Imagine a world where oilfield operations are safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable—a world where every drilling decision is guided by data, reducing errors and optimizing performance. This vision is not a distant dream but a reality that PhiDrillSim is bringing to life. At the helm of this transformation, I, Dr. Darlington Etaje, am driven by a singular mission:

“To be a leader who delivers the dreams of his people in a land conducive enough to nurture hope.”

This mission shapes everything we do at PhiDrillSim, where we are committed to rethinking oilfield innovation with cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering focus on safety, efficiency, and inclusivity.

From Challenges to Game-Changing Solutions

The oil and gas industry faces significant challenges—wellbore failures, high operational costs, and safety risks, to name a few. These issues are magnified in an industry often pressured to deliver under tight deadlines and stricter environmental regulations. I founded PhiDrillSim to address these pain points with innovative, practical solutions.

Our suite of applications includes:

• Drilling Vibration Management App: Mitigates harmful vibrations, ensuring smooth operations.
• Torque and Drag Analysis App: Simulates forces with precision to aid planning and execution.
• Anti-Collision System App: Models safe drilling paths, reducing the risk of costly accidents.
• Stuck Pipe Prediction App: Anticipates and prevents downtime from stuck pipes.
• Well Control System App: A proactive tool to prevent uncontrolled fluid flow, akin to Managed Pressure Drilling systems.
• Well Planner App: Enables precise 3D visualization for optimized trajectory planning.

Each of these tools empowers operators to make data-driven decisions, enhancing safety, efficiency, and environmental stewardship. The Well Control System App, for example, not only prevents blowouts but also minimizes environmental hazards such as oil spills. This innovation underscores our belief that sustainability and efficiency can coexist.

Building a Foundation on Core Values

PhiDrillSim’s success is anchored in our core values: safety, integrity, innovation, accountability, collaboration, resilience, and respect. These principles guide our every move—from product development to the partnerships we foster.

Strategic collaborations have played a pivotal role in our growth. Partnering with organizations like BBVA (Black Business Ventures Association), Platform Calgary, and NRC IRAP (National Research Council Industrial Research Assistance Program) has provided us with funding, mentorship, and access to networks essential for scaling our innovations. Programs such as 321 Growth Academy and Innovate Calgary have further refined our technology, aligning it with industry needs.

These collaborations are more than transactional—they are transformative. Organizations like BBVA and the BIPOC Foundation have helped us expand our reach and amplify our impact. They’ve shown me that innovation is a collective effort.

Innovate with Mentorship 

No innovation journey happens in isolation, and my own path is a testament to the power of mentorship and education. During my undergraduate years at the University of Lagos, I was mentored by Dr. Adeyanju Olusiji, who ignited my passion for petroleum engineering. Later, at the University of Calgary, Professor Roman Shor helped me refine my skills in drilling optimization and simulation modeling.

These mentors imparted technical knowledge and also taught me to view challenges as opportunities. They cultivated in me a resilience that I carry into every facet of PhiDrillSim. I’ve realized that mentorship is a catalyst—it accelerates growth, fosters innovation, and transforms potential into tangible results.

Championing Sustainability in Oilfield Operations

Undoubtedly, the oil and gas industry must balance productivity with environmental responsibility. PhiDrillSim is leading the charge by developing tools that minimize waste, reduce emissions, and optimize resource use.

Take our Well Control System App, for example. By detecting early signs of a “kick” and simulating control scenarios, it prevents fluid loss and blowouts, which are major environmental hazards. This proactive approach ensures safer operations while significantly reducing the ecological footprint of drilling activities.

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a responsibility. I believe that innovation should always serve a higher purpose, ensuring a future where economic and environmental interests are aligned.

Inclusivity: A Cornerstone of Innovation

As a Black innovator, I’m acutely aware of the barriers faced by underrepresented communities in the energy sector. Limited access to funding, mentorship, and networks often stifles potential. That’s why inclusivity is central to PhiDrillSim’s mission.

Through collaborations with initiatives like the BIPOC Foundation, we work to bridge these gaps. I believe diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a driver of innovation. The more perspectives we bring to the table, the more robust our solutions become.

This commitment to inclusivity extends beyond our internal operations. It’s about creating an ecosystem where all voices are heard and valued, ensuring that the energy sector becomes a beacon of equitable innovation.

For The Future 

If I could impart one piece of advice to aspiring innovators, it would be this: embrace resilience and resourcefulness. Challenges are inevitable, but they are also the breeding ground for innovation. Leverage tools like MATLAB, participate in accelerator programs, and collaborate with academic institutions and entrepreneurial networks.

Above all, focus on solving real problems. Your work should be a reflection of your vision and capabilities. Don’t let barriers define your journey—use them as stepping stones to success.

A Vision Realized

PhiDrillSim is not just a company; it’s a movement. Our tools, grounded in innovation and inclusivity, are redefining what’s possible in oilfield operations. They’re proving that safety, efficiency, and sustainability can coexist, driving the industry toward a better future.

As I reflect on this journey, I’m reminded of the mentors, partners, and values that have brought us this far. The road ahead is still filled with challenges, but I am confident in our ability to meet them head-on. After all, the future of the oil and gas industry isn’t something to wait for—it’s something to create.