Ontario Tech University, located in the Greater Toronto Area, excels in nuclear and clean energy research and innovation through its Brilliant Energy Institute, holding Canada’s only accredited nuclear engineering programme and IAEA Collaborating Centre designation.
The Brilliant Energy Institute (BEI) operates as a catalyst for research and innovation, providing a structured platform for knowledge integration, stakeholder engagement, and industry collaboration aimed at addressing real-world energy challenges. It brings together researchers, policy experts, and industry professionals to explore solutions that are technologically feasible, economically viable, and socially responsible. BEI’s nuclear portfolio includes projects on innovative nuclear energy systems and technologies, system modelling, and digital trust, including cybersecurity and artificial intelligence (AI) for nuclear security. The institute is structured to support multidisciplinary collaboration, ensuring its efforts are grounded in scientific rigour and societal relevance. This mission aligns with the core values of Ontario Tech, where tech with a conscience guides research, education, and innovation for a better tomorrow.
Advancing clean energy planning
In addition to its technical work, BEI is focused on developing system-level frameworks for clean energy planning and decision-making. The BEI team has contributed to studies that explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) with renewable energy resources to meet local and regional energy needs. These projects incorporate life-cycle analysis, techno-economic assessments, energy-water nexus studies, and environmental impact assessments. By approaching energy planning as a multi-criteria optimisation problem, BEI helps policymakers and industry partners make informed decisions based on cost, resilience, emissions, and community impact.
Harnessing technology: Innovations and cybersecurity measures
One emerging area of BEI’s leadership is the use of AI and machine learning in nuclear applications. From predictive maintenance to anomaly detection, AI tools are being explored as enablers of safer, more efficient nuclear operations. Ontario Tech researchers are working on digital twins for SMR systems, intelligent control systems, and secure data architectures. These efforts are increasingly important as digital systems become more embedded in the design, operation, and regulatory oversight of nuclear installations. Furthermore, as nuclear systems become more interconnected and data-driven, the potential for cyber threats has grown. BEI is collaborating with cybersecurity experts to support identifying vulnerabilities, testing system resilience, and developing mitigation strategies. This work involves both technical solutions and the development of policies and procedures that address human factors, regulatory harmonisation, and the integration of cyber considerations into the nuclear safety culture.
Global contributions as an IAEA Collaborating Centre
Ontario Tech’s status as an IAEA Collaborating Centre, since April 2021, has signalled the BEI’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to global nuclear initiatives focusing on advancing research, innovation, and capacity building. BEI serves as the coordinator of the IAEA Collaborating Centre’s work plan, ensuring the effective implementation of its technical activities and international engagements. The initial focus of the Collaborating Centre was on integrated energy systems using advanced reactor technologies. Earlier this year, the IAEA agreed to renew Ontario Tech’s designation with an expanded scope covering cybersecurity and artificial intelligence for nuclear security. This renewal not only recognised the achievements of the university to date but also aligned its mission with the evolving needs of the global nuclear community.
The expansion of the Collaborating Centre’s mandate reflects a critical transition in how the world views nuclear energy. Nuclear power is no longer discussed solely in terms of large-scale electricity generation but is increasingly viewed through the lens of integrated energy systems for multi-purpose applications. SMRs, microreactors, and hybrid energy systems are at the forefront of this transformation. Ontario Tech, through BEI, has taken a proactive role in supporting these developments through technical research, capacity building, and international knowledge exchange. BEI plays a central role towards fostering partnerships that contribute to global nuclear innovation and support sustainable energy development.
Research in nuclear and hydrogen technologies
Ontario Tech’s research extends to the intersection of nuclear and hydrogen technologies. BEI has participated in Canadian and international studies and technical working groups on nuclear hydrogen pathways and their role in decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors, such as steelmaking, heavy transport, and fertiliser production. These studies examine technical configurations, economic competitiveness, policy frameworks, and infrastructure requirements, positioning Ontario Tech as a leader in nuclear-enabled hydrogen production.
Innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurial support
BEI also contributes to innovation ecosystems by partnering with Ontario Tech’s Brilliant Catalyst, an entrepreneurship hub that supports clean technology ventures. Through this partnership, researchers and students gain exposure to technology transfer, intellectual property development, and commercialisation pathways. This entrepreneurial dimension helps ensure that nuclear innovations developed at Ontario Tech can be translated into market-ready solutions.
Recognising the evolving needs of the nuclear workforce, Ontario Tech launched the Nuclear Career Accelerator Program. This programme provides specialised training for individuals seeking to enter or advance within the nuclear field. It is particularly focused on mid-career professionals transitioning from other disciplines, internationally trained engineers, and recent graduates looking to gain sector-specific skills. The curriculum blends technical instruction with mentorship and industry engagement, offering pathways to employment that meet the talent needs of utilities, vendors, and regulators.
Empowering informed dialogue on nuclear energy
Community engagement and public communication are central to BEI’s approach to energy innovation. BEI regularly hosts workshops, seminars, and educational events designed to inform the public about the role of nuclear energy in a clean, sustainable energy future. These events provide opportunities for dialogue with experts, local communities, indigenous groups, and policymakers. They help clear misinformation, build trust, and foster informed conversations about complex issues such as waste management, reactor safety, and energy equity.
Committing to a sustainable future
Looking ahead, Ontario Tech University and the Brilliant Energy Institute are poised to deepen their contributions to Canada’s clean energy transition. As new nuclear projects are proposed across the country, there is a growing demand for research, innovation, and workforce development. Ontario Tech’s integrated model, which combines academic excellence with applied research and international collaboration, offers a strong foundation for meeting these needs.
In a time of accelerating climate urgency and geopolitical uncertainty, the role of nuclear energy in providing reliable, low-carbon power has become more prominent. BEI aims to ensure that this potential is realised through responsible innovation and inclusive dialogue. By investing in talent, technology, and partnerships, we are shaping a future in which nuclear energy contributes to a resilient, secure, and sustainable world.
Please note, this article will also appear in the 23rd edition of our quarterly publication.
