TechnicAtome

What TechnicAtome does

TechnicAtome is a French state-controlled nuclear engineering firm founded in 1972, specializing in the design, construction, commissioning, and through-life maintenance of compact nuclear reactors for naval propulsion and civil nuclear applications. The company is the sole architect of France's compact naval reactor families — K-15 (powering Le Triomphant-class SSBNs and the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier) and the next-generation K-22 (designated for the future PA-Ng 'France Libre' carrier) — and produces complete nuclear steam supply systems (NSSS) for the Barracuda-class SSN and SNLE 3G SSBN programs. Beyond naval propulsion, the company operates the RES test reactor at CEA Cadarache, leads the construction engineering of the Jules Horowitz research reactor, supports the Laser Megajoule facility, and supplies the UNICORN analog safety I&C platform for Hinkley Point C EPR.

The business model is direct B2B/government contracting. Revenue is generated primarily through multi-decade French Ministry of Armed Forces (DGA) procurement programs, CEA institutional contracts, and Naval Group prime-subcontractor arrangements, with secondary civil nuclear services for EDF and other utilities. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is set through negotiated sole-source or competitive defense procurement. Revenue grew from €633M in 2024 to €660M in 2025 (~8% YoY), with an order book exceeding €1B and two decades-plus of program visibility. Headcount stands at 2,200+ across nine French sites, with strategic shareholder structure (APE 50.32%, Naval Group 20.32%, CEA 20.32%, EDF 9.03%) reinforcing alignment with French state defense and nuclear policy.

Name

TechnicAtome

Legal name

Société Technique pour l'Energie Atomique (TechnicAtome)

Website

https://technicatome.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

TechnicAtome is a French state-controlled nuclear engineering firm that designs, builds, and maintains compact nuclear reactors for the French Navy's submarine and aircraft carrier fleet, and provides engineering services for civil nuclear and research reactor programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Naval Nuclear Reactor Engineering

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414), Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Unit and Propulsion Unit Parts Manufacturing (336415), Nuclear Electric Power Generation (221113)

SIC

Engines & Turbines (3510), Aircraft Engines & Engine Parts (3724)

akta.pro primary industry

Nuclear Steam Supply System Components & Turbine Islands (IMAHAFAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Reactor Vessel, Internals & Primary Circuit Components (RPV, piping, pumps, valves) (EUAKADAE), Gen III/III+ Reactor Systems & Components (EUAKADAB), In-Core & Ex-Core Instrumentation (Neutron Flux, Temperature, Pressure, Vibration) (EUAKADAL), Reactor Protection, Safety Systems & Engineered Safeguards (ECCS, Containment Isolation) (EUAKADAI)

Keywords

• Compact nuclear reactors
• Naval nuclear propulsion
• Nuclear steam supply systems
• Submarine reactor design
• Research reactor engineering

Headquarters

HQ city

Gif-sur-yvette

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations

Revenue model

1. Naval Nuclear Propulsion: Design, construction, and maintenance of nuclear steam supply systems for French Navy submarines and aircraft carriers under defense procurement contracts. Includes Barracuda SNA program, SNLE 3G program, PA-Ng future carrier, and Charles de Gaulle maintenance.
2. Civil Nuclear Engineering Services: Engineering services for civil nuclear facilities including Jules Horowitz Reactor (RJH), Laser Megajoule, Hinkley Point C EPR, research reactors, and SMR development (Nuward). Services include design, project management assistance, and operational maintenance.
3. Defense Nuclear Facility Operations: Operation and maintenance of nuclear test reactor (RES) at CEA Cadarache for French naval propulsion testing and training.
4. BackUp I&C Systems: Supply of backup instrumentation and control systems for nuclear power plants, particularly analog safety systems for Hinkley Point C EPR.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

TechnicAtome designs, produces, commissions, and maintains compact nuclear reactors and complete nuclear steam supply systems (NSSS) for naval propulsion (French Navy submarines and aircraft carriers) and civil nuclear applications. The company delivers full lifecycle capability for defense reactors (K-15, K-22, Barracuda, SNLE 3G, PA-Ng) and for research/civil installations (RES, Jules Horowitz Reactor, Laser Megajoule, Nuward SMR), including engineering services, operational maintenance, and analog safety I&C systems.

