NANO Nuclear Expands its Nuclear Policy Leadership Expertise with the Appointment of U.S. Government Veteran Sarah Lennon as its International Nuclear Policy Advisor

Rhea-AI Summary

NANO Nuclear (NASDAQ: NNE) appointed Sarah Lennon as International Nuclear Policy Advisor on Feb 20, 2026. Lennon brings three decades of U.S. government experience across DOE, NNSA, State, and NCTC, focused on nuclear security, nonproliferation, and international cooperation.

The company said Lennon will support international policy, regulatory engagement, and advancement of the KRONOS MMR modular microreactor toward construction, testing, licensing and commercial deployment.

Positive

• 30-year U.S. government nuclear policy experience added
• Strengthens international regulatory engagement for KRONOS MMR
• Direct DOE/NNSA relationships and policy expertise onboard
• Experience in nonproliferation and strategic planning

Negative

• No financial or timeline metrics tied to the appointment provided
• Projects still require regulatory licensing before commercial deployment

Key Figures

Government service: three decades

1 metrics

Government service three decades Sarah Lennon’s U.S. Government national security and nuclear policy experience

Market Reality Check

Price: $25.66 Vol: Volume 1,292,154 is below...

normal vol

$25.66 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,292,154 is below the 20-day average of 1,841,036 (relative volume 0.7), suggesting a moderate reaction to the leadership appointment. normal

Technical Shares at 25.66 are trading below the 200-day moving average of 34.59, indicating the stock remained in a weaker longer-term trend before this management news.

Peers on Argus

NNE was up 2.35% while only one peer (TNC) appeared on the momentum scanner, dow...

1 Down

NNE was up 2.35% while only one peer (TNC) appeared on the momentum scanner, down 17.13% without news. This divergence points to a company-specific reaction to NANO Nuclear’s leadership appointment rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Feb 17 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Feb 17	Earnings and update	Positive	+1.8%	Quarterly results and business update highlighting strong cash and project progress.
Feb 10	Event announcement	Neutral	-7.2%	Announcement of scheduled Q1 FY2026 business update webcast for investors.
Jan 28	Leadership hire	Positive	-1.5%	Appointment of Licensing Director to strengthen regulatory and licensing strategy.
Jan 15	Strategic RFI	Positive	-2.9%	Request for Information seeking partners for potential DOE and NASA lunar reactor work.
Jan 13	International MOU	Positive	-3.1%	MOU with DS Dansuk to support KRONOS MMR deployment and localization in South Korea.

Pattern Detected

Recent history shows several strategic or partnership announcements followed by negative 24-hour moves, while the latest earnings and cash-strengthening update saw a modest gain, indicating mixed reactions to otherwise constructive news.

Recent Company History

Over the past months, NANO Nuclear has focused on building out both its technology pipeline and organizational capabilities. On Jan 13, 2026, it signed an MOU to advance KRONOS MMR deployment in South Korea. Subsequent updates detailed the LOKI microreactor’s technical specs and strengthened licensing leadership on Jan 28, 2026. The company then issued a DOE/NASA-focused RFI and, on Feb 17, 2026, reported Q1 FY2026 results with a sizeable cash position. Today’s appointment of an international nuclear policy advisor extends this pattern of building regulatory and policy depth.

Regulatory & Risk Context

Active S-3 Shelf · $900,000,000

Shelf Active

Active S-3 Shelf Registration 2026-01-27

$900,000,000 registered capacity

An amended S-3/A shelf filed on 2026-01-27 allows NANO Nuclear to offer up to $900,000,000 in various securities, including a $400,000,000 at-the-market common stock program and a resale registration for up to 8,490,767 existing shares, providing sizable potential financing capacity alongside its pre-revenue status and long development timelines.

Market Pulse Summary

This announcement adds an experienced international nuclear policy advisor to NANO Nuclear’s leaders...

