Brussels, Belgium, October 27, 2016 - Westinghouse Electric Company announced today that it has created a new way for innovators to advance nuclear energy technology through collaboration with Westinghouse and its global network of leading technical experts. The initiative, named WeLink, will provide funding support, office space and technical tools for individuals and teams to develop promising concepts that can accelerate innovation across the industry.
“Through WeLink, Westinghouse will enable and empower innovators to develop future technologies for safer, cleaner and more reliable nuclear applications,” said Cindy Pezze, Westinghouse’s chief technology officer. “We want to encourage new ideas and thinking that will help to ensure the continued global growth of nuclear energy and its carbon-free benefits.”
With an initial focus on collaboration in Europe, the WeLink accelerator will seek connections in support of entrepreneurs, startups, and small- and medium-sized enterprises with innovative ideas for nuclear technologies. Innovators can apply to participate in the WeLink accelerator through the program’s website. Priority areas for collaboration include big data; operations, maintenance, dismantling and inspection; robotics and drones; and advanced reactor technologies. Ideas outside of these areas also can be submitted for consideration. The first application period will run through Dec. 19; subsequent application periods will be announced on the website.
Proposals will be reviewed by a Westinghouse selection committee. Teams that are selected for investment will establish a presence at Westinghouse’s Nivelles, Belgium, operations to work with Westinghouse technical and business experts. The selected groups also will have access to technology resources to appropriately support the development of their projects.