Virtualware Appoints Former CANDU Energy Chief Nuclear Engineer to Advisory Board

Stephanie Smith joins Virtualware's international advisory council to strengthen the company's nuclear industry capabilities.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 1:31am

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Virtualware, a pioneer in industrial Virtual Reality applications, has appointed Canadian nuclear engineer Stephanie Smith, P. Eng., to its international advisory board. Smith is an independent nuclear energy consultant with over 35 years of experience in the nuclear power industry, previously serving as the Chief Nuclear Engineer/Officer for CANDU Energy. Her appointment is part of Virtualware's strategy to reinforce its presence as a Virtual Reality leader within the nuclear energy industry.

Why it matters

Virtualware has been developing high-level training systems for nuclear plant operators in collaboration with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy for eight years. Smith's appointment is expected to further strengthen Virtualware's capabilities in the nuclear industry, which is experiencing growing demand for clean, reliable baseload power and increased investment in both new builds and life extension of existing nuclear plants.

The details

Smith has overseen the design and refurbishments of large-scale CANDU nuclear reactors and served as president of the CANDU Owners' Group. She developed a strategy for CANDU utilities worldwide to address changes in the Canadian nuclear industry and has held positions at Ontario Power Generation and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). Virtualware's GVH simulators, built on the company's proprietary VIROO platform, enable nuclear workers to safely practice complex, low-frequency/high-consequence tasks such as fuel movement and vessel disassembly in realistic, plant-specific environments.

  • Stephanie Smith's appointment to Virtualware's international advisory board takes effect immediately for the 2026 fiscal year.

The players

Virtualware

A pioneer in industrial Virtual Reality applications, listed on Euronext Growth Paris since June 2025.

Stephanie Smith, P. Eng.

An independent nuclear energy consultant with over 35 years of experience in the nuclear power industry, previously serving as the Chief Nuclear Engineer/Officer for CANDU Energy.

GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH)

One of the world's leading manufacturers of nuclear plants, collaborating with Virtualware on high-level training systems for nuclear plant operators.

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What they’re saying

“We are very pleased to have Stephanie Smith join our international advisory council as a way to strengthen our nuclear capabilities, which is one of the company's main contributions in the field of virtual reality.”

— Unai Extremo, CEO and founder of Virtualware

What’s next

Virtualware's advisory board, which now includes Stephanie Smith, will continue to provide strategic guidance to the company as it further expands its presence in the nuclear energy industry.

The takeaway

Virtualware's appointment of a seasoned nuclear engineer to its advisory board underscores the company's commitment to strengthening its capabilities in the nuclear industry, which is poised for growth driven by the demand for clean, reliable energy and investments in both new and existing nuclear power plants.