Interface, a San Francisco-based startup, is leveraging artificial intelligence to revolutionize safety protocols within the industrial sector. Founded by Thomas Lee Young, the company’s platform autonomously audits operating procedures, identifying errors and inconsistencies that could lead to accidents in high-risk environments like oil and gas facilities. This innovative approach aims to drastically reduce workplace hazards and improve operational efficiency.
Young’s journey to founding Interface was anything but conventional, marked by challenges ranging from visa complications to financial setbacks during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, his lifelong fascination with technology and a deep-rooted understanding of industrial operations – stemming from a family history in Trinidad and Tobago’s energy sector – propelled him forward.
The Rise of AI in Industrial Safety
The core problem Interface addresses is the widespread reliance on outdated and error-prone safety documentation in industries like oil and gas, manufacturing, and energy. According to Interface, many companies still rely on paper-based systems or poorly integrated digital tools, leading to inconsistencies and potential safety risks. The company’s AI-powered solution scans existing operating procedures, comparing them against regulations, technical drawings, and internal policies to pinpoint discrepancies.
This process, which traditionally would take years and significant financial investment, is now completed in a fraction of the time. Interface recently completed a project for a major Canadian energy company, identifying over 10,800 errors and potential improvements in just two and a half months. This represents a substantial cost savings and a significant reduction in potential risk, according to the company.
From Engineering Roots to Entrepreneurial Venture
Young’s background in mechanical engineering, gained at the University of Bristol after initial plans to attend Caltech were disrupted, proved crucial in understanding the nuances of industrial safety. His experience at Jaguar Land Rover, focusing on human factors engineering, exposed him to the challenges of designing safe and efficient industrial systems. However, he quickly realized the limitations of existing solutions and the need for a more proactive, AI-driven approach.
He initially pitched his idea to Jaguar Land Rover but was met with resistance. This led him to apply to Entrepreneur First (EF), a talent incubator, where he met his co-founder, Aaryan Mehta. Mehta’s expertise in machine learning and AI, honed at Imperial College London and Amazon, complemented Young’s engineering background and industry knowledge. Together, they formed a strong team capable of tackling the complex challenges of industrial safety.
Addressing a Multi-Billion Dollar Market
The potential market for Interface’s technology is substantial. The U.S. oil and gas services sector alone comprises approximately 27,000 companies, according to IBISWorld. Interface is initially targeting this vertical, but plans to expand into other industries with similar safety challenges. The company’s pricing model is a hybrid per-seat license with overage fees, and a single contract with the Canadian energy company is currently valued at over $2.5 million annually.
The company’s success is also attributed to Young’s ability to connect with industry leaders, leveraging his unique background and understanding of their operational realities. His ability to quickly establish credibility and demonstrate the value of Interface’s solution has been key to securing contracts and building trust. This is particularly important in a sector often resistant to new technologies.
Additionally, Interface is experiencing success in attracting talent, particularly engineers seeking to apply their skills to real-world problems with tangible impact. The company’s focus on heavy industry, a relatively underserved area within the tech industry, is proving to be a draw for those seeking a more meaningful and challenging career path.
However, scaling rapidly presents challenges. Interface currently has eight employees and is actively recruiting to meet growing demand. Maintaining a strong engineering team and expanding its sales and marketing efforts will be critical to its continued success.
Looking ahead, Interface plans to continue expanding its customer base and refining its AI algorithms to improve accuracy and efficiency. The company is also exploring potential integrations with other industrial software platforms to create a more comprehensive safety solution. The next six to twelve months will be crucial as Interface seeks to solidify its position as a leader in the emerging field of AI-powered industrial safety, and further demonstrate the value of predictive maintenance through proactive error detection.
