"THE UK WILL BE A MAKER, NOT TAKER OF AI"

12 June 2025

Why We’re Betting on Human-Powered AI

By Laurence Kemball-Cook, Founder & CEO, Pavegen

This week at London Tech Week, one phrase stuck with me:

“The UK will be a maker, not a taker, of AI.”

That statement from the Prime Minister didn’t just make headlines, it marked a shift. A recognition that AI isn’t some abstract force waiting to arrive. It’s already here. And it’s ours to shape.

At Pavegen, we’ve been quietly building something we believe will play a part in that future: a platform that turns human movement into data, insight, interaction and now, intelligence.

Because we’re not just harvesting footsteps. We’re understanding how people move and why. We’re learning from behaviour in real-time, in physical space. And we’re using that to build more meaningful experiences, smarter environments, and better decisions.

This is the frontier where AI meets real life. Where clean tech becomes smart tech. Where infrastructure stops being static and starts listening, learning, and adapting.

What others said this week:

"We need AI to solve real-world problems, not just automate convenience."
This couldn’t resonate more. Our mission has always been rooted in solving one of the hardest problems in sustainability: public engagement. Because people don’t change behaviour through reports and policy papers, they change through experience. That’s what our kinetic tiles deliver: real-world interaction, powered by people, informed by AI.

"The best use of AI is when it disappears into the background."
Exactly. The future of smart cities isn’t flashy dashboards, it’s invisible intelligence. Systems that know when to respond, adapt, and engage without overwhelming. That’s where we’re headed.

"London is uniquely placed to lead in AI, climate, and clean energy."
Agreed. And we believe Pavegen, born in London, built in the UK represents this convergence. A fusion of design, engineering, sustainability, and smart technology.

The next chapter of Pavegen

We’re excited to announce that our next evolution will include AI and machine learning integrations into our flooring systems. This means more personalised interactions, deeper behavioural insights, and more powerful engagement tools for cities, brands, and communities.

We’re not just building smart floors.

We’re building human-powered intelligence.

And if you believe in a cleaner, more connected, more engaged future, we’d love you to be part of it.

💥 We’re opening the door to new investors*. If you want to own a share in the evolution of AI-powered clean tech, now’s your chance. Take a look at our investor page or register directly on Crowdcube.

Register here on Crowdcube to be part of our upcoming investment round.

The future isn’t just arriving.
It’s being walked into, step by step.

Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high-risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more.

For more information, video content and photos of Pavegen, contact press@pavegen.com

About Pavegen

Pavegen is a purpose-driven technology business that helps power change and generates positive outcomes for people and planet. Laying underfoot inside buildings, public spaces and at events, Pavegen Kinetic Paving harnesses the power of people’s footsteps, creating not only a small amount of energy – but also imaginative, interactive experiences and data, to help educate, engage and enable meaningful actions around sustainability and Net Zero intent. Pavegen calls this Citizen Impact; powered by Pavegen.

Pavegen helps power Kinetic Street Furniture applications such as USB charging, LED lights, and Green Wall irrigation systems, whilst data from the system can be used for public educational purposes on digital display screens. Kinetic Brand Experiences at live events, expos, festivals and public spaces produce data to provide gamified experiences that help brands engage meaningfully with consumers.

The company was founded in 2009 by Laurence Kemball-Cook who invented the Kinetic Paving technology that can now be seen in over 37 countries around the world.