Members of the Royal Family were among 250,000 visitors at the World Expo in Osaka, Japan, where pioneering energy software developed in the North East was showcased to the world.
Newcastle-based Kinewell Energy was invited by the Department for Business and Trade to take part in the Come Power the Future showcase, which featured its interactive game EduKLOC—a tool based on the company’s commercial offshore wind cable optimisation software.
Dr Andrew Jenkins, CEO and founder of Kinewell, said: “We are proud to have represented the North East and the UK at the World Expo.
Duchess of Edinburgh playing EduKLOC at World Expo Japan(Image: Supplied)
“Seeing schoolchildren, families and even the Royal Family engage with EduKLOC shows that offshore wind can capture imaginations when presented in the right way.
“Our region has a vital role to play in delivering the clean energy transition, and tools like EduKLOC are helping to inspire talent while highlighting the impact that North East innovation is already having globally.”
The game, sponsored by global engineering giant RS Group, proved to be one of the star attractions in the UK Pavilion and was trialled by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.
Family enjoying EduKLOC game with Hamza Sajid from Kinewell(Image: Supplied)
During a four-day showcase, more than 3,500 people aged three to 85 played EduKLOC, which is designed to make the principles of offshore wind design accessible and engaging.
The game sparked conversations about renewable energy across generations and cultures.
It was enjoyed by families, schoolchildren, industry professionals, and senior leaders—regardless of language barriers or disabilities.
World Expo Osaka (Image: Supplied)
EduKLOC is based on Kinewell’s award-winning KLOC software, already in use by major industry players such as SSE Renewables, Equinor, Parkwind, and Xodus.
While the commercial version drives down costs and speeds up offshore wind projects, EduKLOC brings those same concepts to life through gamification.
It introduces the public to mathematical and business concepts including Pythagoras’ theorem, cost optimisation, and technical decision-making.
Kinewell team with Japanese student(Image: Supplied)
The tool has already been used in STEM outreach programmes across the North East and beyond, helping to inspire young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and maths.
Following its appearance at the Expo, EduKLOC will now also be available at Blyth’s new £15 million Energy Central Hub Visitors Centre.
Data collected during the showcase revealed that KLOC would have saved 35 per cent of cable system costs compared to the designs created by members of the public playing EduKLOC.
(Image: Supplied)
The total time spent by the public on cable layout designs during the Expo was equivalent to more than seven weeks of continuous gameplay.
KLOC itself delivers optimised results in just minutes, offering substantial time and cost savings for engineers and project developers worldwide.
As governments globally set ambitious targets for offshore wind, growing the workforce and inspiring the next generation is essential.
Kinewell believes gamification has an important role to play in that effort.
Kinewell’s international impact was further recognised earlier this year when the company received the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.
A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade said: “Our Come Power The Future Showcase at Expo 2025 highlights how innovation and collaboration can inspire a cleaner energy future.
“Kinewell has been an outstanding example of UK expertise in offshore wind, delivering technology that makes a difference both commercially and educationally.
“We are delighted to have them part of the UK Pavilion.”
AloJapan.com