Loughborough Design graduate and founder of Pavegen Systems, Laurence Kemball-Cook, is the youngest member of the group accompanying David Cameron for a state visit to China. The group consists of 125 delegates including some of the UK’s biggest PLC companies, such as Tesco, Airbus, GSK and Lloyds Bank.

Pavegen Systems is an award winning energy-harvesting company that converts the kinetic energy of people’s footsteps into renewable electricity. Laurence founded Pavegen while studying Industrial Design and Technology at Loughborough in 2009 and now manages a team of 30 head quartered in London. He won the energy prize at the World Technology Summit and was a finalist at the Shell Livewire Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Pavegen attracts significant international media interest and Laurence is a regular speaker at various high profile events on technology and entrepreneurship, including the UN’s +20 climate conference.

Pavegen converts the kinetic energy from footfall into electricity that can be stored in batteries or used to power applications such as street lighting, advertising displays, and communications technology. Successfully installed worldwide and partnering with key international brands, including the London 2012 Olympic Games, each Pavegen flooring tile is expected to generate up to 8 watts of power over the duration of a footstep. Pavegen is also able to collect, monitor and communicate live data using its unique API wireless interface. The software can calculate the amount of power generated and the number of footsteps on each tile, as well as control energy efficient lighting and send out live updates via social media channels.

During the state visit to China, Laurence aims to boost the UK’s clean tech products and green innovations, and introduce Pavegen into the Chinese market.

Pavegen technology is designed to encourage consumers and organisations to engage with a tangible and people-powered solution, and help them recognise the opportunities for an innovative off-grid energy technology within high footfall areas. Laurence said: “Our vision is to see our technology utilised on scale in the streets of major cities around the world; transforming the smart cities of tomorrow. In order to achieve this, our strategy is focused upon mass-market production, and this is something that I am keen to explore on this trip to China with the Prime Minister.”

David Cameron said: "I am delighted that Pavegen are joining me in the largest British business delegation to go to China this century. This Government's priority is to secure the economic recovery and we are determined to do all we can to help British companies to succeed in the global race. I am firmly committed to playing my part which is why I have taken more than 130 business delegates to China, including Pavegen. My aim is to open the door for them in this fast-growing market, creating opportunities for them to expand their business."