As AI systems become more embedded in critical sectors like defence, telecoms and financial services, one thing is clear: we need tools that go beyond traditional model testing to understand how AI interacts with real-world systems. Aeris-UK is tackling this challenge by helping organisations understand how AI behaves in complex, interconnected environments – before it’s deployed.
Founded by Ian Griffiths after a long career in science, defence and consulting, Aeris-UK builds tools that test AI in dynamic, stress-tested scenarios. At the centre of this work is SATORI, a simulation framework designed to evaluate how autonomous systems perform in operational technology (OT) settings.
“I started Aeris-UK because I wanted to work with people who are genuinely skilled and curious and apply that talent to problems that are technically challenging and actually useful,” Ian shares.
He points out: “AI has huge potential, but it often ends up in places where it adds complexity without real value. I was more interested in the opposite: using AI to make things simpler, faster and more effective where it really counts.”
From whiteboard to working system
The concept for SATORI grew out of direct frustration with existing tools. In previous projects, Ian had seen risk models that couldn’t capture real infrastructure complexity and simulation budgets wasted on manual build processes.
“These experiences highlighted two critical gaps,” he remarks. “The need for a simulation framework capable of representing the true complexity of OT systems and the ability to build such models quickly without relying on specialist modellers.”
SATORI fills that gap. It enables users to simulate cascading failures, human-system interactions and recovery dynamics across complex systems. It was developed in collaboration with Actica Consulting and funded by Defence Digital’s Cyber Resilience Programme.
SATORI is now evolving into a testbed for AI, helping organisations test how autonomous systems behave under real-world pressures – including edge cases, cyber attacks and systemic shocks.
“SATORI supports the development of AI systems that aren’t only functionally effective but also resilient and trustworthy in practice,” Ian says.
Built by a trusted team
From the outset, Ian focused on building a team he respected and could rely on. He had worked with Kelvin Yeung previously and knew how rare it is to find someone with such a wide technical range and hands-on creativity. Over dinner they discovered they shared a similar vision and Kelvin joined Aeris-UK as CTO.
As the Aeris-UK team grew, Natasha Zheltovskaya joined to lead delivery and operations, bringing sharp thinking, strong leadership and a calm, thoughtful approach to navigating complex projects. Together, they form a core leadership team that’s grounded, practical and deeply aligned in their approach to building useful systems.
Refining direction through LASR Validate
Aeris-UK joined the LASR Validate programme to refine its understanding of AI security and explore how SATORI could serve sectors beyond defence. “We initially came in with a focus on defence, security and critical infrastructure but, through exposure to other domain areas, we’ve realised our simulation-based approach also has potential applications in sectors like telecoms, financial services and energy,” Ian reflects.
The programme helped Aeris-UK sharpen its strategic direction and align its development efforts with market needs. By engaging directly with stakeholders across government and industry, the team gained valuable feedback and clarity on where to focus next.
“LASR Validate helped us recognise the importance of proving relevance and building credibility through practical application,” Ian adds. “It became clear that, to gain traction, we needed to refine and demonstrate our capability in ways that address specific user needs and sector challenges.”
That shift in approach has already helped the team focus its investment, identify new opportunities and build relationships for long-term collaboration.
Getting SATORI into users’ hands
Now Aeris-UK is focused on real-world use. The team is looking to partner with organisations across government, industry and academia who want to trial SATORI and help validate its potential.
“Our biggest challenge is getting SATORI into the hands of users to demonstrate its full potential,” Ian explains. “We‘ve developed a powerful and flexible OT simulation framework but, to build confidence and momentum, we need to show its value in real-world, high-impact use cases.”
While investment is on the roadmap, Ian says the most valuable support right now is collaborative deployment – including non-commercial partnerships.
“We’re particularly interested in partnerships that can help us develop proven use cases,” he says. “Shared experimentation and mutual learning are just as important as we continue to develop and position SATORI for broader adoption.”
Looking ahead, Ian sees Aeris-UK evolving from a consultancy into a product-led company, with a dedicated team supporting SATORI’s development and adoption. “SATORI represents our ambition to move from delivering ideas to delivering products,” he says. “We’re excited about what that could mean for us and our clients.”
