Deep Fission Taps Veteran Nuclear Regulator Rani Franovich to Drive Licensing Strategy for Underground Reactors

BERKELEY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Deep Fission Inc. (Deep Fission), a pioneering nuclear energy company redefining the industry by placing small modular reactors (SMRs) a mile underground, announced today the appointment of Rani Franovich as Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. A nationally respected expert in nuclear oversight and licensing, Rani brings decades of regulatory experience to support Deep Fission’s bold vision: commercializing deep geologic nuclear power for a safer, faster, and more scalable energy future.

Placing reactors a mile underground, surrounded by billions of tons of bedrock, fundamentally changes the conversation about nuclear risk.

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“Rani’s appointment marks a major step forward as we move from innovation to implementation,” said Liz Muller, co-founder and CEO of Deep Fission. “Her unmatched expertise and leadership at the NRC will help us navigate the regulatory path with clarity and confidence — not just meeting expectations but helping to define what the future of nuclear regulation can look like.”

Rani spent 30 years at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), serving in multiple senior roles including six years as a resident inspector at the Catawba Nuclear Station. She also helped shape the agency’s response to pivotal events, including the Fukushima Daiichi accident. She is a certified NRC inspector, a longtime advocate for risk-informed, performance-based regulation, and a trusted advisor to policymakers seeking to modernize the nation’s nuclear oversight.

“I’m thrilled to join Deep Fission at such an exciting and critical time,” said Rani Franovich, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs at Deep Fission. “What drew me to this company is its unique, safety-first approach. Placing reactors a mile underground, surrounded by billions of tons of bedrock, fundamentally changes the conversation about nuclear risk. The natural geologic containment offers a level of inherent safety and simplicity, setting a new standard for the future of nuclear energy.”

Since leaving the NRC in 2021, Rani has advised federal agencies, national and state lawmakers, think tanks, and energy companies on nuclear policy and regulatory modernization. Her addition to Deep Fission underscores the company’s accelerating progress and commercialization plans in the United States.

About Deep Fission

Deep Fission is revolutionizing the energy landscape with innovative technology that places small modular reactors a mile underground. The team of leading scientists, engineers, and visionaries is driven by a shared commitment to advancing safe, reliable, and affordable low-carbon energy solutions. The company is actively engaged with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and is pursuing commercial projects worldwide. For more information, visit deepfission.com.