Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR)

What Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) does

The Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) — المفاعل النووي الأردني للبحوث والتدريب — is a 5-megawatt thermal (MWt) multipurpose research reactor located on the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) campus in Ramtha, Irbid Governorate, northern Jordan. Inaugurated on December 7, 2016, in partnership with the Korea Atomic Energy Agency and beginning commercial operations in 2017, JRTR is wholly owned by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan through the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) — هيئة الطاقة الذرية الأردنية — and represents a national strategic project for peaceful nuclear applications. It is the first and only nuclear reactor in Jordan.

The facility delivers four integrated service lines: (1) radioisotope production — including Iodine-131 for thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment (meeting 100% of domestic hospital demand via weekly supply), Iridium-192 for industrial non-destructive testing, and research isotopes Terbium-161 and Yttrium-90; (2) neutron activation analysis (NAA) using HPGe gamma-ray detectors for elemental identification across archaeology, mining, geology, environmental, and nutrition research; (3) radioactive waste management via the Radioactive Waste Treatment Facility using cement solidification, evaporation, compaction, and decay storage; and (4) training and qualification programs accredited by the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC), supported by a full-scale reactor simulator for licensing examinations.

JRTR operates as a government state entity rather than a commercial vendor. Revenue derives from institutional supply contracts for medical isotopes and irradiation services, fees for neutron activation analysis and training, and sovereign appropriation through JAEC. Quality is anchored by ISO 9001:2015 certification (since 2019, renewed 2026), ISO 2919 sealed source compliance, and JFDA accreditation for radiopharmaceutical production. The customer base is concentrated in Jordanian hospitals and nuclear medicine centers, JUST and other Jordanian universities, government and security institutions, and — through 2025 international partnerships with Korea (KOTRA), China (CNEIC), the UK (Tokamak Energy), SESAME, Senegal, and Syria — a growing regional cooperation footprint.

Name

Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR)

Legal name

Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) - المفاعل النووي الأردني للبحوث والتدريب

Website

https://jrtr.gov.jo

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) is a 5 MWt government-owned multipurpose nuclear research reactor in Ramtha, Jordan, operated by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission to produce medical isotopes, provide neutron activation analysis, manage radioactive waste, and train nuclear personnel for Jordanian hospitals, universities, and government institutions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nuclear Research Reactor Operations

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Research & Test Reactor Operations (Non-Commercial Power) (EUACADAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

Reactor Vessel, Internals & Primary Circuit Components (RPV, piping, pumps, valves) (EUAKADAE)

Keywords

• Nuclear research reactor
• Medical radioisotope production
• Neutron activation analysis
• Radioactive waste management
• Nuclear training services

Headquarters

HQ city

Ramtha (Al-Muqawwir)

HQ country

Jordan

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Medical Isotope Supply: Production and supply of radioactive isotopes including Iodine-131 to hospitals and nuclear medicine centers across Jordan for medical diagnosis and treatment. Also Iridium-192 for industrial non-destructive testing supplied to specialized companies.
2. Research and Analytical Services: Neutron activation analysis services provided to researchers and clients in fields such as archaeology, mining and geology, environmental studies, and nutrition sciences. Irradiation services for various elements are also provided.
3. Training and Education Programs: Training and qualification programs for nuclear facility personnel, specialized licensing tracks for fuel handlers, reactor operators, and senior reactor operators. Radiation protection courses and workshops for external institutions.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) is a 5 MWt multipurpose research reactor that produces medical and industrial radioisotopes (Iodine-131, Iridium-192, Terbium-161, Yttrium-90), provides neutron activation analysis and irradiation services, treats radioactive waste, and delivers training and qualification programs for nuclear facility personnel. It is the first and only nuclear reactor in Jordan and serves as a national strategic platform for research, education, and isotope supply.

Product overview

The Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) operates as a unified 5-megawatt multipurpose research reactor facility that integrates multiple nuclear services. The core offering is the research reactor itself, supplemented by interconnected service modules including Radioisotope Production (producing Iodine-131 and Iridium-192), Neutron Activation Analysis for elemental analysis, Radioactive Waste Management, Irradiation Services, Operational Laboratories for environmental monitoring, Training and Qualification programs, and Radiation Dose Measurement services. These products function as an integrated ecosystem supporting Jordan's nuclear infrastructure.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) Facility A 5 MWt multipurpose research reactor located at Jordan University of Science and Technology, used for educational, research, and training purposes. It is the first nuclear reactor in Jordan and serves as a strategic national project for promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.
• Radioisotope Production Production of medical and industrial radioactive isotopes including Iodine-131 for thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment, Iridium-192 for industrial non-destructive testing, and research isotopes like Terbium-161 and Yttrium-90. ISO 9001:2015 and JFDA accredited.
• Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) Highly accurate analytical technique for identifying elements and determining concentrations in samples using neutron irradiation and gamma-ray measurement with HPGe detectors. Services support archaeology, mining, geology, environmental studies, and nutrition sciences.
• Radioactive Waste Management Management of solid, liquid, and gaseous radioactive waste through the Radioactive Waste Treatment Facility (RWTF), including cement solidification, evaporation, compaction, cutting, decontamination, and decay storage.
• Irradiation Services Irradiation services for materials inside the reactor, including neutron irradiation for producing radioisotopes and material testing for various applications.
• Operational Laboratories Accredited analytical laboratories providing environmental monitoring, water analysis (pH, chloride, fluoride, isotopic purity of heavy water), and radionuclide analysis for alpha, beta, and gamma emitters.
• Training and Qualification Programs Comprehensive training program covering reactor operators, fuel handlers, radiation protection teams, and emergency response personnel, including simulator-based training and licensing tracks accredited by EMRC.
• Radiation Dose Measurement Services for measuring and monitoring radiation doses for personnel safety and environmental protection.

