Who’s behind SafeTTy Systems – and where did the company come from?

The team at SafeTTy Systems is led by Dr Michael J. Pont.

Michael was awarded a BSc degree (in Electronics and Electrical Engineering) by the University of Glasgow (UK) and a PhD (in Computer Science) by the University of Southampton (UK). He is the author of several successful books and more than 100 technical papers: he is named inventor / co-inventor on a number of patents and patent applications.

Michael has been working in the field of time-triggered (TT) embedded systems for more than 25 years. He has helped numerous companies to create successful TT designs. Many of these designs have been produced in compliance with international safety standards and guidelines (including IEC 61508, ISO 26262 and DO-178).

Michael began this work on TT systems in the academic sector, latterly as Professor of Embedded Systems Engineering at the University of Leicester (UK). In Leicester, Michael established the Embedded Systems Laboratory, invented the PTTES “pattern language”, and led teams that developed the “NISA” safety agent, and the first single- & multi-core processors that were designed specifically to run TT software. During his time with the University of Leicester, Michael supervised more than 20 successful PhD projects.

In order to commercialise some of the above technology, Michael founded and served as CEO of the University of Leicester “spin out” company TTE Systems Ltd. “TTE” made its first sales in 2008 and – by 2012 – had reached a “break even” position, with an annual turnover of some £800k. The company achieved this through the efforts of an exceptional team and by working with a number of key UK and international companies.

At the end of 2013, Michael left the university sector, assembled a small (but highly experienced) team and founded SafeTTy Systems. “SafeTTy” subsequently acquired the IP owned by TTE.

Michael currently serves as Founder, CEO and Director of SafeTTy Systems Ltd (January 2014 – date).