Theo Saville graduated from Warwick with a MEng Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering with Business Management, in 2015. Alongside his studies, he joined WMG in 2014 as a researcher in Metal Additive Manufacturing, applying 3D printing for counterterrorism and policing applications. At a similar time, Theo founded CloudNC, and is Co-Founder and CEO of the advanced software company which uses AI to fully autonomise manufacturing processes, primarily in precision manufacturing.

In his interview, Theo reflects on his time at Warwick and his journey to success.

How did your education and early career experiences lead to the founding of CloudNC?

I studied manufacturing, mechanical engineering with business management at Warwick, and also learnt about robotics and machine manufacturing. While studying engineering at Warwick, I did an internship with WMG in 2014 as a researcher in metal additive manufacturing and that’s when I founded CloudNC. While at Warwick, I was headhunted by a startup accelerator called Entrepreneur First. They find capable potential founders, match them with co-founders, help them develop ideas, and raise money to support.

What skills from your course were most applicable when starting your company?

Engineering teaches you a very structured way of solving problems and this gave me a lot of context on the manufacturing industry and how it works. I recall walking around WMG where CNC machines were present, but not in regular use. I discovered that using these machines was very complex and non-intuitive, and it gave me the idea that I would like to solve that problem and make it easier for us to manufacture anything.

How does CloudNC technology make manufacturing more sustainable?

Machines in our industry are run very inefficiently, leading to an excess number of machines and unnecessary electricity consumption. People also scrap more parts than needed, wasting a lot of latent energy. Overall, there are massive energy inefficiencies across the industry. If we could theoretically automate all the world's machines, we could save as much electricity per year as an entire country. At CloudNC, our software basically allows a single machinist to be much more efficient and productive – which opens up the possibility of greatly reducing manufacturing’s environmental footprint, reshoring production that has gone overseas, and shortening supply chains.

What are your thoughts on AI taking over human jobs in manufacturing?

It’s not a question of taking over – we still need humans to do a lot of the work – but it’s about making them more efficient. Manufacturing as an industry has complained about the skills gap for so long that it’s now a full-blown skills crisis – there aren’t enough people to do the work that is needed to be done so that the world’s economy can keep growing. The only way we can solve that problem is with technology, to make each human more productive.

How did your time at Warwick help you get where you are today?

I prefer learning through projects and hands-on experience rather than exams or rote learning. Warwick’s project-based courses were perfect for me. I worked on spring-powered cars, gas-powered torpedoes, 3D printers, and a submarine. These varied projects were very valuable and contributed significantly to my development. I got to work on some very interesting things that you actually get course credit for. I learned more about engineering during those projects than from traditional coursework.

How do you manage work-life balance while leading a growing company?

The short answer is you don't. You don't have a work-life balance; you have work, and then more work. As a founder, your work is your life and priority. Everything else comes second. Occasionally, you might get a break between jobs, but work-life balance isn't for founders. If you're seeking that, you probably won't be a successful founder.

What advice do you have for students wanting to start their own business?

If you want to start your own organisation, do it quickly. When you're young, you have fewer responsibilities. The best way to learn how to build a business is by building one. It's about solving one problem after another until you have revenues, profits, employees, and a valuable service.

What inspires you to give back to the University of Warwick?

I had a fantastic time at Warwick and credit much of my success to my experiences there. That time marked the start of my journey, and I'm passionate about making sure students are learning the right things. While there were some things I learned that I didn't need, I also gained invaluable experiences. I want future students to benefit even more. I believe in more project-based learning because that’s where real skills are developed. Life isn’t an exam; it’s about solving problems. I support using software tools and hands-on projects over rote learning. I want to help students gain the skills and autonomy they need in the real world.

Do you have a favourite memory of Warwick?

Racing submarines. I was part of a team that took a submarine to America. We put it in a torpedo test range and raced it. Even though it didn’t perform as well as we hoped, the experience was exhilarating. Completing and racing that project was a highlight of my time at Warwick.

What do you think makes Warwick special?

It's a campus university with strong engineering programs, industry connections, and intelligent people.

Theo Saville

MEng Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering with Business Management, 2015