Startup Funding: Floating Nuclear Power, Voice AI For Farmers

This monthly column highlights five notable startup funding rounds that might have escaped widespread attention. This period's selections showcase technologies expanding the scope of artificial intelligence and other emerging fields beyond traditional software applications.

Bluecore Energy secured $50 million in seed funding to develop floating nuclear power plants. The company aims to deploy compact, small modular reactors on barges to provide zero-emission energy rapidly to coastal areas and ports. This funding round reflects a broader trend in nuclear power investment, with nuclear fission startups attracting approximately $2 billion in venture capital in 2025.

Saudi Arabian startup BRKZ raised $31 million for its AI-driven approach to the building materials industry. BRKZ operates a marketplace connecting construction firms with suppliers, utilizing AI for pricing and logistics. The company's AI pricing engine leverages extensive data, and AI agents are employed for delivery verification.

Viabot garnered $24 million for its robotics solutions in commercial property maintenance. The California-based startup is developing autonomous robots for outdoor tasks like lawn mowing, parking lot cleaning, and security patrols. Viabot offers its services through a 'robot as a service' model, addressing labor shortages in routine outdoor work.

Recent funding rounds indicate a significant investor interest in applying AI and automation to traditional sectors such as energy production, construction, and property management. Capital is increasingly flowing to companies using new technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.