#275 Jay Yu - Nano Nuclear Technology and the Future of American Energy
On the Shawn Ryan Show, Jay Yu shares his journey from growing up in a Manhattan walk-up apartment with immigrant parents to becoming a key figure in nuclear energy innovation. The discussion covers Yu's early career path, including his transition from community college to securing a position at Deutsche Bank through unconventional means.
The conversation explores Yu's current work as founder of Nano Nuclear Energy, which develops small modular nuclear reactors with passive cooling systems. Yu also discusses his involvement with LIS Technologies, where he leads efforts to advance laser-based uranium enrichment processes. The episode provides insight into recent developments in nuclear technology and their potential impact on U.S. energy production.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jan 29, 2026 episode of the Shawn Ryan Show
Sign up for Shortform to access the whole episode summary along with additional materials like counterarguments and context.
1-Page Summary
Jay Yu's Personal Background and Career Journey
Jay Yu's story begins in a modest walk-up apartment on Manhattan's Upper West Side, where he lived with his immigrant parents from China. His mother worked as a seamstress and his father as a carpenter, both remaining within their cultural bubble despite decades in America. Yu's exposure to Manhattan's stark wealth disparity and his time as a "sweatshop baby" in his mother's workplace fostered his early entrepreneurial mindset.
Despite average academics, Yu carved an unconventional path to success. While attending community college, he secured a position at Columbia University, which became his springboard to Wall Street. Through resourcefulness and determination, Yu leveraged free Ivy League courses and Columbia's job database to eventually land a position at Deutsche Bank at age 24, convincing a managing director of his potential despite his modest academic background.
Jay Yu's Role in Nano Nuclear Energy
As founder and executive chairman of Nano Nuclear Energy, Yu identified an opportunity in small modular and microreactor nuclear technology to address climate change and energy needs. The company specializes in "walk away safe" Gen 4 reactors that utilize passive cooling and advanced fuel like TrisO, making them suitable for various applications from university campuses to military operations.
Under Yu's leadership, Nano Nuclear Energy attracted top talent, including former Energy Secretary Rick Perry, and secured over $600 million in funding. The company emerged as Wall Street's top IPO performer of 2024 with a market cap exceeding $3 billion, while also winning military contracts and establishing university partnerships.
Jay Yu's Plan to Commercialize Laser Uranium Enrichment Via Lis Technologies
Through LIS Technologies, Yu aims to commercialize Dr. Jeff Urikins' innovative laser-based uranium enrichment process. The company focuses on developing next-generation lasers for uranium enrichment, with plans to showcase Dr. Urikins' work next year. Yu envisions this technology revolutionizing fuel production for the nuclear industry while strengthening U.S. energy security.
LIS Technologies has secured a $3.4 billion LEU acquisition program and is collaborating with the Air Force Innovation Unit. With executive management from ASML bringing crucial expertise, Yu believes the company is positioned to transform uranium enrichment while ensuring compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- A "walk-up apartment" is a residential building without an elevator, requiring residents to use stairs to reach their units. These buildings are typically older and more affordable than those with elevators. Living in a walk-up often implies modest economic means. It contrasts with luxury apartments that usually have elevators and more amenities.
- The term "sweatshop baby" refers to a child who spends significant time in a sweatshop environment, often where a parent works. Sweatshops are workplaces with poor conditions, long hours, and low pay, typically in manufacturing or garment industries. This experience can expose a child to harsh labor realities and economic hardship early in life. It often shapes resilience and an entrepreneurial mindset due to witnessing struggle firsthand.
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are compact nuclear reactors designed for easier construction and scalability compared to traditional large reactors. They produce less power individually but can be combined to meet varying energy demands. Microreactors are even smaller, often portable, and intended for remote or specialized uses. Both types emphasize enhanced safety features and lower upfront costs.
