- Engineering students Edward George and William Toms scaled their business, ProtoGT, from a bedroom startup into a Sheffield city-centre operation while completing their Master’s degrees
- From concept sketches to finished working prototypes, ProtoGT builds advanced engineering systems. Its customers range from a medical technology company developing solutions to help surgeons to a firm pioneering innovations to improve the safety and efficiency of UK railway systems
- The duo credits their success to hard work and the practical experience gained through University of Sheffield student projects (like high-altitude rocketry and sports telemetry), providing the technical skills and confidence to build custom systems for engineering customers
- Supported by the University’s Emerge entrepreneurship programme and the wider city start-up ecosystem, the pair say they “couldn’t imagine anywhere better to start a business than Sheffield”
An entrepreneurial student duo has built their fledgling engineering firm from a bedroom startup to a full-scale city centre operation - all while balancing the demands of their Master’s degree studies.
Starting out in their student accommodation, Edward George and William Toms wasted no time in turning their engineering talents into practical solutions for their expanding customer base.
Now based in Sheffield city centre, ProtoGT builds and tests custom engineering systems. Their clients range from a medical tech innovator supporting surgeons to a firm developing safety and efficiency solutions for the UK railway network.
They take projects from early concept through to working prototypes, integrating electronics, control and software into professionally packaged systems. With the help of fellow students targeted for their practical experience in student-led projects, alongside experienced engineers, the team has already delivered projects ranging from domestic heating control prototypes to pneumatic testing systems.
“We both did summer internships during our undergraduate degrees and it made us realise that the projects that the companies were taking on, we had the skills and ability to do ourselves,” said William, originally from Exeter, Devon.
“That was our light bulb moment. We initially operated from our bedrooms; mine was the workshop for building the systems and Will’s was the warehouse for storing materials. Not ideal for padding around barefoot! Both of us were on the third floor of the student house too, getting equipment up there was a nightmare! ” said Edward, originally from Maidstone, Kent.
Before long, the engineering students outgrew their makeshift headquarters.
“We just kept taking on the next project and before we knew it, it had really taken off. We never imagined we’d have our own city centre premises so soon.”
The duo were heavily involved in co-curricular activities (optional activities that complement studies) at the University before launching ProtoGT, something they say was integral in developing their skills alongside their studies. Using facilities like the iForge - the University’s first of its kind student-led makerspace - Edward worked on high altitude rockets with Project Sunride, a leading UK student team, while William co-founded a sports telemetry team as part of a student-led project to design, build and race a competitive downhill racing bike.
“The practical, hands-on experience we gained in working on these complex projects, taking ideas from a concept into something functional, was fundamental,” said Edward.
“It’s the confidence it gives you. I’d say it’s 50 per cent skill and 50 per cent having the trust in your own abilities and problem solving skills. Many of our customers have been in business for decades, so we have to believe in ourselves for them to have confidence in us.”
The pair admit they have had to forgo more stereotypical student pursuits to successfully balance the demands of starting a company with the final months of their degrees. Luckily, ProtoGT is very much a labour of love.
“It’s difficult, and you do have to make sacrifices to make it work. But it’s a passion of ours, so it never feels like a burden,” said William.
“We can’t sugarcoat it - it has been hard work. But it’s been a lot of fun, too. We’re also hoping that a little sacrifice now will pay off in the long run.”
The duo acknowledge that the support and mentorship they’ve received from the University and the wider Sheffield start-up ecosystem has been a vital part of their journey.
“I really couldn’t imagine anywhere better to start a business than Sheffield,” said Edward.
“The support we’ve had from people across the University and city, giving up their time for free, is incredible. At this stage of our journey, we simply wouldn’t have the resources to pay for that level of guidance.”
Through the University’s Emerge entrepreneurship community they’ve benefitted from mentorship, funding support and have been able to connect with many others for guidance through its extensive network. They even made the final of the annual Emerge Awards showcase in 2025.
Matthew Charlton, Enterprise Manager at the University of Sheffield, said: “It’s been fantastic to work with Ed and Will. They're a shining example of young co-founders who have taken the skills honed at our University and combined them with a proactive determination to build something of their own.
“They make a great partnership, learning from every experience and seeking out support to improve on each new project. Their approach is taking ProtoGT from strength to strength.”
Pete Mylon, a Senior University Teacher and Engineering Faculty Co-ordinator for Co-Curricular Activities at the University of Sheffield, said: “Student-led projects have blossomed at Sheffield in recent years, with over 900 students from Engineering and beyond engaging in design-and-build competitions and other practical activities.
“These experiences develop them as professional engineers and make them highly sought after as graduates. Many of them go into top engineering firms, but this is the first time they’ve started their own before even graduating!”
Learn more about how independent thinking and shared ambition drive the University’s vision for a better future at: www.sheffield.ac.uk/ambition
