ASP Isotopes Announces Strategic Collaboration Between Quantum Leap Energy and University of Bristol to Design Advanced Laser Research Facility

ASP Isotopes (NASDAQ: ASPI) said a UK subsidiary of Quantum Leap Energy has begun a strategic collaboration with the University of Bristol to design a lithium laser enrichment research facility.

Rhea-AI Summary

ASP Isotopes (NASDAQ: ASPI) said a UK subsidiary of Quantum Leap Energy has begun a strategic collaboration with the University of Bristol to design a lithium laser enrichment research facility. The University will lead a site-agnostic feasibility and design study in an estimated four-month initial phase, including safety reviews and RIBA Stage 4 technical design.

Subject to a positive feasibility assessment, parties intend to proceed to construction at a suitable Bristol site; work was developed in consultation with UK regulators including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Office for Nuclear Regulation.

Positive

• Four-month initial feasibility and design phase
• University of Bristol to lead RIBA Stage 4 technical design work
• Engagement with UK regulators including ONSZ and Office for Nuclear Regulation

Negative

• Construction is conditional on a positive feasibility assessment
• Project currently site-agnostic, with no confirmed construction site

Argus Mar 24 session

+3.11% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – ASPI

On Mar 24, the day this news came out, ASPI closed 3.11% above the previous close.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus for the Mar 24 session.

Key Figures

Initial design phase: four-month Lithium-6 enrichment range: 60–90% Natural lithium-6 content: 7.5% +5 more

Initial design phase

four-month

Estimated duration of initial feasibility and design phase

Lithium-6 enrichment range

60–90%

Required enrichment levels for fusion reactor breeding systems

Natural lithium-6 content

7.5%

Lithium-6 share in natural lithium cited in article

Current share price

$4.83

ASPI price before impact of this news

Daily volume

7,766,063 shares

Today’s trading volume vs partnership announcement

1-day price move

14.59%

Price change over the last 24 hours

52-week high

$14.49

Upper end of ASPI’s 52-week trading range

52-week low

$3.92

Lower end of ASPI’s 52-week trading range

Previous Partnership Reports

2 past events · Latest: Feb 23

Same Type 2 events

1. Feb 23

   HALEU collaboration

   24h Move

   +2.5%

   Services contract with Necsa to advance HALEU enrichment at Pelindaba.

2. Aug 15

   Strategic MOU

   24h Move

   -11.9%

   MOU with Fermi America for advanced fuel and isotope facilities in Texas.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

laser enrichment, pyrophoric lithium, laser safety, breeding systems, +3 more

7 terms

laser enrichment technical

"lithium laser enrichment research facility in the UK"

Laser enrichment is a method for increasing the concentration of a desired isotope—most commonly the fissile uranium-235—by using tuned laser light to separate that isotope from others. For investors, it matters because it can change the cost, capacity and regulatory risk of supplying nuclear fuel: think of it as a faster, more precise factory upgrade that can cut production costs but may face strict oversight and heavy capital requirements.

pyrophoric lithium technical

"pyrophoric lithium handling, and laser safety."

Pyrophoric lithium is metallic lithium that can ignite spontaneously when exposed to air or moisture, similar to how a match lights when struck. It matters to investors because the material's extreme reactivity creates safety, transport and storage risks that can raise production costs, trigger regulatory controls, disrupt battery supply chains and increase liability or insurance expenses for companies handling it.

laser safety technical

"pyrophoric lithium handling, and laser safety."

