Research, Reality, and Technology: A Conversation with our Quantitative Developer Ajay Kumar Sampathirao
“Research isn’t a 100-metre sprint, it’s a marathon.”
That’s how Energised Futures' Quantitative Developer, Ajay Kumar Sampathirao, describes his work. Not with buzzwords or bravado, but with the quiet clarity of someone who’s been in the trenches of innovation long enough to know that progress rarely comes in leaps.
So what does it take to achieve energy innovation? We spoke with Ajay in a conversation that unfolded into a thoughtful unpacking of what it takes to create real progress.
Balancing Innovation with Reality
Ajay believes successful innovation requires a balance of ambition and realism and is best achieved through teamwork: “You need people who push ideas and others who keep things grounded. If you only chase realistic goals, you never try anything new.” In research, not every idea will work - and that’s okay. What matters is creating space for experimentation while staying grounded in what’s feasible.
Are Energy Systems Stuck in the Slow Lane?
When asked what energy would say if it could talk, Ajay didn’t hesitate to say, “Wasteful.” He explained this with a powerful analogy: “There are rules for traffic, but there are no proper rules for energy, and the ones that do exist are outdated. It's like buying a brand new Ferrari but being limited to 30km/h roads.”
In other words, we have advanced energy technologies like smart meters, solar panels, electric vehicles, but the regulatory and infrastructural systems are still catching up. The result? We’re using high-performance tools in environments that don’t allow them to function efficiently. This means we’re not yet getting the full value from the innovations we already have. But there’s good news: the potential is enormous. With the right updates to infrastructure, policy, and market design, we can unlock smarter, cleaner, and more efficient energy use. The tools are here - we just need to create the right conditions for them to thrive.
What Internet of Things (IoT) really feels like
Ajay works with IoT on a daily basis. It’s essentially a network of interconnected devices that exchange data in real time. When asked what kind of personality IoT would have, he described it as a DJ at a party: “Imagine a party where everyone’s dancing to different beats. From above, say, from a drone, it looks amazing. But on the ground, someone might spill their drink, miss a cue, or bump into someone else. That’s IoT, it looks seamless from the outside, but inside, it’s messy, dynamic, and constantly adjusting.” This analogy captures the complexity of IoT systems: devices working in sync, but each with its own quirks, timing, and context. The DJ (IoT) tries to keep the rhythm going, ensuring everything flows even when things don’t go perfectly.
Integrating Smart Systems in Local Energy Networks
Ajay has been involved in projects like Neighbourhood Flex and LocalRES, where Energised Futures collaborates with partners across Europe to test new energy solutions in small towns and islanded communities. These pilots aim to make local energy systems more self-sufficient, but the work goes far beyond installing solar panels or batteries. One of the biggest challenges? Bridging the gap between advanced software systems and local technicians. “Communicating our pipeline to someone working in a small village is one of the toughest parts,” Ajay explained. “We need to adapt our systems to include these small partners.”
Ajay’s reflections offer a grounded, honest view of what it means to work in energy innovation today. It’s not about flashy breakthroughs or overnight change. It’s about building systems that work, adapting to real-world constraints, and collaborating across disciplines and communities.
Because in the end, innovation isn’t just about what we build - it’s about how we build it, who we build it with, and who we build it for.
Want more insights and inspiration from the Energised Futures team? Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with all latest news and breakthroughs from our team of experts.