Analysis

This announcement adds an experienced international nuclear policy advisor to NANO Nuclear’s leadership, reinforcing its focus on regulatory navigation and global engagement for its micro modular reactor projects. In recent months, the company has expanded partnerships, technical disclosures, and licensing expertise while filing an amended shelf for up to $900,000,000 in potential financings. Investors may monitor how this policy hire supports licensing milestones, international agreements, and capital deployment against long development timelines.

Key Terms

micro modular reactor, mmr, nonproliferation, national nuclear security administration, +2 more

6 terms

micro modular reactor technical

"a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor (MMR) and technology company"

A micro modular reactor is a compact, factory-built nuclear power unit designed to supply a small, steady amount of electricity and heat—think of it as a scaled-down, self-contained power station you could place where a large plant wouldn’t fit. For investors it matters because these reactors promise lower upfront construction risk and steady, low-carbon revenue streams, but they also carry regulatory, licensing and long-term waste and decommissioning uncertainties that affect cost and returns.

mmr technical

"a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor (MMR) and technology company"

MMR is a combined vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, three contagious viral illnesses. For investors, MMR-related news matters because changes in approvals, manufacturing capacity, supply, or public vaccination programs can quickly affect revenues, costs and reputation for vaccine makers and healthcare providers—similar to how a disruption to a key product line can alter a company's sales and market value.

nonproliferation medical

"bringing deep expertise in nuclear security, nonproliferation, international cooperation"

Nonproliferation is a set of laws, agreements and enforcement actions aimed at preventing the spread of nuclear, chemical, biological weapons and the technologies or materials that enable them. Think of it like rules and inspections that stop a dangerous recipe from being copied and shared. For investors it matters because nonproliferation controls can trigger export bans, sanctions, compliance costs and supply‑chain interruptions that affect a company’s legal standing, revenue and stock value.

national nuclear security administration regulatory

"at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)"

A U.S. government agency that manages the safety, security and reliability of the country’s nuclear weapons and related technologies, and oversees nuclear nonproliferation and naval reactor programs. Think of it as the nation’s custodian and safety inspector for sensitive nuclear assets; its policies, budgets and contract awards can directly affect defense and energy companies, supply chains, and government spending that investors watch for revenue and risk signals.

nuclear energy policy regulatory

"a seasoned national security and nuclear energy policy leader with three decades"

Nuclear energy policy is the set of government rules and choices about building, operating, and regulating nuclear power — including safety standards, licensing, subsidies, waste handling, and emissions rules. For investors it matters because those rules shape project costs, timelines, legal risk and potential revenue the way traffic laws and tolls shape the cost and speed of a long road trip, affecting profitability and how risky or attractive energy companies and infrastructure projects are.

wmd–terrorism technical

"she served as Chief of the WMD–Terrorism Group, and key liaison positions"

WMD–terrorism means the use or threat of weapons of mass destruction — such as biological, chemical, nuclear, or radiological agents — by non-state actors to cause mass harm or fear. For investors it matters because such attacks can disrupt markets, damage physical and human capital, trigger heavy regulatory and security costs, and sharply change demand and supply in affected sectors, much like a major natural disaster but with added political and safety fallout.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

New York, N.Y., Feb. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) (“NANO Nuclear” or “the Company”), a leading advanced nuclear micro modular reactor (MMR) and technology company focused on developing clean energy solutions, today announced the appointment of Sarah Lennon as its International Nuclear Policy Advisor.

Sarah is a seasoned national security and nuclear energy policy leader with three decades of distinguished service across the U.S. Government, bringing deep expertise in nuclear security, nonproliferation, international cooperation, and strategic planning.

“It is a pleasure to join the NANO Nuclear team,” said Sarah Lennon, International Nuclear Policy Advisor of NANO Nuclear. “Throughout my career at the U.S. Department of Energy, I have worked to support the advancement of nuclear technologies and the expansion of nuclear energy in the United States and abroad. At NANO Nuclear, I look forward to applying that experience to help navigate international policy and regulatory frameworks and support the evolution of the Company’s projects toward their construction, testing, regulatory licensing and eventual commercial deployment, contributing to a more sustainable and reliable baseload energy future.”

