The deep tech start-up – RunPilot – is the brainchild of PhD researchers Joseph Hammond and Thomas Cowley.
Recognising that early infrastructure planning is still manual, fragmented and slow, they developed the platform to accelerate the modelling and optimisation of multiple infrastructure routes – complete with environmental, technical and societal considerations, including consent risks.
By completely rethinking how clean energy systems are explored, the result is drastically reduced planning programmes, vast risk mitigation by testing and refining in real-time, and the avoidance of expensive redesigns which often shackle critical works.
And now, following five years in the making, RunPilot has secured six-digit funding in an impactful pitch to the University board.
“We are very proud of our University roots,” commented co-founder Joseph. “We’ve collaborated with academics, policymakers and industry partners to bring to life what we believe will become the ‘second brain’ for infrastructure.
“But for a deep tech spin out like ours to be taken seriously, we needed a clearer, more commercially astute identity that matched the impact our platform can have.”
The team worked closely with The Engine Room to define the company’s proposition, identity and even the brand name itself.
“Our collaboration with The Engine Room transitioned us from a credible research venture to a market-ready technology brand capable of scale,” elaborated Thomas. “This type of strategic project is a critical pre-requisite for start-ups before funding pitches. We communicated with confidence and clarity in a high-stakes setting, because we know we now look and sound the part.”
Strategic designer Darren Evans, managing director and founder of The Engine Room expanded: “When we met Joseph and Thomas, we knew that what they’d created was technically brilliant. But when it comes to securing investment and gaining traction, often the biggest challenge is translating a complex proposition into a clear, credible public presence that makes sense for both technical and non-technical audiences.
“That’s why we love working with high innovation start-ups, especially those connected to academia – we know we can add significant value, and it feels an incredible privilege to be involved at such an early stage in these game-changing business journeys.”
Combining human insight with AI to be the intelligent navigator of this uncertain landscape, RunPilot is closely aligned with the Government’s ambition to accelerate new electricity transmission infrastructure builds. The early stage funding will fuel further product development, technical recruitment and commercial growth, with Orderly CEO Peter Evans already on board as a strategic advisor, and a new sales director appointment due imminently. Workspace in the Sheffield Innovation Spine district is also being explored.
