Independent energy consultancy Utility Trade is working with De Montfort University through a three-year Knowledge Transfer Partnership to develop an AI-powered system that will improve internal processes, strengthen forecasting and support more accurate pricing.
The Innovate UK-backed project brings together the Market Harborough company's sector expertise with academic input from DMU’s Faculty of Technology, Arts and Culture and Faculty of Business and Law. Together, the partnership is developing a secure, scalable platform designed to help Utility Trade respond to clients faster, improve reporting and billing, and support businesses in securing competitive energy contracts.
Central to the project are two postgraduate KTP Associates: Olu Kehinde, Data Modelling Associate, and Ayomide Adekoya, Software Developer Associate (pictured above). Their roles are distinct but closely connected, combining data, software and AI expertise to turn academic knowledge into practical business value.
As KTP Data Modelling Associate, Olu Kehinde is focused on preparing Utility Trade’s data for the new AI-enabled system.
Her work involves extracting data from different sources, transforming and standardising it, and ensuring it can be integrated effectively into the new business application. This creates the clean, consistent data foundations needed for reliable forecasting, reporting and decision-making.
Olu brings experience across civil and environmental engineering, project management, banking, customer data and the energy sector, giving her a strong blend of analytical, technical and commercial insight.
She said: “I’m most excited about solving real business problems through data, helping to improve customer experience, streamline operations and support business growth.”
As KTP Software Developer Associate, Ayomide Adekoya is responsible for designing and building the secure, AI-enabled CRM and forecasting platform that will support Utility Trade’s operations.
Ayomide began his academic journey in medical sciences before moving into technology, a long-standing career ambition. After completing a master’s in Physiology, he developed his expertise in software engineering and AI through formal study, mentorship and hands-on experience. He later completed an MSc in Computer Science with distinction.
With more than five years’ experience building secure, data-driven systems across healthcare, insurance and education, Ayomide brings expertise in backend development, CRM-style platforms, cloud-based systems, data pipelines and applied AI.
His work on the KTP will include system design, backend and frontend development, AI integration, API development, user interfaces, machine learning models and data pipelines. A key priority will be ensuring the platform is secure, scalable and closely aligned with Utility Trade’s business needs.
Ayomide said: “What really stood out to me is the combination of academia and industry. I’ve always enjoyed research, but equally I’m driven by building solutions that have real-world impact. This role brings both together in a very intentional way.”
He added: “I’m particularly looking forward to building something that has a clear and visible impact, especially in improving forecasting and automating key decision-making processes.”
The two Associate roles have been designed to work together. Olu is focused on preparing, structuring and standardising the data that will underpin the new system. Ayomide is focused on building the platform that will use that data to improve processes, forecasting and decision-making.
This end-to-end approach will support the delivery of a practical, data-driven application that improves how Utility Trade operates and serves its clients.
Ayomide said: “My focus is primarily on the technical side, including system architecture, development and AI integration. The other Associate brings complementary strengths more aligned with data analysis, business context and domain expertise. Together, that creates a well-rounded approach that covers both the technical and operational dimensions of the project.”
Olu added: “My role as a Data Modeller complements the Software Engineer by ensuring the data is clean, structured and ready for use in the application. I focus on preparing and modelling the data, while they focus on building the application that uses it.”
By embedding data, AI and software development expertise into the business, the KTP will help Utility Trade strengthen its internal capability and support its next phase of growth.
The project is expected to improve operational efficiency, forecasting accuracy, reporting and customer service, while creating a platform that can support future innovation.
For Ayomide, one of the most valuable aspects of the KTP is the opportunity to translate research into tangible business outcomes.
He said: “It’s not just about theory. It’s about applying that knowledge to solve real business challenges and being able to see the results of that quite quickly. It’s a unique opportunity to accelerate your growth while working on meaningful, real-world challenges that combine academia and industry.
“For businesses, it’s a highly effective way to access academic expertise and develop innovative, future-focused solutions. You’re not just engaging an Associate, you’re tapping into a broader academic ecosystem.”
* Are you interested in seeing how a KTP could help your business, and the Government support available? Get in touch with the DMU Business Services team at businessservices@dmu.ac.uk to find out more.
Posted on Monday 22 June 2026