From MSc to CEO: Igniting a research revolution

For many, a master’s degree is achieving a big milestone. Kilyan Ocampo,  Computational Fluid Dynamics alumni shares how studying at Cranfield helped launch his career in the energy sector.

Today, 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.

Engineering the future: The birth of ALRAD

Shortly after leaving Cranfield, Kilyan didn’t 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.

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.

“Beyond 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,” Kilyan shares. “Being recognised alongside companies of that scale was a unique and motivating experience”.

The Cranfield difference: A research-driven mindset

What prepares an entrepreneur to compete with global giants? For Kilyan, the answer lies in Cranfield’s unique approach to learning.

• Real-world simulation: Rather than traditional exams, the courses focused on complex projects and formal technical reports that mirror professional engineering.
• Original problem solving: The challenges set at Cranfield couldn’t be solved with a quick search; they required deep theoretical research and original solutions.
• A passion for discovery: While the workload was demanding, it awakened a “research-driven mindset” and a lifelong passion for experimenting with new geometries and complex problems.

Life as a Founder

As a founder, Kilyan’s typical day is a balancing act. While 90% of his time is dedicated to management and exploring how ALRAD can be adapted for thermal protection or environmental shielding, the remaining 10% spent on engineering is the most critical. This technical output is what funding agencies and partners ultimately evaluate.

His ultimate goal is to see ALRAD reach commercial viability and contribute to a better technological future.

Advice for the next generation

To prospective students considering a specialisation in this high-stakes sector, Kilyan’s advice is simple yet profound: Keep pushing forward.

“Hard work and sacrificing some of the fun aspects of life can be difficult, but the long-term rewards are significant,” he notes. “At Cranfield, you aren’t just earning a degree; you are building the grit and expertise needed to change the world.”