I think they should just try to raise large amounts of money rather than partner with large companies for development. However, they will need to partner with utilities for pilot plants.
I can't speak to the other companies, but my hope is that UPower and Helion have prototypes in ~3-5 years.
Nuclear energy faces a challenging PR environment.
Letting the public perception get so bad should be considered one of the costliest PR mistakes in recent history in terms of human and environmental cost. The problem is highlighted by the fact that many will disagree with this statement.
I can't speak to the other companies, but my hope is that UPower and Helion have prototypes in ~3-5 years.