- Gen 4 reactors refer to the fourth generation of nuclear reactor designs focused on improved safety, efficiency, and sustainability. "Walk away safe" means these reactors can automatically shut down and cool without human intervention or power, preventing meltdowns. This safety feature reduces the risk of accidents even during emergencies or natural disasters. It represents a major advancement over older reactor designs that require active management to remain safe.
- Passive cooling in reactors uses natural processes like gravity, convection, and conduction to remove heat without powered mechanical systems. This enhances safety by ensuring cooling continues during power outages or system failures. It reduces the risk of overheating and potential meltdowns. Passive cooling systems require less maintenance and lower operational complexity.
- Rick Perry served as the U.S. Secretary of Energy from 2017 to 2019, overseeing national energy policy and nuclear programs. His involvement lends credibility and valuable government insight to Nano Nuclear Energy. Perry's experience helps navigate regulatory and military contract landscapes. His network can accelerate partnerships and funding opportunities.
- Laser-based uranium enrichment uses precise lasers to selectively excite and separate uranium isotopes, primarily U-235 from U-238. This method relies on the slight differences in atomic properties to target U-235 atoms without affecting others. The excited U-235 atoms can then be isolated more efficiently than traditional centrifuge methods. This technology aims to reduce energy use and increase enrichment speed.
- LEU stands for Low Enriched Uranium, which is uranium with a lower concentration of the fissile isotope U-235, typically below 20%. It is commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors because it is less suitable for weapons but efficient for energy production. An LEU acquisition program involves securing a supply of this uranium to ensure consistent fuel availability for nuclear power generation. This is crucial for energy security and maintaining reactor operations.
- The Air Force Innovation Unit (AFWERX) is a U.S. Air Force program that accelerates the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies. It connects military needs with private sector innovation to enhance national security. By collaborating with companies like LIS Technologies, AFWERX helps integrate advanced tech into military applications. This partnership supports faster, more efficient technology commercialization and deployment.
- ASML is a leading manufacturer of advanced photolithography machines used in semiconductor production. Their expertise in precision optics and laser technology is relevant to developing high-powered, accurate lasers for uranium enrichment. This technical know-how supports LIS Technologies' goal of improving laser-based uranium enrichment efficiency. ASML's involvement brings critical engineering and manufacturing capabilities to the nuclear fuel innovation process.
- Uranium enrichment in the U.S. is strictly regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the Department of Energy (DOE). Companies must obtain licenses ensuring safe handling, security, and non-proliferation compliance. Enrichment activities are subject to international treaties and oversight by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Strict environmental and safety standards govern all stages of uranium processing.
Get access to the context and additional materials
Jay Yu's Personal Background and Career Journey
Jay Yu's journey from a low-income family in New York City to a successful career on Wall Street is a tale of determination, resourcefulness, and the pursuit of opportunities for upward mobility.
Jay Yu Grew Up In a Low-income Nyc Family With Hardworking Parents
Jay Yu describes his early years in a humble four-story walk-up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, sharing a small three-bedroom apartment with his siblings and parents. His parents, immigrants from China, sought a better life after facing extreme poverty. His mom worked diligently as a seamstress, while his dad crafted French doors as a carpenter. Despite living in the U.S. for over 40 years, they remained within their cultural bubble and never fully learned English.
Jay recalls his father, who is currently rehabbing from dementia, still enjoying his visits and humbly asking for money, presumably for the nurses. His childhood included playing sports in the streets and experiencing the diverse residential pockets of Manhattan, far removed from the commercial skyscrapers. He acknowledges the character-building aspect of growing up in such a vibrant urban environment.
Entrepreneurial Mindset Fostered by Observing Mother's Work Ethic and Wealth Discrepancy
Yu was cognizant of the stark socioeconomic divide in Manhattan, noting the contrast between million-dollar homes and the tenement buildings where he lived. Observing the wealth discrepancy and his parents' inability to afford certain luxuries spurred his entrepreneurial mindset. This was further influenced by Yu's time spent at his mother's sweatshop workplace as a 'sweatshop baby,' earning five cents per zipper in a safer but slower manner, which Yu took note of even as a child. It evoked his early business acumen, contrasting with his mother’s preference for security over risk.
