He and Bill Gates set up TerraPower, an energy firm, to develop the idea.

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Modular start ups like NuScale, TerraPower and Hyperion Power Generation, however, have many hurdles to overcome.

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Gates has invested in a number of energy companies, including an innovative nuclear power company TerraPower.

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Based in Washington state, Terrapower is working on a design for what is known as a travelling wave reactor.

BBC: China and Bill Gates discuss nuclear reactor plan

Terrapower, founded and funded by the Microsoft chairman, is collaborating with Chinese scientists on the fourth generation (4G) reactor.

BBC: China and Bill Gates discuss nuclear reactor plan

"The idea is to be very low cost, very safe and generate very little waste, " said Mr Gates during a talk at China's Ministry of Science and Technology during which he confirmed the tie-up with Terrapower.

BBC: China and Bill Gates discuss nuclear reactor plan

Holman talked about the technology and projects underway in Africa to reduce malaria through the creation of a Photonic Fence as well as ways to tackle the world energy crisis by addressing nuclear energy via TerraPower. (See a full list of the projects at Intellectual Ventures here).

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