Pavegen attracts fresh investment as kinetic energy innovations energise global construction sector

Pavegen, the pioneering London-based firm specialising in kinetic floor tiles that convert footsteps into electricity, has secured an additional £1.3 million in funding as it establishes itself on major construction sites across the Middle East and Asia. Among the 1,100 investors contributing to the recent crowdfunding round are members of the Saudi royal family, reinforcing Pavegen’s strong appeal to influential backers worldwide. Founded in 2009 by Laurence Kemball-Cook, the company has raised over £9 million in total, now employing 32 staff and projecting revenues exceeding £5 million for the current year.

Pavegen’s technology features prominently at significant infrastructure projects, including a recently completed installation at the Sports Boulevard in Riyadh. Spanning more than 50 miles and inaugurated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, this project represents the company’s largest contract to date and marks a new milestone, with orders now regularly reaching the million-dollar bracket. The kinetic tiles have also been fitted in high-traffic locations such as Japanese railway stations, Abu Dhabi airport, and at prestigious corporate offices in London, including HSBC and Citibank.

Each step on a Pavegen tile compresses an electromagnetic generator, producing approximately 5W of power—sufficient to light a 5W bulb for one second. Energy from busy public spaces is stored to power lighting or charge mobile devices, offering robust potential for large-scale applications in urban environments. The current design, launched in 2017, comprises triangular tiles forming a tessellating mesh; some installations can even incorporate solar panels for increased output.

With installations active in more than 300 locations across 45 countries, Pavegen’s prominence continues to grow. Kemball-Cook describes the enthusiastic response in Riyadh, observing that children in particular are delighted by the interactive flooring, demonstrating how sustainability and play can be seamlessly integrated. Social media engagement remains high, further amplifying the company’s message of participation in climate action. As Kemball-Cook notes, the idea that “your step can help change the world” resonates deeply in a time when many feel disconnected from traditional avenues for environmental change. The new funding will support the expansion of Pavegen’s global sales channels as the company eyes a robust order pipeline valued at up to £40 million.