Jay's Unconventional Path: From Part-Time Jobs and Community College to a Job at Columbia and Free Ivy League Courses
Yu attended local academy and high school and chose the path of working while studying after graduation, a quintessential New York practice to avoid debt. Initially attending Baruch College, he left and juggled three part-time jobs, later realizing the importance of a diploma and enrolling in community college. Despite his average academics, graduating from City College with a C-minus, Yu’s determination landed him a full-time job at Columbia University while he continued his education.
Jay's Resourcefulness and Hard Work Landed Him a Deutsche Bank Job on Wall Street Despite Avera ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Jay Yu's Personal Background and Career Journey
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore free or low-cost educational resources to enhance your skills and knowledge. Many universities offer open-access courses, and platforms like Coursera or edX provide a range of classes that can help you learn new subjects or improve your professional abilities. By taking advantage of these resources, you can gain valuable knowledge without incurring debt, much like utilizing Ivy League courses for free.
- Consider negotiating for opportunities that aren't openly advertised or available. If you're seeking a job or an educational advantage, reach out to decision-makers or authorities directly. Present a case for why you should be granted access to certain resources or positions, backed by your achievements and endorsements from others, similar to how one might negotiate with a dean for access to exclusive job databases.
- Turn your personal experiences into a driving force for your entrepreneurial endeavo ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Jay Yu's Role in Nano Nuclear Energy
Jay Yu, founder, executive chairman, and president of Nano Nuclear Energy, exhibits exceptional leadership in the niche market of small modular and microreactor nuclear technology, offering solutions to net-zero goals and decarbonization.
Jay Saw an Opportunity in Small Modular and Microreactor Nuclear Tech to Address Energy Needs and Combat Climate Change
Amidst the urgency of climate change, Jay Yu pinpointed a unique opportunity in small modular and microreactor nuclear technologies to address energy needs. He invested in himself and the sector when he turned 40, propelled by a sense of potential in nuclear technology. His aim to commercialize microreactors for scalable and transportable energy addressed a gap in the market, given the absence of commercial microreactor options.
Yu drew from historic data on microreactor types and maximized his CEO's previous nuclear connections to pivot their company's focus. This insight led to Nano Nuclear Energy's leap into the fore of the nuclear industry, not only modernizing existing reactors but also spearheading the creation of new nuclear technologies with robust governmental support.
Nano Nuclear Energy's Microreactors Prioritize Safety and Scalability With Passive Cooling and Modular Construction, Distinguishing Them From Traditional Reactors
Emphasizing safety, Nano Nuclear Energy adopted Gen 4 or "walk away safe" reactors that utilize advanced fuel like TrisO, passively cooled and incapable of explosion. Jay Yu, with an inclination toward innovation, enlisted the expertise of leading academic figures like the chair of the nuclear engineering department at UC Berkeley. The microreactors' safety was accentuated by establishing them adjacent to university dorms, reassuring public concern regarding nuclear safety.
Recognizing the versatility of microreactors, Nano Nuclear Energy considered their use in remote locations without national grids, disaster relief, and military operations, aiming to democratize worldwide energy access. The potential for placing reactors in space signified the scalability of these units, encompassing diverse applications like powering lunar habitats.
Nano's portfolio spans from the large Kronos reactor, with a 15 megawatt output, to the smaller Zeus, designed for military deployment. All reactors are "Walkaway Safe," high gas temperature reactors, embodying a resilient and scalable system that could connect like Lego blocks for increased capacity.
Nano Nuclear Energy's approach to fabricating reactors, emphasizing scalability, and safety, with buried reactors for military protection, indicates a pioneering shift from traditional reactors. Their passive cooling and modular designs set a new paradigm in nuclear technology.
