For many, a master\u2019s degree is achieving a big milestone. Kilyan Ocampo,\u00a0 Computational Fluid Dynamics<\/a> alumni shares how studying at Cranfield helped launch his career in the energy sector.<\/strong><\/h5>\nToday, Kilyan is the founder of Monolith Performance, a Bristol-based company specialising in high-performance additive manufacturing. His journey from late-night study sessions to securing prestigious contracts with the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) serves as a powerful testament to what a Cranfield education can unlock.<\/strong><\/h5>\nEngineering the future: The birth of ALRAD<\/strong><\/p>\nShortly after leaving Cranfield, Kilyan didn\u2019t just join the workforce, he began innovating. By pushing the boundaries of conventional additive manufacturing, he developed custom high-performance composites and multi-material structures. This dedication led to the creation of ALRAD (Advanced Layered Radiation Shield), a patent-pending invention designed to tackle some of the toughest shielding challenges in industry.<\/p>\n
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While the early days required significant personal investment and resilience, the breakthrough came just three months after formally establishing his company. Monolith Performance was awarded a Research and Development contract by the UKAEA to advance the ALRAD Shield to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-4.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cBeyond the award itself, it was extremely rewarding to see my company listed alongside major organisations in the fusion sector such as Tokamak Energy and Kyoto Fusioneering,\u201d <\/em>Kilyan shares. \u201cBeing recognised alongside companies of that scale was a unique and motivating experience\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThe Cranfield difference: A research-driven mindset<\/strong><\/p>\nWhat prepares an entrepreneur to compete with global giants? For Kilyan, the answer lies in Cranfield\u2019s unique approach to learning.<\/p>\n
\n- Real-world simulation<\/strong>: Rather than traditional exams, the courses focused on complex projects and formal technical reports that mirror professional engineering.<\/li>\n
- Original problem solving<\/strong>: The challenges set at Cranfield couldn\u2019t be solved with a quick search; they required deep theoretical research and original solutions.<\/li>\n
- A passion for discovery<\/strong>: While the workload was demanding, it awakened a \u201cresearch-driven mindset<\/em>\u201d and a lifelong passion for experimenting with new geometries and complex problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Life as a Founder<\/strong><\/p>\nAs a founder, Kilyan\u2019s typical day is a balancing act. While 90% of his time<\/strong> is dedicated to management and exploring how ALRAD can be adapted for thermal protection or environmental shielding, the remaining 10% spent on engineering<\/strong> is the most critical. This technical output is what funding agencies and partners ultimately evaluate.<\/p>\nHis ultimate goal is to see ALRAD reach commercial viability and contribute to a better technological future.<\/p>\n
Advice for the next generation<\/strong><\/p>\nTo prospective students considering a specialisation in this high-stakes sector, Kilyan\u2019s advice is simple yet profound: Keep pushing forward<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\u201cHard work and sacrificing some of the fun aspects of life can be difficult, but the long-term rewards are significant,\u201d <\/em>he notes. \u201cAt Cranfield, you aren\u2019t just earning a degree; you are building the grit and expertise needed to change the world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Engineering the future: The birth of ALRAD<\/strong><\/p>\n Shortly after leaving Cranfield, Kilyan didn\u2019t just join the workforce, he began innovating. By pushing the boundaries of conventional additive manufacturing, he developed custom high-performance composites and multi-material structures. This dedication led to the creation of ALRAD (Advanced Layered Radiation Shield), a patent-pending invention designed to tackle some of the toughest shielding challenges in industry.<\/p>\n While the early days required significant personal investment and resilience, the breakthrough came just three months after formally establishing his company. Monolith Performance was awarded a Research and Development contract by the UKAEA to advance the ALRAD Shield to a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3-4.<\/p>\n \u201cBeyond the award itself, it was extremely rewarding to see my company listed alongside major organisations in the fusion sector such as Tokamak Energy and Kyoto Fusioneering,\u201d <\/em>Kilyan shares. \u201cBeing recognised alongside companies of that scale was a unique and motivating experience\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Cranfield difference: A research-driven mindset<\/strong><\/p>\n What prepares an entrepreneur to compete with global giants? For Kilyan, the answer lies in Cranfield\u2019s unique approach to learning.<\/p>\n Life as a Founder<\/strong><\/p>\n As a founder, Kilyan\u2019s typical day is a balancing act. While 90% of his time<\/strong> is dedicated to management and exploring how ALRAD can be adapted for thermal protection or environmental shielding, the remaining 10% spent on engineering<\/strong> is the most critical. This technical output is what funding agencies and partners ultimately evaluate.<\/p>\n His ultimate goal is to see ALRAD reach commercial viability and contribute to a better technological future.<\/p>\n Advice for the next generation<\/strong><\/p>\n To prospective students considering a specialisation in this high-stakes sector, Kilyan\u2019s advice is simple yet profound: Keep pushing forward<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \u201cHard work and sacrificing some of the fun aspects of life can be difficult, but the long-term rewards are significant,\u201d <\/em>he notes. \u201cAt Cranfield, you aren\u2019t just earning a degree; you are building the grit and expertise needed to change the world.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n
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