Northern Irish food business in line for major innovation award

Arc-Net, the Belfast based company at the forefront of technology to tackle food fraud, has been shortlisted for Ireland's most prestigious award for innovation.

The data firm has been shortlisted for its pioneering development of an industrial-grade blockchain technology platform to provide traceability and authentication services for the food industry. It gives food producers the ability to have independent validation of their food quality, thereby reassuring customers.

Arc-Net is the only company from Northern Ireland shortlisted in the prestigious innovation awards organised by the Irish Times.

The technology business, founded by data security engineer Kieran Kelly in 2014 is headquartered in Belfast and has technology centres in Scotland the US.

The company's unique blockchain technology strengthens the traceability and safety of food products 'from field to fork'.

Arc-Net is among 21 innovators listed by a panel of expert judges for the Irish Times. Having made it through the first round of judging, finalists will now present to a distinguished panel of senior business leaders at an even in Dublin next month.

The seven-category award winners and overall Innovation award will be presented at a gala event in October. Arc-Net is one of just three shortlisted in the Agri-Food category in the awards.

The Irish Times Innovation Awards is about showcasing Innovation excellence through a range of the most ground breaking product and service innovations - from drug delivery systems and state of the art network switching, to anti-allergy pillows, leading technologies for cleaning and disinfection and a breakthrough system for low cost wastewater aeration.

The newspaper says: "Innovation will continue to rejuvenate Ireland's economic and social landscape and it is important that the Champions of Innovation, whether as individuals or organizations in the public or private sectors, or as large, medium or small, family owned or multinational enterprises, get the recognition they deserve."