Quantifiable outcome

• Meets 100% of local hospital demand for Iodine-131 for thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Syrian Atomic Energy CommissionminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 January 2026JRTR received an official delegation from the Syrian Atomic Energy Commission headed by Director General Dr. Mudhir Al-Akle to explore expanding cooperation and knowledge exchange in peaceful uses of nuclear energy as part of Arab regional collaboration.
• Senegal (through IAEA cooperation)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 December 2025In cooperation with IAEA, JRTR received Senegal's Minister of Energy and Senegalese Ambassador to Jordan to discuss strengthening cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The visit was part of IAEA's regional cooperation program.
• Tokamak EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2025UK-based company specializing in fusion technology and superconducting magnets visited JRTR to explore knowledge exchange in nuclear fusion technology. The visit included a scientific lecture on fusion energy and tokamak devices, with participation from Jordanian nuclear engineering students.
• Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 July 2025JRTR is located within the JUST campus and serves as the primary training platform for nuclear engineering students. The university provides academic programs while JRTR provides hands-on reactor access and research opportunities, creating an integrated academic-industrial partnership.
• KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 17 June 2025JRTR participated in the 2025 Nuclear Reactor Equipment Business Partnership event coordinated by KOTRA, with B2B meetings with Korean nuclear suppliers. The partnership aims to enhance supply chain reliability, improve procurement and lifecycle management of reactor components, and expand collaboration with the Korean nuclear market.
• SESAME (Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 March 2025JRTR's Maintenance Directorate hosted a delegation from SESAME for a scientific field visit to exchange knowledge on maintenance systems and technical capabilities. Both facilities are hosted by Jordan and serve regional scientific research needs, supporting joint cooperation between national institutions involved in scientific research.
• Northern Gendarmerie Command (Jordan)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 27 February 2025JRTR conducted a Level 1 Radiation Protection Course for officers and personnel from the Nuclear Security Unit of the Northern Gendarmerie Command. The training program included 34 training hours, two scientific tours, and practical training on measuring devices and radioactive source detection.
• China Nuclear Energy Industry Corp (CNEIC)coreTechnology or Integration · 19 December 2019CNEIC, the commercial arm of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), visited the JRTR to discuss cooperation in nuclear fuel cycle and research reactor development. The visit was part of efforts to strengthen technical cooperation in nuclear energy between Jordan and China.
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAEA provides international oversight, guidelines, and verification for nuclear safeguards. JRTR operates under IAEA regulations and participates in IAEA proficiency tests for neutron activation analysis. The agency facilitates international cooperation and technical assistance for peaceful nuclear applications.
• Korea Atomic Energy Agency (KAEA)coreTechnology or IntegrationKAEA experts partnered with JRTR during the official inauguration on December 7, 2016, providing technical expertise for the establishment and initial operation of the reactor. The collaboration established the foundation for Jordan's nuclear research program.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI): Operates the HANARO research reactor and is JRTR's founding technical partner. Highly comparable as a state operator of a research reactor with isotope production, NAA, and training mandates, and a key supply chain partner through KOTRA.
• ANSTO (Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation): Operates the OPAL research reactor and is a leading global medical isotope producer with comprehensive NAA, training, and waste management services. Comparable due to diverse revenue streams from isotopes and nuclear services, though at significantly larger scale.
• Curium Pharma: World's largest nuclear medicine company producing Mo-99, I-131, and other medical isotopes through a global network of reactors. Comparable in commercial medical isotope production but at vastly larger scale and purely commercial orientation.

Regional players

• Moroccan TRIGA Mark II Reactor (CNESTEN): Operates Morocco's 2 MW TRIGA Mark II research reactor for isotope production, NAA, and training. Comparable as a regional research reactor operator with similar mandate and customer base, though smaller capacity than JRTR.
• TR-2 Research Reactor (Turkish Atomic Energy Authority - TAEK): Research reactor operated by Turkey's TAEK offering isotope production and training. Comparable as a regional research reactor peer with similar strategic positioning to JRTR, though Turkey has broader nuclear power ambitions.
• Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) - PINSTECH: Operates the Pakistan Research Reactor (PARR) and produces medical isotopes. Comparable as a state-owned research reactor operator with regional nuclear mandate, though serving a different geographic market.

Direct peers

• INVAP: Argentine state-owned company that designs and builds research reactors globally, including OPAL (Australia) and RA-10 (Argentina). Comparable as a research reactor ecosystem participant with engineering, isotope production, and NAA capabilities.
• Necsa (South African Nuclear Energy Corporation): Operates the SAFARI-1 research reactor and NTP Radioisotopes, a major global medical isotope producer (Mo-99, I-131). Comparable in offering isotope production, NAA, and training services through a state-owned nuclear entity.
• Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA) - ETRR-2: Operates Egypt's ETRR-2 research reactor, a 22 MWt multipurpose facility offering isotope production, NAA, and training. Most direct regional peer to JRTR with similar service offerings and shared geopolitical context.
• NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR): Operates a 20 MWt research reactor focused on neutron-based research and NAA services. Comparable as a research reactor operator with strong NAA and scientific research focus, though operated by a U.S. government standards agency rather than a sovereign nuclear commission.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jordan-research-and-training-reactor

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR)