Kickstart and Elevate your Safety Tech Innovation Journey

Insights from our founder and MD, Dr Maurizio Pilu, on starting and scaling Safety Tech innovation.

When I was 5-year-old you would often find me with a screwdriver or a spanner in my hand taking things apart- and sometime not quite getting them back together! It was a different era, but perhaps predictably, I ended up working in tech.  

A few degrees later and two decades in various tech R&D, innovation, government policy, deep tech VC and consulting roles, I joined Lloyd’s Register – then a global industrial safety and risk specialist – to establish a formal Innovation practice, the first in the company’s 250+ years history.  A dear friend asked, “That’s a strange move! Why?”  I replied, “Because it sounds very hard!”  

Initially, innovation in safety-critical industries didn’t captivate me. But it grew on me—project by project, challenge by challenge, client by client, tech entrepreneur by tech entrepreneur. Over time, I came to appreciate the complexity, constraints, and barriers of the work. More importantly, I saw its tremendous transformational potential for workers, the environment, and the efficiency of sectors that power our modern society. 

Fast forward to today, and I was privileged enough to have the opportunity to create a new organization, Safetytech Accelerator that made that its core mission, and arguably the first-ever tech accelerator dedicated to solving complex challenges in regulated, safety critical industries.   

Our newly released report “Delivery Safety Innovation” encapsulates insights from my work and that of my co-workers and Safetytech Accelerator. We have collaborated on complex innovation projects with over 60 global clients in safety critical industries, leveraging some of the best tech on the planet. 

This report offers not only a look at where “Safetytech” solutions are headed and the impact they’re beginning to make but also guidance for leaders and organizations on overcoming common obstacles. We share strategies to start or refine safety innovation efforts, improving both efficiency and effectiveness and achieving a better return on investment. 

 

Our insights are distilled into seven core recommendations:   

 

Approach Change Proactively

Proactively embracing safety technologies allows organisations to stay ahead of safety risks and technology advancements, rather than reacting to incidents or external pressures. A strategic approach to innovation integrates new technologies smoothly and delivers long-term benefits. 

 

Engage Front-Line Staff from the Start 

Front-line workers are closest to daily operational risks and challenges. Involving them early in the innovation process ensures that technologies are practical, relevant, and adopted effectively by those who use them. 

 

Plan and Prioritise Your Innovation Initiatives 

Creating a safety technology roadmap allows organisations to prioritise projects that offer the greatest safety and business impact. Clear planning ensures resources are used effectively, maximizing the value of innovation efforts. 

 

Build a Strong Business Case 

To secure leadership buy-in, it’s important to demonstrate how safety technologies deliver not just safety improvements but also broader business benefits, such as increased productivity, reduced downtime, and cost savings. 

 

Target Transformational Innovation 

Rather than settling for small, incremental changes, focus on technologies that can drive transformational change. This approach delivers significant improvements in both safety and operational performance, positioning your organisation for long-term success. 

 

Identify the Right Implementation & Partnerships Strategy 

Whether you implement technologies internally or partner with external experts, align your strategy with your organization’s capabilities. A tailored approach ensures smooth implementation and sustainable outcomes. 

 

Embrace Agility in Implementation 

Safetytech innovation is an evolving process. By starting with small pilots, testing, and adapting as needed, organisations can refine their approach and ensure that safety solutions remain effective as needs evolve. Tech-enabled Innovation in safety critical industries is now an imperative, but we know it is hard. I believe that these recommendations will support a successful Safetytech innovation journey, driving meaningful improvements in safety, resilience, and overall performance. I look forward to comparing notes on these recommendations with leaders and practitioners in this space!  

 

For more in-depth guidance and actionable strategies, download our full report “ Delivering Safety Innovation” here: —  Innovative Solutions for Advancing Occupational Safety and Health – Safetytech Accelerator 

A resource offering practical insights and strategies to support your next steps in safety innovation.