Applied Computing, a London-based AI startup specializing in energy sector solutions, has secured a €17.4 million ($20 million) funding round to expand its operations into the United States. The company will use the funds to scale its flagship platform, Orbital, a foundation model designed specifically for energy operations.
TL;DR
- Applied Computing raises €17.4M to expand its energy-focused AI model Orbital into the US market.
- The funding round was led by KBR, with Databricks Ventures also participating as a new investor.
- Orbital is designed to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and make better decisions in complex industrial systems.
What happened
Applied Computing announced a €17.4 million ($20 million) funding round led by KBR, with Databricks Ventures joining as a new investor. This follows a €10.7 million Seed round in May 2025. The company will use the funds to expand its operations into the United States, opening a new office in Houston, Texas. The new funding will support international expansion, accelerate commercial deployment with global energy operators, and deepen investment in its AI research organization. Applied Computing has also appointed former Shell AI leader Dan Jeavons as President.
Why it matters
This funding round positions Applied Computing to scale its energy-specific AI model, Orbital, in the US market. The model is designed to optimize physical systems, not just language, making it highly relevant for the energy sector. The partnership with KBR and the opening of a Houston office will enable deeper engagement with customers and partners across North America. For developers and startups, this expansion highlights the growing demand for specialized AI solutions in the energy industry. Investors should watch this space as Applied Computing's technology could redefine how AI powers critical systems that drive global economic growth.
Key facts
- Applied Computing raised €17.4 million ($20 million) in a funding round led by KBR, with Databricks Ventures as a new investor.
- The company was founded in 2023 by Callum Adamson (CEO) and Dr. Sam Tukra (Chief AI Officer).
- Orbital is the first foundation model built specifically for energy operations, combining physics-grounded intelligence with models across chemical engineering, time-series forecasting, and language.
- Orbital utilises 100% of available data from downstream energy facilities, outperforming previously benchmarked state-of-the-art software by 90% in key metrics.
- Applied Computing has partnered with Databricks, Wipro, and KBR, and will soon announce a partnership with a European oil major.
- The company operates in London (headquarters), Bengaluru (operations), and now Houston (US energy industry hub).
- Former Shell AI leader Dan Jeavons has been appointed as President of Applied Computing.
Context
Applied Computing's focus on energy-specific AI solutions comes at a time when the energy sector is increasingly looking to AI to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The company's flagship platform, Orbital, is designed to address the unique challenges of the energy industry, making it a compelling solution for energy operators looking to leverage AI. The expansion into the US market and the partnership with KBR further solidify Applied Computing's position as a key player in the energy AI space. As the demand for specialized AI solutions continues to grow, Applied Computing's technology could play a significant role in shaping the future of the energy sector.