Prior to joining NANO Nuclear, Sarah served as Senior Policy Advisor for Strategic Planning in the Office of Enterprise Planning and Analysis at the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), where she provided senior-level guidance on enterprise-wide priorities and long-term strategy. Previously, she held a series of senior leadership roles within DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy, including Director for Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Nuclear Energy Policy and Cooperation, advancing U.S. engagement on global nuclear energy and nonproliferation issues.

“We are thrilled to welcome a professional of Sarah’s caliber to the team,” said Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear. “Her deep experience in nuclear policy and regulatory affairs, developed over her years of service at the DOE and NNSA, will be an invaluable asset as we engage with international stakeholders and advance our projects, notably our lead project the KRONOS MMR^™ modular microreactor energy system, in the United States and beyond. Sarah’s insights and leadership strengthen our policy strategy and support the responsible development of our proprietary technologies.”

Figure 1 - NANO Nuclear Appoints Experienced DOE and NNSA Professional Sarah Lennon as its International Nuclear Policy Advisor.

Sarah’s career also includes senior advisory roles at the Department of State and the National Counterterrorism Center where she served as Chief of the WMD–Terrorism Group, and key liaison positions strengthening coordination between DOE and NNSA. She also served as Special Assistant for Russia to the Secretary of Energy and as a LEGIS Fellow at the Brookings Institution, where Sarah drafted nuclear security legislation on Capitol Hill.

A Presidential Management Fellow by entry into federal service, Sarah holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and an M.A. from the Monterey Institute of International Studies, with a focus on Russian studies and nuclear nonproliferation. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the DOE/NNSA Distinguished Career Service Award, multiple Secretary of Energy awards, and national and community recognitions for exemplary service and leadership.

“As we advance our technologies and expand our engagement on the global stage, adding leaders with Sarah’s experience and perspective is essential,” said James Walker, Chief Executive Officer of NANO Nuclear. “Her appointment underscores the progress we have made as a company in just a few short years as well as the seriousness with which we are building a team capable of executing on our long-term vision.”

About NANO Nuclear Energy Inc.

NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: NNE) is a North American advanced technology-driven nuclear energy company seeking to become a commercially focused, diversified, and vertically integrated company across five business lines: (i) cutting edge portable and other microreactor technologies, (ii) nuclear fuel fabrication, (iii) nuclear fuel transportation, (iv) nuclear applications for space and (v) nuclear industry consulting services. NANO Nuclear believes it is the first portable nuclear microreactor company to be listed publicly in the U.S.

Led by a world-class nuclear engineering team, NANO Nuclear’s reactor products in development include its lead project, the patented KRONOS MMR^™ Energy System, a stationary high-temperature gas-cooled reactor that is in construction permit pre-application engagement with the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in collaboration with University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (U. of I.), ZEUS^™, a solid core battery reactor, and the space focused, portable LOKI MMR^™, each representing advanced developments in clean energy solutions that are modular, on-demand capable, advanced nuclear microreactors.

Advanced Fuel Transportation Inc. (AFT), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is led by former executives from the largest transportation company in the world aiming to build a North American transportation company that will provide commercial quantities of HALEU fuel to small modular reactors, microreactor companies, national laboratories, military, and DOE programs. Through NANO Nuclear, AFT is the exclusive licensee of a patented high-capacity HALEU fuel transportation basket developed by three major U.S. national nuclear laboratories and funded by the Department of Energy. Assuming development and commercialization, AFT is expected to form part of the only vertically integrated nuclear fuel business of its kind in North America.

