Warwick firm secures funding to participate in SaferAI project

A Warwick-based firm is set to transform workplace health and safety by leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the prediction of potential incidents. Raiven Limited, located at the Warwick Innovation Centre which forms part of the University of Warwick Science Park, assists clients in understanding, developing, and adopting AI solutions to optimise their operations, as opposed to businesses attempting to navigate the complexities of AI implementation independently and risking errors.

Founded by data scientist Tom Ormsby in March 2023, Raiven was established following his recognition that numerous companies were uncertain about the most effective methods to utilise AI. With backing from the business support programme Business Ready, Raiven secured significant grant funding from Innovate UK to participate in the ‘SaferAI’ project. This initiative unites a consortium of organisations including OctaiPipe, Digital Catapult, and a leading consumer goods manufacturer to develop a model capable of forecasting health and safety risks.

The project allows organisations to contribute to the training of a communal AI solution while ensuring the security and privacy of their data. “Being part of the SaferAI project is brilliant news for the growth of our business,” Tom remarked. “Our AI solutions can significantly enhance various business aspects, but the ability to preemptively identify potential incidents is transformative for worker safety and productivity.”

He added, “In theory, numerous companies could aggregate their data, such as incident reports and near-misses, to forge an AI-based solution. However, there is a risk of data exposure.” The approach they are adopting, known as ‘federated learning’, permits the aggregation of data from diverse sources without necessitating data transfer, thereby maintaining the security of individual company data. “While this method could diminish workplace accidents, federated learning could also facilitate the development of additional AI models for various other applications. It’s really exciting,” Tom explained.

Raiven Limited inaugurated its first office at the Warwick Innovation Centre as part of the Science Park’s ‘Ignite’ incubation programme and continued to receive guidance from Business Ready prior to the SaferAI announcement. Dirk Schaefer, head of the Ignite programme, began mentoring Tom under Business Ready after recognising the firm’s potential. “Tom and his team at Raiven Limited possess exceptional expertise in supporting businesses with their AI solutions but required guidance on their growth strategy to secure additional clientele beyond the SaferAI project,” he said.

Councillor Martin Watson, portfolio holder at Warwickshire County Council for the Economy, noted, “The Business Ready programme provides extensive support to numerous Warwickshire businesses with advice tailored to their specific needs.” Councillor Ella Billiald, Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Arts & Economy, also expressed pride in supporting the Business Ready Programme, which aids innovative organisations like Raiven in expanding their operations within the Warwick District, a hub with access to excellent resources and a vast talent pool.

Business Ready is an integral component of the Business Growth Warwickshire programme, delivered by the University of Warwick Science Park on behalf of Warwickshire County Council and the county’s five District and Borough Councils. The programme is co-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Warwickshire County Council.

Pictured: From left: Dirk Schaefer (University of Warwick Science Park), Cllr Martin Watson, portfolio holder at Warwickshire County Council for Economy, and Tom Ormsby, founder of Raiven Limited