People

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer

MSc (Oxon), BE (Civil) UQ, MIE Aust, Registered Builder (Qld), CPPE (MAIPM), MAICD

David is a veteran project executive and the driving force behind Octant AI’s strategic vision. Over a 30-year career, he has led major infrastructure programs, founded and scaled a 100-person consultancy (Ranbury), and advised governments and enterprise clients on the delivery and recovery of complex projects. In 2016, during a sabbatical at the University of Oxford, David saw a clear opportunity: to combine project management discipline with cutting-edge AI to address the root causes of cost and margin failure in projects. That insight led to the creation of Octant AI. David holds a Master’s in Major Programme Management from Oxford and a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Queensland. He is a recognised industry leader with a deep understanding of capital delivery, financial governance, and operational AI.

Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer

MSc (Oxon – Distinction), CPPM, Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, B.E. (Mech Hons 1 UWA), B. Com. (Distinction UWA)

Cuong is the inventor of Octant AI and the architect behind its groundbreaking machine learning engine. With over 25 years of experience spanning engineering, data science, and capital project delivery, he brings a rare blend of technical and domain expertise. Cuong has led the development of AI-driven solutions for some of the world’s largest infrastructure projects, saving clients over USD $30 million through predictive modelling and intelligent risk analysis. His career includes leadership roles on megaprojects such as Gorgon LNG and Ichthys LNG, and collaborations with global organisations like Chevron, Total, and the World Bank. An Oxford-trained scholar, Cuong co-authored pioneering research with experts at Saïd Business School. His vision is central to Octant’s mission: to bring early, accurate financial insights to project leaders everywhere.