Product overview

TechnicAtome is a specialized nuclear engineering company focused on compact nuclear reactor design, construction, commissioning, and operational maintenance. The company operates two main divisions: Naval Nuclear Propulsion & Defence (primary activity) and Nuclear Reactors & Facilities (civil applications). Key products include K-15 and K-22 nuclear steam supply systems for aircraft carriers and submarines, Barracuda SNA reactors, SNLE 3G deterrent submarine reactors, the RES test reactor, Jules Horowitz research reactor, Laser Megajoule partnership, and SMR/Nuward development. The company also operates through subsidiaries ARCYS (I&C systems), TechnoPlus Industries (machining/assembly), and acquired brands Vanatome and Segault (valve manufacturing). Services span design engineering, operational maintenance, reactor simulation, and infrastructure project management for both defense and civil nuclear clients.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• K-15 Nuclear Steam Supply Systems Compact nuclear steam supply system equipping the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and the Le Triomphant-class (SNLE 2G) nuclear deterrent submarines. Proven reactor family in service for over two decades with continued lifetime support.
• K-22 Nuclear Steam Supply Systems Next-generation nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) with increased power and energy capacity compared to the K-15 generation, designed for France's future nuclear-powered aircraft carrier 'France Libre' (PA-Ng program). Two K-22 reactors will power the 80,000-tonne, 310-meter vessel.
• Barracuda Program Nuclear Steam Supply Systems Nuclear steam supply systems for the new generation of Barracuda-class (Suffren-class) nuclear-powered attack submarines (SNA). Six on-board NSSS are being produced to replace aging Rubis-class SSNs, with one NSSS delivered approximately every two years.
• SNLE 3G Program Nuclear Steam Supply Systems Nuclear steam supply systems for third-generation rocket-launching nuclear submarines (SNLE 3G) that will replace SNLE 2G vessels starting in the 2030s. Four NSSS contracted as part of France's next-generation nuclear deterrence program.
• RES - Réacteur d'Essais (Nuclear Test Reactor Operations) Shore-based nuclear test reactor operated by TechnicAtome at CEA Cadarache on behalf of CEA. Used for French naval propulsion testing, validation of digital simulation tools, and naval personnel training. Achieved first criticality and commissioning in 2018.
• Jules Horowitz Reactor (RJH) Construction Project Experimental research reactor under construction at the CEA Cadarache site. TechnicAtome provides overall design and project management assistance for construction. Designed for irradiation of materials and fuels and production of medical radioisotopes.
• Laser Megajoule (LMJ) Engineering & Operations Support Strategic partnership with CEA covering design, follow-up of production, operation and maintenance of the Laser Megajoule facility at CEA CESTA in Le Barp. Part of France's Simulation Program for nuclear weapons reliability.
• Nuward Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Development Design studies and technological building blocks for Small Modular Reactors, including the Nuward SMR project developed in partnership with EDF, Naval Group, and CEA. Features a compact integrated nuclear steam supply system design.
• Hinkley Point C BackUp I&C Safety Systems Analog safety instrumentation and control (I&C) systems for the Hinkley Point C EPR nuclear power plant in the UK, developed by TechnicAtome and subsidiary ARCYS using different (analog) technology from conventional digital systems as required by British nuclear safety authority for backup protection.
• Nuclear Propulsion Engineering Services Integrated engineering services for naval nuclear reactors covering design and production engineering, operational maintenance, reactor simulation and physical phenomena modeling, and infrastructure contracting authority assistance for both defense and civil nuclear facilities.
• ARCYS Subsidiary - I&C Solutions for Harsh Environments Subsidiary (51% TechnicAtome, 49% Framatome) commercializing, developing, producing and maintaining instrumentation and control solutions for harsh nuclear environments in defense, civil nuclear, and transport sectors. Key contributor to the UNICORN analog safety platform.

