 2024) reported growth from 1 to 8 employees in two months and active hiring of nuclear engineers. In July 2025 the company reported an additional $500,000 closed in its funding round.

Latest developments

Company-published updates report a planned public listing via a $1.2 billion business combination with GigCapital7 Corp. and the start of Nasdaq trading under the ticker "HDRN". Posts dated July 13, 2026 announce the engagement of CORE IR to lead investor relations in the public markets; July 15, 2026 announces a "Powering What's Next" video detailing the commercial vision for the Halo micro-modular reactor; and August 10, 2026 announces the appointment of former TerraPower COO Eric Williams as Executive Vice President of Engineering.