About Rufilla
Our Story
Smart products, built openly, since 2009
Our Story
Smart products, built openly, since 2009
Enabling the client
Our Evolution
2009–2013
Early days
Rufilla began in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in 2009. Some of our early work went into products that shipped in the tens of thousands. In 2012 we started working with Oxford Instruments. We built their Saturn platform on Yocto Linux. Yocto was new then. It later became the industry standard for embedded Linux.
2014–2018
When IoT was new
By 2014 the Internet of Things was the exciting new thing. We set up IoT Oxford, the second IoT meetup after IoT London. The first few meetups were at Culham. Later we moved into central Oxford. One evening drew 105 people. Speakers included Microsoft, Oxford University, young IoT companies and researchers.
Yocto was still new to most UK engineers too. So we set up the UK’s first Yocto training course, run with Hitex. Engineers from more than 40 companies came. Some of those companies later became clients.
2015–2019
Interesting problems
The work got more varied. We helped build the world’s first IoT wheelchair. With Hitex, we worked on a government-funded aerospace programme. It gave large manufacturers live data from machines at their smaller suppliers. We moved an assisted-living hub with field reliability problems onto Yocto Linux. It then ran reliably for ten years. We also re-engineered existing test instruments to design out obsolescence.
2020–2023
Smart energy at scale
In 2020 we started working with Octopus Energy. We designed the Home Mini for them, hardware included. It went on to be deployed in hundreds of thousands of UK homes. Other energy products we worked on shipped in the tens of thousands.
During COVID we helped build a heated handwashing station with several basins. It used heat batteries for its hot water. With Octopus, we also worked on Octo Secure, a government-funded project. It created a secure IoT infrastructure in the home using the smart energy infrastructure.
2024–2026
Security and the long term
Connected products now need to stay secure for years. The EU Cyber Resilience Act is making that a legal duty. Lucerna, our vulnerability management platform, won its first customer in 2026. We became an official Yocto Project Participant and a Silicon Labs Design Partner. We also launched Rufilla Labs, where we build things in the open.
Today
We help teams build connected products that stay secure and supportable for years. Oxford Instruments first worked with us in 2012. They are still a client today.
From concept to production, we've delivered products across industries:
Smart Energy Systems
Medical Devices
Transportation Innovations
Automation Technologies
Who We Are
We're upbeat and easy to work with
We love tackling new challenges
We believe in sharing knowledge, not hoarding it
We're committed to helping our clients grow independently
Joe Nicholson
Managing Director & Founder
Leading with vision and expertise, Joe brings over two decades of advanced software engineering experience to every project. His passion for transparent collaboration and knowledge sharing has shaped Rufilla’s unique approach to technology consulting.
Martin Townsend
Senior Software Engineer
Anthony Wilson
Senior Software Engineer
Anthony’s expertise in software design and development helps create scalable, efficient solutions that stand the test of time.
Muhammad Shakeel Khan
Senior Software Engineer
Awais Belal
Senior Software Engineer
Owen O'Hehir
Senior Hardware and Software Engineer
Owen focuses on software development and system optimisation, bringing fresh perspectives to technical challenges and contributing to our culture of innovation.
Diana Nicholson
Co-Director & Office Manager
What makes Rufilla different?
We believe in:
Solution-Focused Innovation
We approach every challenge with a solution mindset, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth and innovation.
True Partnership
We’re not just consultants; we’re partners in your product development. We take time to understand your goals, share our knowledge openly and celebrate your successes.
End-to-End Excellence
From initial concept through to manufacturing, we ensure every stage of product development meets the highest standards of quality and security.
Knowledge Transfer
Our Values
Passion
We genuinely love what we do. It drives us to explore new possibilities, tackle complex challenges and help our clients build innovative solutions that make a difference.
Openness
We embrace transparency in everything we do, sharing knowledge freely and building trust through clear communication.
Honesty
We commit to unwavering honesty, delivering quality solutions that stand the test of time.
Quality
Excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s our standard. From concept to delivery, we ensure every solution meets the highest standards.
Teamwork & Collaboration
We work closely with our clients; the best results come from that collaboration.
Honesty
We commit to unwavering honesty, delivering quality solutions that stand the test of time.
Quality
Excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s our standard. From concept to delivery, we ensure every solution meets the highest standards.
Teamwork & Collaboration
We work closely with our clients; the best results come from that collaboration.
The Rufilla Difference
Our clients choose us because we:
Deliver reliable, scalable solutions
Share knowledge openly and extensively
Provide clear, thorough documentation
Maintain an upbeat, collaborative approach
Focus on long-term client success
Our success is measured not by how long clients need us, but by how well we equip them to innovate independently. This philosophy has led to long-term partnerships with companies who return to us not because they’re dependent, but because they value our approach to collaboration and innovation.
