Want to co-host the next Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp?
The Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp (NIB) is an intensive and collaborative 2-week educational experience designed to inspire and cultivate the next generation of nuclear innovators. The heart of the event is team project work culminating in a pitch competition. NIB generally takes place during the last week of July and the first week of August, but the dates may be adjusted to the first two weeks in August, to avoid any conflict with the start of the academic year at the co-host-affiliated institution. We are excited to extend an invitation to universities and affiliated organizations that share a commitment to advancing nuclear energy technology to become NIB co-hosts.
NIB is hosted at a different university every summer. We strive to expand our NIB network each year, and we alternate between domestic and international hosts. In the past, we have hosted NIB at:
2016: University of California-Berkeley 2017: University of California, Berkeley
2018: University of California-Berkeley 2019: OECD Paris, France
2022: University of Wisconsin-Madison 2023: Tokyo Institute of Technology
2024: University of Wyoming 2025: University of New South Wales
Why Co-Host the NIB?
As a co-host, your institution will play a crucial role in shaping the future of nuclear innovation for clean energy. By partnering with us, you will have the opportunity to:
Showcase Your Institution: Highlight your university’s strengths and achievements in nuclear engineering and energy programs. Gain visibility and recognition as a leader in nuclear innovation education and research.
Engage with Nuclear Energy Leaders: Collaborate with top-tier experts, researchers, and industry professionals. Your faculty and students will benefit from networking and knowledge exchange opportunities.
Foster Innovation: Provide your students and faculty with a unique platform for cutting-edge projects that cultivate creativity, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Support the Next Generation: Play an integral role in mentoring and guiding aspiring nuclear energy innovators, contributing to the development of future leaders in the field.
NIB generally takes place during the last week of July and the first week of August, but the dates may be adjusted to the first two weeks in August, to ensure there is no conflict with the start of the academic year for the co-host-affiliated institution. The co-host plays a crucial role in facilitating a dynamic and successful Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp, fostering collaboration, innovation, and advancement in nuclear energy. To ensure the success of the Bootcamp, we seek co-hosts who can meet the following criteria:
1. Academic Excellence:
A well-established Nuclear Engineering or other relevant degree program with recognized academic and research contributions.
Experienced faculty members or industry or expert connections who can contribute to lectures, mentorship, and panel discussions.
2. Facilities:
On-campus or nearby housing for all Bootcamp participants. The housing should be safe, comfortable, and within close proximity (walking distance or use of public transportation) to the main event venues to ensure convenience and foster
a sense of community among participants.
A large conference or classroom to host the main sessions and plenary discussions. The conference room should be equipped with modern audio-visual tools and reliable internet access.
Multiple breakout rooms for workshops and team collaborations. These rooms should be equipped with the necessary presentation tools and connectivity to facilitate productive work sessions.
3. Curriculum and Field Tours:
The ability to come up with a curriculum that is relevant to the local as well as the global nuclear energy sector.
The host institution should have access to, or the ability to coordinate, field tour locations in the surrounding area. These may include:
Nuclear power plants
Research reactors
Clean energy innovation centers
Nuclear technology companies
Other relevant facilities and sites that demonstrate practical applications of nuclear or other clean energy technologies.
4. Financial Commitment:
With the Bootcamp being 100% funded by philanthropy and sponsorships, the co-host is required to make a financial commitment of at least $50,000 in addition to in-kind contributions. This contribution will be used to cover program expenses agreed upon in the MOU that are related to the organization and execution of the Bootcamp.
5. Additional Considerations:
Accessibility:
Easy access to public transportation and adequate parking for car commuters.
A safe and vibrant campus location with access to amenities like on-campus dining, restaurants, cafes, and recreational activities.
All facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities and comply with relevant accessibility standards.
Event Support:
Logistical support for event planning, coordination, and on-site assistance.
Catering services for meals and refreshments, accommodating dietary restrictions and preferences.
Health and Safety:
Adequate safety measures and security protocols should be in place to ensure the well-being of all participants.
How to Apply
To apply to become a host for the Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp, interested institutions must submit a detailed proposal by April 30th of the preceding year (e.g., proposals for NIB 2027 are due by April 30th, 2026). This deadline ensures ample time for the planning and implementation process, which spans from September through August, with the Bootcamp itself taking place during the last week of July and the first week of August. Submitting your proposal by the deadline of April 30th of the year prior to the requested year will enable the NIB team to conduct a thorough review and collaborate closely with your institution to deliver a successful and impactful event. If your institution would like to be considered as a co-host for the Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Prepare Your Proposal: Provide detailed information about your institution and its capabilities to meet the co-hosting requirements. Please follow the co-host guide to complete your proposal that needs to include a developed curriculum that is relevant to the local as well as the global nuclear energy sector, by identifying technical sessions and field trip(s) for the empty purple shaded spaces identified on the provided NIB Schedule Template for Week 1 and Week 2; to submit your proposal for review.
Step 2: Submit your Proposal. Once your proposal is complete, please email it to info@nuclearinnovationbootcamp.org. Ensure that all sections are thoroughly addressed and that the proposal is well-organized and professionally presented.
Step 3: Review Process:The Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp team will review all submitted proposals. Along with ensuring the eligibility requirements are met, the review process will consider the following criteria:
Alignment with the Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp’s mission and objectives.
Ability to meet the facilities and support services requirements.
Strength of the Nuclear Engineering or other degree program.
Commitment to fostering innovation and supporting participants.
Step 4: Virtual interview:The applicant will meet with the Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp team to discuss the proposal
Step 5: Notification of Selection:You will be notified by email as to whether your proposal has been selected. Upon selection, the Bootcamp team will work closely with your institution to coordinate and plan the event. Recommendation for Prospective Co-Hosts: Participating in Bootcamp provides valuable insights into the event’s operations, expectations, and the level of commitment required to host a successful Bootcamp. Observing the Bootcamp firsthand will help you craft a more informed and competitive proposal. Thus, it is highly recommended that a representative from your institution or organization attend a Bootcamp as an observer prior to co-hosting.
Additional Information
If you have any questions or need further information regarding the application process, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team. Thank you for your interest in becoming a co-host for the Nuclear Innovation Bootcamp. We look forward to receiving your proposal and potentially partnering with you to create a transformative and impactful Bootcamp.