Quantifiable outcome

• 270-day operational endurance for Barracuda-class submarines
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SegaultcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 March 2025Acquired from Velan Inc. in March 2025 (70% Framatome, 30% TechnicAtome). Designs and manufactures high-performance valves for extreme use conditions in civil nuclear and defense sectors. Acquisition consolidates activities in valve supply chain.
• Défense MobilitéminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 September 2024Three-year cooperation agreement signed September 2024 to facilitate military personnel reconversion into TechnicAtome. Provides access to experienced profiles, particularly former submariners for nuclear propulsion careers.
• Vanatome (formerly Daher Valves)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2024Acquired from Daher Group in July 2024 (70% Framatome, 30% TechnicAtome). Vanatome designs and manufactures valves and high-performance taps for nuclear power plants and naval nuclear propulsion. Strategic for securing supply chain for valve components in reactor systems. 120 employees, 150+ clients across 20 countries.
• Chantiers de l'AtlantiquecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021Joint venture with Naval Group for PA-Ng future nuclear aircraft carrier construction. Chantiers de l'Atlantique handles conventional shipbuilding while TechnicAtome provides K-22 nuclear steam supply systems. Construction begins 2032 at Saint-Nazaire.
• CEAcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Long-standing strategic partner holding 20.32% share. CEA is both shareholder and primary customer for nuclear propulsion research (RES reactor), Jules Horowitz Reactor construction, and Laser Megajoule support. TechnicAtome operates RES on CEA's behalf.
• Naval GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Major shareholder (20.32%) and prime contractor for Barracuda, SNLE 3G, and PA-Ng programs. Naval Group integrates TechnicAtome nuclear steam supply systems into complete submarine and aircraft carrier platforms. Strategic partnership spanning over 50 years.
• EDFcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Strategic partner for civil nuclear projects. EDF holds 9.03% shareholding. Collaborates on Hinkley Point C EPR NCSS program through Framatome, Nuward SMR development, and mechanical expertise services for EDF Technical Division.
• ARCYScoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2012Joint venture (51% TechnicAtome, 49% Framatome) developing and producing instrumentation and control solutions for harsh nuclear environments in defense, civil nuclear, and transport sectors. Key contributor to UNICORN analog safety platform for Hinkley Point C.
• TechnoPlus IndustriesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2012Subsidiary (70% TechnicAtome, 30% ONET) specializing in machining and assembly of complex mechanical components. Provides manufacturing services from design studies through assembly and integration.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Naval Group: 20.32% shareholder and prime contractor integrating TechnicAtome's NSSS into Barracuda/SNLE 3G/PA-Ng platforms. Operates in adjacent step of the naval nuclear value chain — ship design/build — making it both partner and adjacent incumbent.
• GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy: Supplies boiling water reactors and nuclear services globally, including the BWRX-300 SMR. Comparable as a broad incumbent operating in nuclear steam supply adjacent to TechnicAtome's SMR development interests.
• Westinghouse Electric Company: Provides reactor fuel, services, and steam supply system components for the Western civil nuclear fleet, including AP1000 deployments in the US and (historically) Eastern Europe. Broad incumbent in nuclear steam supply adjacent to TechnicAtome's civil work.

Others

• EDF: French state utility holding 9.03% of TechnicAtome and serving as the primary civil-nuclear utility customer and partner. Acts as both shareholder/partner and as a customer for mechanical engineering services and SMR (Nuward) development.

Emerging players

• NuScale Power: SMR developer with NRC-certified design targeting US/international civil nuclear customers. Closest emerging competitor in the SMR space that TechnicAtome (via Nuward) is targeting.

Direct peers

• BWX Technologies: The US Navy's sole supplier of naval nuclear reactors (Columbia-class SSBN, Virginia-class SSN). BWXT is the closest direct peer — both design and manufacture compact naval propulsion reactors under a sole-source, government-controlled model fundamentally analogous to TechnicAtome.
• Rolls-Royce (Submarines): Designs and manufactures the PWR3 reactor for the UK's Dreadnought-class SSBN and Astute-class SSN, with an emerging SMR program (Rolls-Royce SMR). Closely comparable as the only other Western monopoly provider of submarine reactors and is a direct adjacent peer for naval NSSS and SMR development.
• Framatome: Joint owner of ARCYS, Vanatome, and Segault alongside TechnicAtome, and operates across the civil nuclear NSSS value chain (EPR, instrumentation). Comparator at the component and I&C level, plus closely aligned on SMR/valve initiatives.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Technicatome
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC-fyA5JmyrEewmdJL6XLiUQ
• LinkedInfr.linkedin.com/company/technicatome

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about TechnicAtome