Oklo CEO Appointed to President’s Science and Technology Advisory Council
Oklo Inc., an advanced nuclear technology developer focused on next-generation clean energy solutions, announced that its co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jacob DeWitte, has been appointed by Donald J. Trump to serve on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The appointment places DeWitte among a distinguished group of leaders from across the fields of science, engineering, technology, and industry who advise the U.S. President on matters related to innovation, scientific research, and technological advancement.
The appointment marks a significant milestone both for DeWitte personally and for the broader advanced nuclear sector, which is increasingly seen as a critical component of global clean energy strategies. By joining PCAST, DeWitte will contribute his experience in nuclear innovation, energy infrastructure, and advanced reactor technologies to help shape national science and technology policy.
A Personal and Professional Milestone
Speaking about the appointment, DeWitte reflected on the journey that led to the formation and growth of Oklo. He noted that the company was founded more than a decade ago with a mission to transform how nuclear energy is deployed and integrated into modern power systems.
“Oklo’s Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Caroline DeWitte and I started this company 13 years ago, and every day we’re proud, humbled, and excited by this journey,” DeWitte said. “I believe deeply in American ingenuity and leadership, and I am honored to join the President’s Council.”
He added that serving on the council provides an opportunity to collaborate with leading thinkers across industries while contributing to the development of policies that strengthen national innovation and technological leadership.
“I look forward to collaborating with my fellow council members to strengthen American leadership in science and technology, bring more opportunity for our country’s workers and students, and support building an abundant, affordable, and clean energy future for our nation,” he said.
Role and Importance of the Council
The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology is one of the most influential advisory bodies in the United States government for science-related policy. The council provides independent advice and recommendations to the President on a wide range of issues including emerging technologies, energy systems, national security, economic competitiveness, and scientific research priorities.
The origins of this advisory tradition date back to the early 20th century. In 1933, during the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the White House established the Science Advisory Board to help guide national scientific development. Since then, nearly every U.S. president has formed their own version of a science advisory committee, evolving over time into the modern PCAST framework.
Today, the council serves as a key platform where leading experts from academia, government, and the private sector collaborate to assess complex challenges and propose strategic solutions. Members provide insights into rapidly evolving fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum computing, energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
Through this advisory role, PCAST helps shape policies that support innovation, maintain global technological competitiveness, and strengthen the nation’s scientific infrastructure.
Leadership and Structure of the Council
The current iteration of PCAST will be co-chaired by prominent technology leaders David Sacks and Michael Kratsios. Together they will oversee the council’s work in evaluating scientific priorities and advising the White House on strategies that enhance American technological leadership.
DeWitte joins a roster of influential figures representing major sectors of technology, venture capital, and advanced engineering. According to the White House, council members include well-known leaders such as Marc Andreessen, Sergey Brin, Safra Catz, Michael Dell, Fred Ehrsam, Larry Ellison, David Friedberg, Jensen Huang, John Martinis, Bob Mumgaard, Lisa Su, and Mark Zuckerberg.
The diverse composition of the council reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern innovation, where breakthroughs often emerge from collaboration between sectors such as computing, energy, finance, and scientific research.
For DeWitte, participation in this group represents an opportunity to advocate for advanced nuclear energy and contribute to national discussions on long-term energy security and sustainability.
Nuclear Innovation and Clean Energy Leadership
DeWitte’s appointment highlights the growing recognition of advanced nuclear technology as a key part of the clean energy transition. As countries around the world seek reliable alternatives to fossil fuels while maintaining stable electricity supplies, new nuclear designs are gaining renewed attention.
Companies like Oklo are working to modernize nuclear power by developing compact, efficient reactor systems that can provide continuous electricity with minimal environmental impact. These technologies aim to overcome many of the limitations associated with traditional large-scale nuclear plants, including long construction timelines and high capital costs.
Advanced reactors are designed to operate with enhanced safety features, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced waste generation. Many designs also emphasize modular construction, allowing reactors to be manufactured in factories and deployed more rapidly at sites where energy demand exists.
DeWitte’s direct experience in developing such technologies is expected to bring valuable insights to PCAST as policymakers evaluate future energy strategies.
Oklo’s Vision for Advanced Nuclear Power
Founded with the goal of reinventing nuclear energy deployment, Oklo is focused on developing fast fission power plants capable of delivering reliable electricity at a global scale. The company’s reactor technology is designed to provide consistent, carbon-free energy for communities, industrial operations, and remote locations where traditional power infrastructure may be limited.
Oklo’s approach emphasizes smaller reactor systems that can operate for long periods without refueling. These plants are intended to provide steady baseload power while reducing operational complexity and infrastructure requirements.
Beyond electricity generation, the company is also working to establish a domestic supply chain for critical isotopes. These materials are essential for applications ranging from medical diagnostics and cancer treatment to scientific research and industrial processes.
In addition, Oklo is advancing technologies for recycling nuclear fuel. By converting used nuclear fuel into new energy resources, the company aims to reduce nuclear waste while maximizing the value extracted from existing fuel supplies.
Collaboration with National Laboratories
Oklo has developed close partnerships with government agencies and national laboratories in the United States to advance its reactor designs and fuel technologies.
The company was the first to receive a site use permit from the U.S. Department of Energy for a commercial advanced fission power plant. This milestone represented an important step toward demonstrating next-generation nuclear technology in a real-world operational environment.
Oklo has also been awarded fuel from Idaho National Laboratory, one of the leading research institutions in nuclear science and energy technology. Access to this fuel allows the company to test and refine its advanced reactor systems.
Furthermore, Oklo submitted the first custom combined license application for an advanced reactor to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. This regulatory submission reflects the company’s effort to pioneer new licensing pathways tailored specifically for modern nuclear technologies.
Alongside these initiatives, Oklo is collaborating with the Department of Energy and several national laboratories to develop innovative nuclear fuel recycling processes that could support a more sustainable and circular nuclear energy ecosystem.
Supporting America’s Energy Future
DeWitte’s appointment to PCAST comes at a time when energy policy is increasingly focused on balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth and energy security. Advanced nuclear energy is widely viewed as a promising option for achieving these goals.
By providing carbon-free electricity around the clock, nuclear power can complement renewable sources such as wind and solar, which depend on weather conditions. Together, these technologies can create a more resilient and diversified energy system.
DeWitte’s experience in building an advanced nuclear company from the ground up offers a practical perspective on how innovation can move from research laboratories to commercial deployment.
His participation in the council may help inform discussions about how government policy can accelerate the development and adoption of emerging energy technologies while ensuring safety, affordability, and reliability.
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