USCA Signs Partnership With California Nuclear Startup for Student Programs

The University of South Carolina Aiken signed a memorandum of understanding with Antares Nuclear on Feb. 5, creating workforce development pathways for engineering students. The California-based startup constructs nuclear microreactors and will provide seminars, capstone projects, and internships to students.

The agreement took place during AI and Cyber Innovation Week, which spanned Feb. 2-7 on campus. Antares posted one summer 2026 internship on its website this week.

Antares constructs nuclear microreactors that yield 1-20 megawatts of thermal energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. These reactors can generate electricity and help restore power to areas struck by natural disasters.

Thomas Scott, the college's Cybersecurity Workforce Development Lead, believes the partnership benefits both sides. "We're going to have an opportunity for our students to learn from their engineers and their scientists, and then, when [Antares has] problems that they can't solve, they're going to be able to turn to us here at the university, to our research professors and our students, and be able to work to solve some of those problems," said Scott, per the Aiken Standard.

Matthew Griffin, head of nuclear affairs with the startup, mentioned the company sees value in preparing students for the growing nuclear sector. "We're going to have the students that are knowledgeable, ready to hit the workforce and to support our missions," Griffin said.

On Feb. 4, the company held a seminar on campus where more than 100 students talked with representatives. Student Emma Kramer values hands-on learning experiences. "As a student, I benefit the most when experienced engineers take the time to explain not just how a problem is solved, but why specific choices are made."