Matthew
Forrest

Managing Director

Matthew has completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronic) and Computer Science at the University of Adelaide with First Class Honours. He has led technical teams to successful outcomes in several projects including his honours project with the design and build of a table tennis playing robot. Upon graduating, Matt worked as a Research Engineer at the University of Adelaide, leading the development of robotic equipment for testing semi-autonomous features in new vehicles. Matthew has always enjoyed building technical solutions to worthwhile problems; making the global challenge of large scale energy storage irresistible. This has led to the discovery of the technology on which Economical Energy was founded.

Richard Thomson

Chairman

Richard has wide ranging experience in manufacturing, technical development and business management in the sugar industry, petrochemicals, oil and gas industry and solar thermal systems. He has taken products from the patent stage through to market in two different industry sectors. Has successfully run a number of his own private businesses, two of which having been on sold to major international operators. He is also experienced at board level in government business enterprises, listed companies and tertiary research organisations. Richard is keen to share experiences with others and assist in developing business opportunities into great business outcomes. Richard has a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree (First Class Honours) from the University of Adelaide and a Master of Science (Operations Research and Business Management) degree from Imperial College, London, and is also a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Adam
Gamble

Director

Partner – Corporate, Commercial and Construction at Crawford Legal. Recognised as “Recommended” for leading commercial lawyers and also for technology lawyers in South Australia by the legal profession’s prestigious Doyle’s Guide. Adam has 23 years’ experience in corporate and commercial practice both in Australia and the UK. He has expertise in major projects and technology commercialisation. Adam has double degrees from the University of Adelaide (a Bachelor of Laws with Honours and a Bachelor of Arts (Jurisprudence)). Adam also has a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the University of South Australia.

Andrew
De Garis

Director

Andrew’s work career in the Upstream Oil & Gas industry spanned over 3 decades. His experience has included all operational facets, as well as contractor management, with a strong focus on environmental, occupational health and safety issues. Andrew has managed complex projects, able to provide a holistic approach to achieve outcomes. He has worked multiple state jurisdictions in Australia. Whilst on expatriate assignment in South and South East Asia he managed multiple businesses, engaging with Joint Venture parties and Governments alike. Andrew holds degrees in Applied Science and Business Management, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Andrew is Rotarian, and donates his time to numerous local causes.

David
Coupe

Mechanical Engineer

David has completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Sport) at the University of Adelaide with first class honours. David is currently working in the building services industry and has experience in mechanical design processes with particular interest in manufacturing and maintenance design. Cementing his leadership and project management skills, he led the Adelaide University Water Ski Club as president from 2014 to 2016. David has a desire to see the world transition to 100% renewable energy as soon as practically possible, which he says is why he is “so eager to be a part of Economical Energy.” David is working mechanical hardware design and testing for the VIPER.

Scott
Adamson

Electrical Engineer

Scott has completed his undergraduate studies in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Adelaide with first class honors and led the Adelaide University Water Ski Club as president from 2016 to 2019. Scott has gained engineering experience at REDARC Electronics and ASC Pty Ltd. Scott is excited to be working on technology which is going to be rapidly evolving over the next few years. Scott is working on power and control electronics design for the VIPER.

Ben
Melville

Software Engineer

Ben is in his third year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and Computer Science at the University of Adelaide. He is the current President of the Adelaide University Mountain Club and is vice president of the Adelaide University Water Ski Club. With a passion for outdoor activities, he is driven to protect the environment from it’s most imminent threat; climate change, in his work at Economical Energy. Ben is working on various aspects of the software required for controlling the VIPER.

Michael
Short

Mining Engineer

Michael is in his final year of Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) at the University of Adelaide. Michael has completed placements at OZ Minerals Carapeteena and Prominent Hill underground mine sites. Michael is the current president of the Adelaide University Water Ski Club and has a major interest in entrepreneurship, which he says “made the choice of joining Matt on his startup journey an opportunity hard to back down from”. Michael is working on design and estimation of underground works for the VIPER.