Measures, rules and engineering controls designed to prevent harm from laser beams, covering how powerful a laser can be, who can use it, and what protective equipment or labeling is required. Investors care because compliance affects whether devices can be legally sold, the cost of manufacturing and training, potential liability, and the time it takes for products to reach market—like seatbelts and airbags determining whether a car can be driven safely and legally.

breeding systems technical

"enriched lithium-6 (⁶Li) is essential for fusion reactors' breeding systems"

Breeding systems are the methods and processes used to create, improve and reproduce new varieties of plants or animals, ranging from traditional cross-breeding to controlled cloning or genetic selection. For investors, they matter because the chosen system affects how fast new products reach the market, the cost and scale of production, legal and regulatory hurdles, and how easily competitors can copy them—much like a recipe plus a factory process determines a product’s price, quality and exclusivity.

fusion reactors technical

"lithium-6 (⁶Li) is essential for fusion reactors' breeding systems"

Fusion reactors are machines that try to produce electricity by forcing tiny atomic nuclei to merge, a process that releases large amounts of energy—similar to squeezing two small droplets together to form a bigger one and watching energy come off. They matter to investors because successful commercial fusion could provide abundant, low-carbon power and reshape energy markets, but projects require heavy upfront capital, long development timelines and carry significant technical and regulatory risks.

fission technologies technical

"lithium-7 (⁷Li) also plays a critical role in some existing and next-generation fission technologies."

Fission technologies are systems that generate heat and electricity by splitting atomic nuclei to release energy, most commonly used in nuclear reactors and related equipment. For investors, they matter because they offer steady, large-scale power output like a high-capacity, long-lived power plant, but come with heavy upfront costs, long regulatory processes and waste-management obligations that affect project timelines, returns and risk profiles.

isotopic separation technical

"technology, originally developed for uranium isotope separation, leverages quantum mechanical principles"

Isotopic separation is the process of sorting atoms of the same element that differ only in mass—like separating nearly identical coins by tiny weight differences—so one isotope is concentrated over another. It matters to investors because it controls supply, cost and availability of materials used in nuclear fuel, medical isotopes and advanced manufacturing; changes in capacity, regulation or geopolitics can alter company revenues, project timelines and risk profiles.

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Collaboration to develop a cutting-edge lithium laser enrichment research facility in the UK

DALLAS, March 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ASP Isotopes Inc. (NASDAQ: ASPI) (“ASPI”) today announced that a UK subsidiary of Quantum Leap Energy LLC (“QLE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASPI dedicated to advancing innovative technologies and processes across critical segments of the fission and fusion nuclear fuel cycle, has commenced a strategic collaboration with the University of Bristol for the design of a state-of-the-art lithium laser research facility in the UK. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in QLE's commercial strategy to meet rapidly growing market demand for advanced nuclear fuels.

Under the terms of the agreement, the University of Bristol will lead the design and feasibility study for a site-agnostic laser enrichment research facility over an estimated four-month initial phase. The project involves comprehensive desk-based concept design work, detailed engineering specifications, and safety reviews to establish the foundation for what could become a groundbreaking research hub.

"This collaboration with the University of Bristol represents a pivotal step forward in our mission to advance nuclear fuel technology," said Dr Ryno Pretorius, CEO of Quantum Leap Energy LLC. "Bristol University's world-class expertise in research facility design, coupled with their team’s deep understanding of lithium and critical elements in nuclear technology make them an ideal partner for this ambitious project."

The University of Bristol will coordinate a comprehensive team of specialists, including experts in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing specification, structural engineering, architecture, construction project management, pyrophoric lithium handling, and laser safety. The project will progress through multiple phases, including documentation review, safety assessments, cell design development, and detailed facility design work culminating in RIBA Stage 4 (Technical Design) completion.

Subject to a positive feasibility assessment, the parties intend to proceed with construction of the facility at a suitable University of Bristol site off-campus where it will enable cutting-edge research commissioned and funded by QLE.

QLE’s UK program of work has been developed in consultation with key UK government and regulatory bodies, including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the UK Atomic Energy Authority, the Office for Nuclear Regulation, and the Environment Agency, demonstrating QLE's commitment to the highest standards of safety, security and regulatory compliance.

