Physics informed Ai

Physics informed Ai

Make a positive impact on climate
change through computational science

Make a positive impact
on climate change through
computational science

About BiofuelAi

BiofuelAi is an innovative artificial intelligence company inspired in Cape Town and nurtured at the University of Surrey. Co-founded by Professor Michael Short, a South African native, the company was born from a bold vision: to transform the biofuel industry using machine learning and physics informed AI.

The idea for BiofuelAi took shape through collaboration and shared ambition—strengthened further when Alan Beesley, now CEO, first met Professor Short at a biogas industry event, where conversations quickly moved from research to real-world impact, and a mutual passion for rugby helped cement a lasting professional bond.

At the core of BiofuelAI’s development is the University of Surrey AI4AD research group, bringing together leading minds in chemical engineering, anaerobic digestion and applied artificial intelligence. Dr Benaissa Dekhici and Rohit Murali, both integral members of AI4AD, are co-founders, contributing deep technical expertise and research-driven innovation that underpin the company’s decision support platform.

Sustainable Development Goals

BiofuelAi is committed to the following UN sustainable development goals.

Our Team

BiofuelAi’s team brings together world-leading experts in AI, chemical engineering, and bioenergy production to deliver intelligent solutions that help improve production and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy. By combining cutting-edge AI with deep industry insight, BiofuelAi is helping biofuel producers to move beyond experience and intuition.

Alan Beesley

Chief Executive Officer

Alan is CEO and co-founder of BiofuelAi, combining commercial leadership with hands-on experience in anaerobic digestion and biological process optimisation. His focus is simple: turn complex modelling and AI into practical tools that help operators make better decisions and deliver stronger performance from real-world assets. He believes sustained improvement beats short-term spikes every time. Outside work, Alan is a lifelong rugby fan, a trail runner, a regular on the tennis court and happiest outdoors — which probably explains his bias toward endurance over sprinting in both sport and business.

LinkedIn Logo

Dr Benaissa Dekhici

Product Development Director

Benaissa leads product development, turning advanced research in AI and process control into tools that are both technically robust and genuinely useful for biofuel plant operators. He enjoys the challenge of bridging academic theory with operational reality and ensuring the platform remains practical, intuitive and grounded. Outside of work, he follows football closely, enjoys good food with friends and family, and makes the most of opportunities for international travel – when family life allows.

LinkedIn Logo

Dr Ishanki De Mel

Chief of Staff

Ishanki is Chief of Staff at BiofuelAi, bridging strategy and execution across people and technology. Drawing on her unusual background of optimising nonlinear energy systems and developing people in a global organisation with lasting impact, she integrates analytical thinking with a human-centred approach to problem-solving.
Her work is informed by what she does outside of it. Aside from reading widely across psychology, neuroscience, and anything that piques her curiosity, she dances Cuban salsa – ideally in a Rueda, where everyone moves joyfully, holding the shape of the wheel, and connecting with the music. Seen from above, it’s more beautiful than anyone dancing alone. She finds it an apt metaphor for her role at BiofuelAi.

LinkedIn Logo

Freddie Kohn

Software Engineer

Freddie is a Software Engineer at BiofuelAi, working within product development to create an intuitive and responsive platform for clients. He brings a technical and entrepreneurial background, having built highly functional websites and front-end applications for clients through his own company, Beckohn Digital, before joining the team. Outside work, he enjoys indoor climbing and has a lifelong passion for music.

LinkedIn Logo

Satty Mangat

Financial Controller

Satty is Financial Controller at BiofuelAi, bringing over 20 years of experience in financial management across accountancy practices and industry. A chartered accountant with an audit background, she combines strong financial discipline with a highly organised, detail-focused approach. Satty works on a self employed basis to oversee and maintain robust financial control while supporting the leadership team with planning, budgeting and forecasting to enable sustainable, well-informed growth. Although newer to the green energy sector, she is motivated by its impact and the challenge of translating complex work into clear financial insight. Outside work, Satty is a family-focused person who enjoys travel, time outdoors and making the most of a good day — ideally starting with a dog walk across the Surrey Downs.

LinkedIn Logo

Dr Rohit Murali

Customer Success Director

Rohit leads Customer Success, working closely with operators to ensure BiofuelAi delivers meaningful, measurable improvements. With a background in chemical engineering and bioenergy optimisation, he thrives on helping clients translate modelling insight into sustained operational gains. He is a committed football fan, loves international travel, and enjoys exploring new places, experiences and cuisines with friends whenever possible.

LinkedIn Logo

Mike Platt

Non Executive Director

Mike is a non executive director and advisor to BiofuelAi’s leadership team. He is a chemical engineer and experienced business owner having developed a number of successful businesses in the water treatment and biogas sectors. Mike is a passionate football fan, a keen skier, hiker and owner of multiple dogs.

LinkedIn Logo

Professor Michael Short

Chief Technology Officer

Michael leads the technology vision at BiofuelAi, developing the physics-informed AI models that sit at the heart of the platform. With a background in computational modelling and intelligent energy systems, he is passionate about applying rigorous science to messy, real-world industrial challenges. He enjoys solving hard problems and building systems that operators can trust. Away from the keyboard, Michael follows rugby, plays football, appreciates good food, and is a former member of a metal band – proof that precision modelling and loud guitars can coexist quite happily.

LinkedIn Logo

Collaborations

BiofuelAi originates from the University of Surrey, a world-leading British institution in sustainability, artificial intelligence, and entrepreneurship. Collaboration is at the core of everything we do.

We actively partner with leading organisations across industry, academia, and the public sector to accelerate innovation in renewable energy. Whether advancing cutting-edge research, deploying commercial solutions, or supporting global sustainability initiatives, we work with forward-thinking partners to deliver real-world impact.

Interested in collaborating?
Get in touch with our team to explore how we can work together to optimise biofuel production and drive the transition to a more sustainable energy future.

Doing things our way

Customer focus
We build enduring relationships with customers to continuously deliver value.

Take ownership
We are accountable for our actions and outcomes, taking pride in our work.

Act with integrity
We conduct ourselves with honesty and transparency, upholding the highest ethical standards.

Consult each other
We collaborate and seek input from one another to ensure collective success.

Open to learning
We embrace continuous growth and development, always seeking new knowledge.

Try harder each day
We strive for improvement daily, pushing ourselves to achieve excellence.

Make the right decision.
Speak with us.

Make the right decision.
Speak with us.