Jay's Talent Attraction and Funding Skills Make Nano N ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Jay Yu's Role in Nano Nuclear Energy
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Small modular reactors (SMRs) are compact nuclear reactors designed for factory fabrication and easy transport, allowing flexible deployment. Microreactors are even smaller, typically producing under 10 megawatts, suitable for remote or specialized applications. Unlike traditional large reactors, SMRs and microreactors have simplified designs that enhance safety and reduce construction time and costs. Their modular nature enables scalable energy production by linking multiple units as needed.
- Gen 4 reactors refer to the fourth generation of nuclear reactor designs focused on improved safety, efficiency, and sustainability. "Walk away safe" means these reactors can safely shut down without human intervention during emergencies. They use passive safety systems relying on natural forces like gravity and convection instead of active controls. This design minimizes the risk of accidents and reduces the need for complex safety measures.
- Passive cooling in nuclear reactors means the system can remove heat without needing active mechanical parts like pumps or fans. It relies on natural processes such as convection, conduction, and radiation to dissipate heat. This reduces the risk of overheating during power outages or system failures, enhancing safety. Passive cooling systems are simpler, more reliable, and require less maintenance than active cooling systems.
- Placing microreactors near university dorms signals confidence in their safety to the public. It shows the reactors operate without risk of harmful radiation or accidents that could endanger nearby residents. This proximity acts as a real-world demonstration that the technology is secure and reliable. It helps build trust and acceptance for nuclear energy in everyday environments.
- High gas temperature reactors operate at higher coolant temperatures than traditional reactors, improving thermal efficiency and power output. This allows for more electricity generation from the same amount of fuel, reducing waste. The high temperature also enables industrial applications like hydrogen production through thermochemical processes. However, materials must withstand these temperatures, requiring advanced engineering and safety measures.
- Modular reactors are designed as smaller, standardized units that can be manufactured off-site and assembled on location. Connecting them "like Lego blocks" means multiple units can be linked to increase power output flexibly. This approach allows for easier scaling of energy production based on demand. It also simplifies maintenance and reduces construction time compared to traditional large reactors.
- Nuclear reactors in space or lunar habitats provide a reliable, long-term power source where solar energy is limited or inconsistent. They enable sustained human presence and operations on the Moon or other planets by supplying electricity and heat. Microreactors' small size and modularity make them suitable for transport and deployment in harsh extraterrestrial environments. This technology supports future space exploration and colonization efforts.
- Recruiting high-profile figures like Rick Perry and military leaders lends credibility and influence to a nuclear energy company. Their experience and networks help navigate regulatory, political, and security challenges. They can facilitate government contracts and partnerships, especially with the military. This strategic recruitment boosts investor confidence and accelerates company growth.
- A "direct to phase two award" is a military contract that skips the initial research phase, moving straight to advanced development or prototype testing. This indicates strong confidence in the technology's potential and reduces time to deployment. It often involves significant funding and collaboration with military facilities. Such awards accelerate innovation by fast-tracking promising projects.
- "Wall Street’s top IPO performer" means the company’s stock price increased the mos ...
Counterarguments
- While Jay Yu's leadership and vision for Nano Nuclear Energy are commendable, the success of small modular and microreactor technologies in the broader energy market is still uncertain, as these technologies are relatively new and may face regulatory, technical, or market acceptance challenges.
- The claim that Nano Nuclear Energy's reactors are "walk away safe" and incapable of explosion may be overly optimistic, as all nuclear technologies carry inherent risks, and long-term safety can only be proven through extensive operational experience and rigorous testing.
- The positioning of microreactors near university dorms to alleviate public safety concerns might not fully address the broader societal apprehensions about nuclear energy, including waste disposal, potential for accidents, and security threats.
- The emphasis on military applications for Nano Nuclear Energy's reactors, such as the Zeus reactor designed for military deployment, could raise ethical concerns about the militarization of nuclear technology and its implications for international security and non-proliferation.
- The significant capital raise and successful IPO of Nano Nuclear Energy, while impressive, do not guarantee the long-term viability or profitability of the company, as the nuclear industry is capital-intensive and subject to fluctuating policy and market conditions.
