As the first in the meet the founder series for Geovation Scotland’s Cohort 6, we spoke with founder David Malcolm, to learn more about Optab and the inspiration for the startup.

Can you give us a brief overview of Optab and where the initial idea came from? 

I’ve worked in the construction industry for over a decade, and I’ve experienced the recurring challenge of accessing reliable information. This is primarily data determining costs and where it has been incurred. A large part of my job as a contracts and commercial lead at Heathrow and Dublin Airport, was understanding current financial liability and having a view of where we may end up.  

I realised that having a clear, trusted source that would pull together critical information would expedite this process, enabling evidence-based decision making and promoting transparency across the supply chain.

Experienced professionals spend valuable time manually trawling through documents, emails, and waiting for requested information. I knew that with the right team, I could build something that would remove this manual component and give answers instantly. Optab’s integrated software platform utilises AI to track trends and quantify costs and materials proactively, offering actionable insights.  

Climate change is a concern for all of us. The construction sector has a responsibility to manage and control its carbon footprint. As a civil engineer, I have always had an interest in building sustainably and I recognise the challenge of accurately quantifying embodied carbon. Optab allows construction teams to monitor embodied carbon as it is incurred, promoting sustainability.  

Optab was created to be the trusted, easily accessible source for all levels of the construction industry.  

Tell us more about the team at Optab? 

I’m David Malcolm, a civil engineer and chartered quantity surveyor. I have worked on major construction projects across the UK and internationally, with a focus on contract management, cost control, and strategy.

I have a keen interest in sustainability, having led international round tables on Net Zero within Aviation. This experience has given me a deep-routed understanding of the construction sector, the problems faced, and an appreciation of how the sector operates.  

I am excited to be building the Optab team, with creativity and technical excellence at its core. Each team member has valuable experience, with a unique perspective of how to solve the challenge faced.  

What makes you excited about the problem Optab is solving? 

As an aviation and railway geek, I love new infrastructure projects. However, construction does have an impact. Globally, 37% of carbon emissions are from the sector. Within that figure, 10% annually is attributed to embodied carbon. I am proud to be part of the solution in reducing this impact. 

Construction output costs are also increasing faster than inflation. Material and labour shortage, and financial constraints are known limiting factors for building activity within the construction sector. Improving productivity, unlocks growth potential and is of socio-economic benefit globally.  

I am excited to help address these challenges, by developing practical tools for construction professionals. I’d like to empower and support the great teams working on some of the most complex and challenging projects around the world. Optab will give the headspace needed to focus on creativity and finding innovative ways of delivering projects, without worrying about the basics.  

What are Optab’s goals during the accelerator programme? 

I am very grateful to Registers of Scotland, Ordnance Survey and Geovation Scotland for supporting Optab’s journey. This will aid our goal of leading the construction industry towards a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable future.   

We aim to utilise this opportunity as a launch pad for our first version of the product and to build Optab into an impactful international business.  

What does it mean to be part of the Scottish Tech Ecosystem / Geovation Community?

Scotland has a thriving startup ecosystem. I am encouraged by everyones willingness to provide support, with a genuine desire to make Scotland a leading tech hub. Edinburgh is the best city for startups after London, and we are fortunate to be based here. 

A network of people at a similar stage and often working under the same roof is invaluable; from complex troubleshooting of technical challenges, to reducing the sense of isolation that can come with starting from scratch. I am proud to be a part of this network and I look forward to growing within it.  

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