NavLive: Made in the UK
At NavLive, our roots started as a spin out from the University of Oxford. Since 2022, we have been transforming the construction industry with our real time 3D mapping technology, proudly designed, built, and engineered in the UK.
Co-founded in 2022 by Dr David Wisth, NavLive builds on five years of research at the Oxford Robotics Institute. That research led to the company’s pioneering handheld 3D scanner, which uses edge AI and LiDAR to instantly generate high-precision 2D and 3D site scans. The result is seamless, real-time mapping that streamlines workflows for architects, engineers, and construction professionals.
“The technology was born out of years of research, and we knew there was huge demand for quick, accurate 3D mapping in the construction industry,” explains Dr David Wisth, Chief Technology Officer at NavLive. “Our game-changing scanner allows for faster, real-time measuring, saving both time and money.”
Built from British Innovation
NavLive began life as a PhD project within the University of Oxford, where the early algorithms behind our SLAM (Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping) technology were first developed. What started as an academic challenge has become a powerful commercial tool that combines AI, computer vision, and robotics to make intelligent, on-the-go spatial mapping accessible to everyone in construction and surveying.
From our Oxford headquarters, we assemble every NavLive device and develop all software in-house, including our proprietary AI algorithms that process data in real time on the device itself. Once a scan is complete, users can view and share a finished model within minutes without third-party software or complex post-processing.
We designed our solution to be simple, modular, and efficient, enabling professionals to capture and understand the built environment more effectively.
Supported by Oxford’s Innovation Ecosystem
Our growth has been powered by the strength of the United Kingdom’s innovation network. Oxford Innovation Space played a pivotal role early on by providing flexible workspace and hands-on business support as the company scaled from two founders to a 16-person team.
Initially based at Grassroots, we benefited from close ties to the university and other startups before moving into the Oxford Centre for Innovation, upgrading our offices three times as the team expanded.
“The innovation centres gave us the flexibility to grow our space as we expanded from two people to ten,” says David. “They went out of their way to support us, helping with grants, providing introductions, and even letting us test our scanner in the building.”
Support also came from Oxford Innovation Finance, whose angel investment network helped NavLive raise funds as part of a wider £4 million round, including a £700,000 Innovate UK grant. This capital enabled the company to move from prototype to production, accelerating product development and commercial rollout.
Designed for Real-World Use
We designed our handheld scanner specifically for the field. Through the combination of LiDAR, AI, and real-time processing, the device removes the need for third-party alignment software or post-processing. In addition, users can easily upload scans to the NavLive Cloud Portal, ensuring seamless access and full control over their data.
Intelligent features such as automatic door and window detection and AI-assisted drawing generation help users move seamlessly from scan to finished plan. Across the UK, architects, engineers, and construction firms are already using NavLive not only to accelerate project delivery but also to compare as-built conditions and monitor site progress.
Powered by a World-Class Team
Our success is driven by a diverse team of engineers and academics, including six PhDs specialising in robotics, computer vision, and AI. The team combines academic excellence with real-world insight, supported by a network of partners and customers who help shape the next generation of products.
This collaborative approach has already earned NavLive recognition in the industry, including being named a finalist in the Trimble 0–60 Challenge 2025, a global accelerator for early-stage startups in construction and engineering.
Made in the UK, Built for the Future
We create, develop, and assemble NavLive devices entirely in the UK, proudly contributing to the nation’s legacy of engineering and scientific excellence.
With offices in Oxford and London, and as sales continue to grow across the UK, NavLive is also preparing to expand into the US, continuing to push the boundaries of real-time 3D mapping technology.
“Oxford has an amazing entrepreneurial ecosystem,” David concludes. “Having access to the right space, support, and investment has helped us move faster and stay rooted in Oxford, where our story began.”