- Recruiting high-profile individuals like Rick Perry may enhance the company's credibility, but it does not necessarily reflect the technical success or operational efficiency of the company's nuclear technologies.
- The collaboration with universities and the milit ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Jay Yu's Plan to Commercialize Laser Uranium Enrichment Via Lis Technologies
Jay Yu, executive chairman and president of LIS Technologies, is determined to commercialize a novel laser-based uranium enrichment process to enhance energy security and defense.
Jay Launched Lis Technologies to Commercialize a Novel Laser-Based Uranium Enrichment Process For Energy Security and Defense
Jay Yu launched Lis Technologies to advance the work of Dr. Jeff Urikins on laser uranium enrichment. The company, named after Laser Isotope Separation Technologies, aims to offer fuel for nuclear reactors. With a vision to commercialize the third generation of enrichment method, Jay Yu focused on the decay of U.S. nuclear infrastructure and the need to support reactors. He noted that enrichments suitable for civil nuclear reactors will be aimed for, not exceeding 20% to ensure security.
Laser Enrichment by Lis Technologies Could Revolutionize Fuel Production for Nuclear Industry
Jay Yu sees the technology as critical for the U.S., providing less expensive enrichment for the nuclear fuel cycle. With the aim to bring lasers back to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Lis Technologies plans to modernize and develop the next generation of lasers for uranium enrichment. Next year, Dr. Jeff Urkins' work will be showcased by Lis Technologies, with an ambition to enrich LEU in a single stage, aligning with the construction timeline of new small reactors expected in the early 2030s.
Lis Technologies is working on commercializing Dr. Jeff Urkins’s earlier work on laser enrichment, aiming to reestablish the baseline with his work. The scalability of the technology has been successful in labs, but Jay Yu is optimistic about commercial scalability, believing it could render existing centrifuge technologies obsolete.
Lis Technologies has been selected for a $3.4 billion LEU acquisition program and is working with the Air Force Innovation Unit on feasibility studies. Jay Yu is concerned with current uranium enrichment's reliance on figures like Putin and aims to provide an alternative to strengthen energy and national security.
Jay Yu engaged U.S. regulatory bodies from the outset, with the intention to build the com ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Jay Yu's Plan to Commercialize Laser Uranium Enrichment Via Lis Technologies
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The commercial viability of laser-based uranium enrichment on a large scale has yet to be proven, and it may face unforeseen technical or economic challenges.
- The claim that laser enrichment could render existing centrifuge technologies obsolete may be premature, as centrifuges are a well-established and continuously improving technology.
- The focus on enhancing U.S. energy security by reducing reliance on foreign uranium sources could be criticized for potentially increasing geopolitical tensions or promoting isolationist policies.
- The optimism about the technology's scalability from lab to commercial levels needs to be met with caution, as many technologies face significant hurdles when transitioning from successful small-scale experiments to large-scale commercial operations.
- The $3.4 billion LEU acquisition program and collaboration with the Air Force Innovation Unit may raise concerns about the militarization of nuclear technology and the potential for proliferation.
- The emphasis on strengthening U.S. national security might overlook the importance of international collaboration and oversight in the field of nuclear technology and non-proliferation.
- The idea of creating a museum to showcase Dr. Jeff Urkins's work, while honoring his contributions, could be seen as an unnecessary expenditure if it d ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of nuclear energy by starting a book club focused on energy security and advanced technologies. Gather a group of friends or community members interested in energy topics, select books that cover nuclear energy and its role in national security, and meet regularly to discuss the insights and implications. This can help you become more informed about the industry and its challenges, similar to the advancements made by Lis Technologies.
- Consider investing in companies that prioritize energy independence and advanced technologies. Research investment platforms that allow you to support businesses working on innovative energy solutions, like laser-based uranium enrichment. By investing, even in small amounts, you contribute to the growth of technologies that aim to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on foreign sources.
- Engage in local politics by advocatin ...
Get access to the context and additional materials
Create Summaries for anything on the web
Download the Shortform Chrome extension for your browser
