Pavegen

Pavegen is a UK-based company operating at the intersection of renewable energy and data analytics. Founded in 2009 by Laurence Kemball-Cook, the firm has developed a flooring technology that converts the kinetic energy from human footsteps into off-grid electricity while simultaneously collecting data.

The company's origins trace back to Kemball-Cook's time as an Industrial Design and Technology student at Loughborough University. Tasked with finding a renewable energy solution for urban areas during an internship, he identified the challenge of deploying solar and wind power in dense city environments. This led to the conception of Pavegen, which he initially developed in his student room and later funded with a prize from the Royal Society of Arts. After struggling to gain initial traction, an unauthorized installation in London went viral, landing Westfield shopping centre as the first major client.

Pavegen's core product is a patented system of interactive floor tiles. When a person steps on a tile, it depresses by about 10mm, causing electromagnetic generators beneath it to convert the kinetic energy into 3-5 watt-seconds of electrical energy. This generated power can be used in real-time to operate low-energy applications like LED lighting, phone charging stations, and interactive displays, or it can be stored in batteries for later use. Beyond power generation, the system functions as a data collection platform, tracking footfall volume and traffic flow patterns, providing valuable metrics for clients. The company has expanded its offering to include a digital ecosystem that connects with users' smartphones, rewarding them for their steps on Pavegen walkways.

The business model targets two primary markets: permanent installations for smart cities and infrastructure clients, and temporary activations for events and brands. Clients include transport hubs, retail destinations, educational institutions, and corporations like Google, Siemens, Adidas, and Shell. Revenue is generated through the sale and installation of these systems, which are promoted as a way for clients to achieve sustainability goals and enhance user engagement. The company has secured over $17 million in funding through multiple rounds, including support from investors such as the Hinduja Group and Tamar Capital, as well as successful crowdfunding campaigns.

Keywords: kinetic energy, energy harvesting, smart flooring, data analytics, cleantech, smart cities, pedestrian traffic, experiential marketing, off-grid power, sustainability engagement