What would you do differently if you started now?
Honestly, I would’ve loved to have started earlier! It’s a difficult question, because every mistake we’ve made has ultimately brought us closer to the right answer. When you’re developing a world-first technology, mistakes aren’t setbacks, they’re part of the discovery process.
I’m incredibly proud of our team’s willingness to experiment and learn. I’d always rather see us try, test and learn from a mistake than play it safe and miss the chance to push the boundaries of what DRIFT can become.
I guess if I had the wisdom I have gathered now, then I would go faster! Faster to customers and getting them on the journey. Faster and with more focus on the Business Readiness Level, not just the Technology Readiness Level.
One lesson I wish were faster to manifest would be that you start a company thinking you must make it sound like the most exciting thing ever, to make it shiny and enthralling – dare I say ‘cool’. But when you are dealing with deep tech heavy companies, your investors want to hear about de-risked, proven, scalable – dare I say lucratively ‘boring’ narrative. As glitzy and exciting as DRIFT can be, we have just found a new way to make reliable returns with ships.
Where do you think you’ll be in 12 months?
Having secured international and regional offtake agreements and strong interest in asset finance, DRIFT is in a prime position to begin construction of the world’s first net-positive ship, a vessel that both decarbonises maritime operations and delivers clean fuels for island communities and British utilities.
Over the next year, we expect to finalise our detailed design and secure plan approval, while negotiating build contracts with selected shipyards. By this time next year, we aim to be preparing for sea trials, and within 18 months, I fully expect to be smashing a bottle of champagne against the hull of our first DRIFT ship.
What excites you most about the future of clean tech?
What really inspires me is that clean tech is no longer about compromise – it’s about performance and resilience. Technologies like hydrogen, when deployed intelligently, can enable energy independence, local generation and economic opportunity. The future of clean tech isn’t just about cutting carbon; it’s about building a stronger, fairer and more sustainable energy system – that’s what drives me forward every day.
What tools/people/services/organisations from the cluster have helped you most?
We have benefitted from the engagement, guidance and support of several prominent organisations across the region.
DRIFT attended Hydrogen South West’s inaugural showcase event in Taunton, where there was a collaborative pull to bring sustainable solutions to the region. We are also speaking at Maritime UK South West’s October Growth Forum – West of England event.
Other organisations that DRIFT has interacted with, joined and/or been supported by include Bristol Port, Bath & Bristol Regional Capital (BBRC), the CBI, Invest Bristol & Bath, Net Zero Wales and SETSquared Bristol.
We are also active members of ZESTAs (Zero Emissions Ship Technology Association), an international organization dedicated to advancing the interests and development of the zero-emissions ship technology industry.
What’s the best thing about the Bristol & Bath tech cluster?
The Bristol & Bath tech cluster stands out for its collaborative spirit and depth of innovation. There’s a genuine sense of partnership across the region, from technology developers and academic groups to investors and industry specialists, all working together to accelerate clean technology adoption.
For us, it’s been an ideal environment in which to grow. There are numerous regional initiatives focused on hydrogen usage and delivery, an open and supportive port infrastructure and strong alignment with our ‘made in the South West’ strategy.
We’ve been fortunate to be invited to speak by local networks, recognised through regional awards, and supported by an exceptional ecosystem of local service providers, from design engineers to hydrogen technology experts.
It’s this combination of collaboration, expertise and forward-thinking mindsets that makes this region such a powerful place to build and scale clean tech innovation.
Where can we find out more about you?
Check out www.drift.energy or follow us on LinkedIn, X, BlueSky and/or Instagram.