Next up in Geovation Scotland’s meet the founder series, we speak to Ella Campbell, founder of EMCAI. EMCAI is an early-stage startup, creating software-based tools for the construction industry.

Read Ella’s blog to find out how EMCAI has used her lived experience to develop technology which will automate and help streamline the evaluation of tenders and improve the quality and speed of early-stage cost advice.

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

EMCAI is a software solution designed to transform the way construction consultancies handle both tender reviews and early-stage cost estimation. The platform automates the traditionally manual and time-consuming process of comparing and evaluating tender documents, dramatically reducing the time required, while minimising human error and bias.

Additionally, EMCAI is developing a rapid cost estimation tool, enabling consultancies to provide high-level, early-stage cost advice quickly and efficiently. These features are complemented by anonymised data processing, customisable reporting, and educational support for junior staff, making EMCAI a comprehensive solution that enhances efficiency, accuracy, and confidence across the board.

The idea for EMCAI originated from firsthand experience, both as a consultant and on the client side. Clients, driven by cashflow and the need to get buildings operational as quickly as possible, demand rapid turnaround times.

This puts quantity surveyors under immense pressure to deliver high-quality, legally binding documents in increasingly shorter time frames. These challenges inspired the development of a tool that not only streamlines these processes to benefit all members of the project team, but also supports the professional growth of junior staff.

By addressing these critical needs, EMCAI aims to set a new industry standard, making tender reviews and cost estimation faster, more reliable, and more valuable to construction consultancies and their clients.

Tell us more about the team at EMCAI?

I’m Ella Campbell, an entrepreneur with a background in the construction industry, particularly in technical due diligence, project management, and quantity surveying. I’ve gained experience on both the client side and as a consultant, which has provided me with a rounded view on which tools would best serve the interests of the whole project team.

Sector wise, I have had a focus on the hotel and hospitality sector, where swift project delivery is crucial to avoid significant revenue loss and ongoing operational costs. I’ve also worked in the higher education and residential sectors.

Currently, I am operating as a solo founder, and I’m looking to expand my team with individuals who share my vision for the future of consultancy within the construction industry.

What makes you excited about the problem EMCAI is solving?

Significant investment is being funneled into products that accelerate on-site construction processes, yet there is comparatively little focus on reducing the time spent during the pre-contract phase.

What excites me most about the problem EMCAI is solving is the opportunity to bring transformative efficiency and innovation to an industry that has traditionally relied on manual, time-consuming processes.

The construction industry, particularly the role of quantity surveyors, has long been burdened with repetitive, tedious tasks that not only drain valuable time but also increases the risk of legal issues and cost overruns caused by human error and bias. EMCAI’s solution automates these processes.

Furthermore, the product has the potential to empower junior staff by providing tools that enhance their learning and confidence, while also delivering real, measurable value to senior management in the form of improved efficiency and reduced risk.

EMCAI is not just about solving a problem—it’s about fundamentally changing how work is done in a way that future-proofs businesses and sets a new standard for the industry. The idea of contributing to such a significant leap forward in how construction consultancies operate is incredibly exciting.

What are EMCAI’s goals during the accelerator programme?

During the Geovation Scotland accelerator programme, EMCAI aims to refine and validate its automated tender review software by gathering user feedback and making necessary adjustments.

We plan to partner with small-to-medium size construction consultancies to develop the initial product (please feel free to get in touch if this is something that could benefit your business – or if you have any thoughts that you’d like to share).

Our goals include increasing brand visibility, preparing for scaling, and laying the foundation for long-term growth. By the end of the programme, we aim to have a market-ready solution that addresses key industry challenges and is poised for successful launch and adoption.

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

The Scottish tech ecosystem is highly developed, offering extensive support from financial backing to individuals generously sharing their time to help address challenges. The Geovation Scotland Community, in particular, has been incredibly welcoming.

The internal team, past alumni, and the broader network have provided invaluable knowledge and consistently offered assistance. Their wealth of connections has opened doors and introduced me to key industry players. The support has been truly exceptional, making it a pivotal resource in our journey.

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Follow EMCAI on LinkedIn for updates or get in touch via the website.