Oklo Inc. OKLO is advancing its plans to establish a domestic isotope supply chain through its Groves-1 Isotope Test Reactor in Texas. The facility is designed to support the development of isotopes used in cancer treatments, manufacturing, scientific research and national security. The project has already cleared important regulatory and operational milestones, including startup authorization from the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) on July 23, 2026, and first criticality on Aug. 5, 2026.
OKLO developed Groves on privately owned land using private funding and commercially sourced equipment, alongside components manufactured by the company. The facility reached first criticality in just over 11 months from groundbreaking, with substantial construction completed in 229 days. The project provided experience in reactor construction, equipment installation, regulatory reviews and nuclear operations. Management plans to apply these lessons to future isotope facilities, potentially improving project execution and shortening development timelines.
OKLO is also strengthening its isotope supply chain. In September 2026, the company received two grams of enriched ytterbium-176, which can be converted into lutetium-177 through reactor irradiation. Lutetium-177 is used in targeted cancer treatments. Securing this material supports the company's efforts to develop domestic production capabilities and reduce reliance on overseas suppliers.
From an investment perspective, Groves gives OKLO practical operating experience to support its isotope business expansion. Management expects research-scale isotope production after further commissioning, while its NRC-licensed Idaho laboratory may generate earlier commercial revenues. Although commercial-scale production remains under development, these initiatives provide opportunities to expand OKLO's business beyond nuclear power generation.
The growing demand for reliable, carbon-free electricity is encouraging greater investment in advanced nuclear technologies. Alongside isotope production, the development of smaller nuclear reactors is creating opportunities to serve utilities, industrial customers and data centers.
Advanced Nuclear Reactor Developers Eye Growth Opportunities
NuScale Power SMR is among the leading developers of small modular reactor technology and is the first company to receive U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval for a design. NuScale Power is working with partners on projects in the United States and overseas, including Romania, while advancing plans to support large-scale power deployment. NuScale Power believes its modular reactors can deliver reliable, carbon-free electricity for utilities, industries and AI-driven data centers, keeping NuScale Power at the forefront of the commercial small modular reactor market.
NANO Nuclear Energy NNE is focused on smaller microreactors through its KRONOS MMR design. The company is preparing to begin the NRC licensing process for its first deployment at the University of Illinois after its construction permit application is formally accepted. At the same time, NANO Nuclear is pursuing opportunities in AI data centers, industrial facilities and defense applications while expanding partnerships that could support future commercialization.
The Zacks Rundown on OKLO
Shares of Oklo have lost more than 80% over the past year.
OKLO currently has an average brokerage recommendation (ABR) of 1.92 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 24 brokerage firms.
See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for OKLO’s earnings has been revised over the past 90 days.
The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).