CEO MONTHLY / JANUARY 2026 13 On a mission to be a force for good in a sector that has been historically let down by software providers, Drive Resource Studio (DRS) is a software provider specialising in end-to-end solutions that transform and future-proof engineering processes. As an organisation founded and run by engineers, DRS understands the challenges currently facing the engineering sector all too well and is dedicated to removing the disruptive barriers impeding day-to-day operations to allow engineers to focus on what they do best. In a saturated market, DRS stands out for offering Virtual Production Lines, a digital AI powered feature designed to streamline operations. Companies of all sizes can accurately map their production processes within DRS using the Virtual Production Line feature, creating a digital twin of their real-world production line. What’s more, clients can utilise multiple Virtual Production Lines to reflect the reality of the distinct manufacturing routes various products may take, enhancing their ability to accurately plan production and work allocation. They can proactively collaborate within their supply chain through integrated communications within these virtual production lines accurately. At its core, DRS is fundamentally future thinking, not only content with solving today’s problems but committed to leaving the door open to the progressively AI powered future. It recognises that software must grow alongside the operational complexities within manufacturing and utilises emergent technologies to streamline clients’ processes, built to fit companies exact needs– providing them with full freedom to innovate while removing the workflow gaps that are holding their operations back. The company’s unrivalled industry understanding is fuelled by the passion of CEO Kyran Griffin. Engineering has always played a significant role in Kyran’s life, first sparked by his grandfather’s role in running a motorsport engineering company. Kyran’s formative years were filled with many hours of technical conversations – both on motorsport and the general field of engineering – which ultimately led to his achievement of a First-Class master’s degree in automotive engineering from Brunel University. Armed with extensive education, invaluable experience, and a lifelong passion for his craft, Kyran set off to put his skills to use. He was faced with the challenge of finding a role that would fuse his talent with his interest in motorsport, whilst also combining both the practical and design elements of engineering. After a gruelling search, Kyran found his first industry position in a specialist precision engineering business, highly regarded for supplying parts to the majority of F1 teams. Kyran first proved his skill set as a technician before rapidly progressing into the role of Senior Design Engineer. Throughout his career, he was given the opportunity to engage with and support his colleagues with the administrative and project management side of the business. These opportunities were instrumental to Kyran’s professional development, enabling him to gain an unrivalled perspective of the various advancements and obstacles facing his field. In fact, these invaluable discussions laid the foundation for the establishment of Drive Resource Studio; Kyran’s current role was equipped with top-quality staff, equipment, and procedures, yet its operations were continuously being held back by dated engineering management software. After further conversation with professionals across the industry, it became clear that this issue was widespread; the engineering sector was being significantly underserved by the software industry. Following this realisation, Kyran dedicated every spare minute of his time to building his concept and, within 18 months, he had designed the platform that would later become DRS. Raising money is notoriously challenging for a UK-based software startup, but DRS was soon oversubscribed during its pre-seed round, and the business was finally established in early 2025 – with Kyran taking a significant leap of faith by devoting himself full time to building the platform. The journey has not always been easy, as Kyran recalled: “Perseverance is crucial when raising funds and engaging with companies early on; there were occasions where the pitch was not always received positively. Dealing with rejection is always difficult, but it provides the opportunity to learn something. If you gain 1% from everyone, this builds over time into a huge improvement to what you are offering. The biggest critics are often the best source of inspiration and innovation.” Another initial challenge for Kyran was overcoming the knowledge gap that arose between his innovations and their applications within the software. Kyran’s professional career became an invaluable resource during this time, enabling him to build the skills to understand the power of emergent technology while also learning the processes behind building current products. This experience has since allowed Kyran to operate with a dual perspective: that of the customer – the engineer - and that of the provider – the software vendor. Today, Kyran leads DRS as it enters the industry with intentions to reshape its future and provide the software for engineering process management that its clients deserve. With the company currently in its startup phase, Kyran’s role covers all areas of the business, comprising product development, strategy, marketing, research, and more. Above all else, however, his primary focus remains on DRS’s product and the continuous development of the company’s offerings. Across his daily responsibilities, Kyran is guided by two key philosophies. Inherited from his time in engineering, Kyran’s first ethos is a “measure twice, cut once” philosophy. The DRS team completes every task effectively, with the right considerations made beforehand. This is an approach that can typically create additional work for the DRS team in the short term, though Kyran attests that it has increasingly proven its worth as DRS continues to operate. This is complemented by Kyran’s second ethos: to focus on what is important, not just on what seems important. “It is human nature to gravitate towards the areas that interest you most; however, at this stage, it is important for a CEO to ensure that all areas of the business are given due attention at the right time,” he explained. “Thus, objectively assessing targets, tasks, and obstacles on a daily basis is crucial to progress in all sectors of the company.” Every day is an opportunity for growth at DRS, and its CEO is no exception. As the company grows, Kyran has found himself increasingly faced with events, conferences, and presentations. “Coming from a technical background, public speaking is not a skill that comes naturally, so it has been a hurdle to overcome,” he told us. “It has changed my perspective; it is not only the strength of the product that matters, but also how others can come to understand the product that shapes the success of bringing it to market.” Having already achieved remarkable milestones throughout his career with the formation of DRS, Kyran is now shifting his focus to exploring the ways in which he can scale his impact as the company grows. With this focus, Kyran intends to expand and enhance the DRS workforce by introducing new people and skill sets to the team, while also improving his own ability as a mentor. Ultimately, this will ensure that he and his team continue to grow alongside DRS, as the company evolves into what is now known as the Best Engineering Operations Software Provider 2026. Beyond this, Kyran will undertake succession planning to open up certain areas of the business to operate without his day-to-day input. This process will enable him to build new leaders within the company, identifying those who can support its long-term vision. Ultimately, this will provide Kyran with invaluable time to develop his own leadership skills, focusing on the areas in which he can create the biggest impact. This dedication to supporting and shaping the engineering industry, demonstrated through a firmly forward-thinking approach to leadership, has earned Kyran recognition as the United Kingdom’s Most Influential CEO 2026 in the field of Engineering Tech Innovation. Of his recent achievements, Kyran shared: “I am very excited to be recognised so early in my career by a credible organisation. Having been focused on my vision for the future of manufacturing in the UK for close to three years, it is great to see other people buying into our vision and understanding the impact it could make. Engineering and manufacturing are often seen as niche and rarely considered at the forefront of what we can achieve in this country. I hope to change that by giving companies the ability to innovate faster and at a larger scale than ever before.” Web Address: driveresourcestudio.co.uk
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