The new collaboration underscores QLE's strategic focus on building partnerships with leading academic institutions to advance technological capabilities that address the rapidly growing market demand for advanced nuclear fuel components. While enriched lithium-6 (⁶Li) is essential for fusion reactors' breeding systems, requiring enrichment levels of 60-90% compared to natural lithium's 7.5% ⁶Li content, lithium-7 (⁷Li) also plays a critical role in some existing and next-generation fission technologies. The QE technology, originally developed for uranium isotope separation, leverages quantum mechanical principles to achieve isotopic separation with several compelling advantages over existing methods and represents a unique strategic opportunity that could redefine nuclear energy supply economics.

About Quantum Leap Energy

Quantum Leap Energy is a development stage nuclear fuels company dedicated to advancing innovative technologies and processes across critical segments of the nuclear fuel cycle. The Company focuses on both front-end activities, including uranium conversion, enrichment of uranium-235 for nuclear fuel production (HALEU, LEU+ and LEU), and isotopic separation of lithium-6 and lithium-7, as well as back-end radioactive waste treatment technologies. Through exclusive global rights to proprietary Aerodynamic Separation Process (ASP) and laser-based Quantum Enrichment (QE) technologies, Quantum Leap Energy aims to address gaps in the nuclear fuel supply chain for advanced nuclear reactors, small modular reactors, and fusion systems. The Company has established strategic partnerships with industry leaders including TerraPower, Fermi America, and the South Africa Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa) to accelerate the commercialization of critical isotopes essential for next-generation nuclear energy systems. For additional information, please visit: https://www.qleapenergy.com/.

About ASP Isotopes Inc.

ASP Isotopes is developing a differentiated isotope enrichment platform to strengthen global supply chain access to critical materials used in nuclear medicine, next-generation semiconductors, and nuclear energy. The Company’s proprietary technologies, the Aerodynamic Separation Process (“ASP technology”) and Quantum Enrichment (“QE technology”), are designed to enable the production of isotopes for a range of industrial and advanced technology applications. ASP Isotopes operates isotope enrichment facilities in Pretoria, South Africa, focused on the enrichment of low atomic mass elements, or light isotopes. For more information, please visit www.aspisotopes.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained herein relating to future plans, results, performance, expectations, achievements and the like are considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the outcome of the collaboration with Bristol University, the commencement of research, development and production activities in the United Kingdom, the future of the company’s enrichment technologies as applied to lithium enrichment, the outcome of the company’s initiative to commence enrichment of lithium in the UK and the company’s discussions with nuclear regulators in the UK, QLE’s anticipated growth strategies and anticipated trends in QLE’s business, statements related to the anticipated benefits to QLE and the collaboration resulting from the research agreement discussed herein, and statements we make regarding expected operating results, such as future revenues and prospects from the potential commercialization of isotopes, future performance under contracts, and our strategies for product development, engaging with potential customers, market position, and financial results. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which may be beyond QLE’s or ASPI’s control, that may cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. QLE and ASPI undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by applicable law.

Contact
QLE@icrinc.com

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What did ASPI announce on March 24, 2026 about a collaboration with the University of Bristol?

ASPI announced a strategic collaboration to design a lithium laser enrichment research facility, starting with a four-month feasibility phase. According to the company, the University of Bristol will lead design, safety reviews, and technical work up to RIBA Stage 4.

How long is the initial design and feasibility phase for ASPI's UK project (ASPI)?

The initial phase is estimated to last four months and covers desk-based concept and feasibility work. According to the company, it includes engineering specs, safety assessments, and cell design development.

Will ASPI proceed immediately to construction after the University of Bristol study?

No, construction is conditional on a positive feasibility assessment and site selection. According to the company, proceeding to build depends on study outcomes and regulatory alignment.

What technical milestones will the University of Bristol deliver for ASPI's project (ASPI)?

The university will deliver concept design, detailed engineering specifications, safety reviews, and RIBA Stage 4 technical design. According to the company, specialists will cover mechanical, structural, laser safety, and pyrophoric lithium handling.

How does the collaboration relate to UK regulators for ASPI's lithium enrichment plans?

The program was developed in consultation with UK bodies including the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Office for Nuclear Regulation. According to the company, this demonstrates a commitment to regulatory compliance and safety.