HALEU Energy Fuel Inc. (HEF), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is focusing on the future development of a domestic source for a High-Assay, Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) fuel fabrication pipeline for NANO Nuclear’s own microreactors as well as the broader advanced nuclear reactor industry.

NANO Nuclear Space Inc. (NNS), a NANO Nuclear subsidiary, is exploring the potential commercial applications of NANO Nuclear’s developing micro nuclear reactor technology in space. NNS is focusing on applications such as the LOKI MMR^™ system and other power systems for extraterrestrial projects and human sustaining environments, and potentially propulsion technology for long haul space missions. NNS’ initial focus will be on cis-lunar applications, referring to uses in the space region extending from Earth to the area surrounding the Moon's surface.

For more corporate information please visit: https://NanoNuclearEnergy.com/

For further NANO Nuclear information, please contact:
Email: IR@NANONuclearEnergy.com
Business Tel: (212) 634-9206

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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release and statements of NANO Nuclear’s management in connection with this news release in this press release contain or may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expect”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “plan”, “aim,” “seek,” “believe”, “potential”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. In this press release, forward-looking statements include those related to the anticipated benefits of Ms. Lennon joining the Company, as well as the Company’s future plans in general. These and other forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management's current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For NANO Nuclear, particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following: (i) risks related to our U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”), U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (“NRC”), Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (“CNSC”) or related state or other U.S. or non-U.S nuclear licensing submissions, (ii) risks related the development of new or advanced technology and the acquisition of complementary technology or businesses, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, regulatory delays, integration issues and the development of competitive technology, (iii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations, (iv) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to technologically develop and commercially deploy a competitive advanced nuclear reactor or other technology in the timelines we anticipate, if ever, (v) risks related to the impact of U.S. and non-U.S. government regulation, policies and licensing requirements, including by the DOE, and the NRC, including those associated with the recently enacted ADVANCE Act and the May 23 and December 18, 2025 Executive Orders seeking to streamline nuclear regulation, and (vi) similar risks and uncertainties associated with the operating an early stage business a highly regulated, competitive and rapidly evolving industry, including that our plans may change and we may use our cash on hand faster or in different ways than anticipated as our business requires. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement, and NANO Nuclear therefore encourages investors to review other factors that may affect future results in its filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov and at https://ir.nanonuclearenergy.com/financial-information/sec-filings. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

Attachment

• Figure 1

FAQ

Who is Sarah Lennon and what role did NANO Nuclear (NNE) appoint her to on Feb 20, 2026?

Sarah Lennon was named International Nuclear Policy Advisor to NANO Nuclear on Feb 20, 2026. According to the company, she brings three decades of U.S. government experience across DOE, NNSA, State, and NCTC focused on nuclear policy and nonproliferation.

How does Sarah Lennon’s DOE and NNSA background affect NANO Nuclear’s (NNE) regulatory strategy?

Her DOE and NNSA background is expected to enhance regulatory and policy engagement for NNE. According to the company, Lennon will help navigate international policy, regulatory frameworks, and support licensing efforts for the KRONOS MMR program.

What specific projects at NANO Nuclear (NNE) will Sarah Lennon support following her appointment?

Sarah Lennon will support the company’s lead KRONOS MMR modular microreactor project through policy and licensing stages. According to the company, her role includes helping advance construction, testing, regulatory licensing and eventual commercial deployment.

Does Sarah Lennon’s appointment to NANO Nuclear (NNE) include any announced financial or timeline commitments?

No financial figures or specific timelines were announced with the appointment. According to the company, the announcement focuses on policy and regulatory expertise rather than quantified milestones or budgetary commitments.

What credentials does Sarah Lennon hold that qualify her for the International Nuclear Policy Advisor role at NNE?

Lennon is a Presidential Management Fellow with a B.A. from Dartmouth and an M.A. from Monterey Institute, plus DOE/NNSA senior roles and awards. According to the company, her career includes senior policy, bilateral cooperation, and WMD–terrorism leadership roles.