Our Values

“In safety-critical engineering, values are not abstract ideals. They are the foundation upon which lives depend.”

At cpp.ai, our values are not merely aspirational statements on a wall. They are operational principles that inform every decision, from how we architect systems to how we engage with clients. When software controls vehicles, medical devices, or industrial machinery, the consequences of cutting corners are measured in human terms.

Safety is not a feature to be added; it is a property to be designed in from the beginning. We approach every project with the understanding that software failures in critical systems can have irreversible consequences.

  • Documentation enables long-term maintainability
  • Hazard analysis precedes design decisions
  • Defensive programming is the default
  • Testing validates safety properties explicitly

We tell clients what they need to hear, not what they want to hear. When we identify risks, we communicate them clearly. When schedules are unrealistic, we say so. Our reputation depends on our honesty.

  • Transparent communication about risks and challenges
  • Honest assessment of capabilities and limitations
  • Ethical handling of confidential information
  • Commitment to promises made

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of craftsmanship. This means staying current with language evolution, understanding the underlying systems we build upon, and continuously improving our practices.

  • Mastery of modern C++ idioms and patterns
  • Deep understanding of hardware-software interaction
  • Continuous learning and professional development
  • Code that is readable, maintainable, and efficient

We succeed when our clients succeed. This means understanding their business context, not just their technical requirements. We aim to be a trusted advisor, not merely a vendor.

  • Investment in understanding client domains
  • Knowledge transfer and capability building
  • Long-term relationship focus
  • Flexibility in engagement models

With presence in the UK and USA, we bring a global perspective to local challenges. We understand different regulatory frameworks, cultural contexts, and market requirements.

  • Multi-jurisdictional regulatory expertise
  • Cultural awareness in international projects
  • Follow-the-sun delivery capability
  • Local presence with global reach

We embrace new technologies and approaches, but always in service of solving real problems. Innovation without purpose is merely novelty; we focus on innovations that deliver tangible value.

  • Evidence-based technology adoption
  • Balance of innovation and proven reliability
  • Research-informed development practices
  • Practical application of academic advances

The systems that will define the coming decades – autonomous vehicles, intelligent medical devices, secure infrastructure, and AI-powered automation – will be built on foundations of C and C++. These languages, with their unique combination of performance, control, and determinism, remain irreplaceable for applications where reliability is non-negotiable.

We envision cpp.ai as a leader in shaping how these critical systems are built. By combining academic rigour with industry pragmatism, we aim to raise the bar for what safety-critical software development looks like.

Strategic Focus Areas

Contributing to the evolution of safety standards and certification processes for emerging technologies like autonomous systems and AI.

Translating academic research in formal methods, static analysis, and programming language theory into practical tools and techniques.

Training and mentoring the next generation of safety-critical systems engineers through our academic partnerships.

Growing our presence to serve clients across additional markets while maintaining our commitment to excellence.

Critical engineering is not just what we do; it is who we are. Every member of our team understands that the software we create may one day be responsible for human safety.

We commit to delivering systems that meet or exceed specified safety integrity levels, on time and within budget. When we encounter challenges, we communicate proactively and propose solutions.

We commit to never compromising on safety for commercial gain. The systems we build protect lives, and we take that responsibility seriously.

We commit to advancing the state of the art in safety-critical software engineering, sharing knowledge through publications, conferences, and open-source contributions.

We commit to creating an environment where engineers can do their best work, with the time, tools, and support needed to build software they can be proud of.