Mutron, a Korean startup developing automated robots for nuclear power plant maintenance, has secured approximately USD 800,000(KRW 1.1 billion) in seed funding. This follows a USD 145,000(KRW 200 million) investment from the Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, and additional capital secured through the investment-linked B.Startup PIE batch program, MUST IR, the Startup Growth Technology Development (Didimdol) initiative, and follow-on investor matching. Recently, Mutron was also selected for Pre-TIPS, a technology startup support program organized by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, securing approximately USD 72,000(KRW 100 million) in commercialization funding.

Specializing in maintenance for eco-friendly nuclear power plants, Mutron supplies next-generation nuclear maintenance systems through equipment and process development, as well as systematic worker training, to ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities.

The company has developed BMI nozzle maintenance equipment—used to access reactor internals for “health” inspections—and related software to carry out replacement operations. Starting with this, it successfully replaced BMI nozzles at Kori Unit 4 in 2023 and Hanbit Unit 1 in 2024, earning recognition for its technical expertise. Building on its successful track record, Mutron is actively pursuing R&D to address operational bottlenecks and improve processes by developing related equipment and procedures.

With the seed investment and Pre-TIPS funding, Mutron aims to complete the development of dedicated automated equipment for replacing aging BMI nozzles. It will conduct technology testing and equipment validation with major nuclear power companies to ensure stability and practical applicability. Based on these efforts, the company plans to expand into nuclear maintenance infrastructure and the small modular reactor (SMR) sector.

Kim Yong-woo, CEO of the Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, stated, “Discovering and nurturing future-leading companies is a crucial task for economic revitalization, and we look forward to Mutron growing into a unicorn company.”