The collaboration was announced on Tuesday 9th October and will see the university’s Blockpass Identity Lab work alongside the leading data and analytics provider.

This marks one of the first projects undertaken by the lab, which uses cutting-edge blockchain research to drive innovation.

Speaking on the announcement, Professor Bill Buchanan OBE, Director of the Blockpass Identity Lab, said: “Edinburgh Napier is keen to work with innovative companies like Eyecademy around blockchain to take full advantage of this new world we are creating.

“The application of blockchain and tracking methods will allow us to create a trustworthy trail for food and thus support both the providers and their customers.”

Ensuring Ethical Sources

The new research project will aim to use the technology to establish the origin of organic produce, as well as reassuring consumers of ethical sources. Countries of origin and the producers throughout the supply journey will also be identified through this project.

For nations such as Scotland, blockchain technology could be used to protect, promote and confirm the authenticity of national brands.

Further applications of the technology could include the ability to follow supply journey for raw materials across a broad range of industries; thus connecting producers, distributors, regulatory bodies and consumers.

Liam Bell, the lead blockchain researcher at the lab, said: “We are delighted to integrate Eyecademy into the lab, and will continue to work with them in the development of their product.

“They have a long track record of success in the industry, and see great potential in the integration of blockchain and advanced cryptography with food provenance.”

Driving Innovation

This collaboration will be supported by the Scottish Funding Council’s Innovation Voucher Scheme, which is administered by Interface.

The Blockpass Identity Lab is located at Edinburgh Napier’s Merchiston campus and was built as part of a £600,000 collaboration between the School of Computing and Hong Kong-based Blockpass – which is using blockchain technology to develop platforms that enable users to retain control of personal data.

The lab isn’t alone in its collaborative efforts. Napier University’s School of Computing recently announced a collaboration with Hypervine to develop blockchain solutions for the construction sector.

Brian Rutherford, Operations Director at Eyecademy, said the company looks forward to working with the Blockpass Identity Lab.

He said: “With more than 10 years of experience providing data and analytics solutions in Scotland and nationwide, we are excited to be working with the world-leading collaboration of the Blockpass Identity Lab.

“Using innovative technology to provide and develop business solutions is at the heart of what we do, and we are confident that our combined efforts will continue to push the boundaries of Scotland’s technological growth.”

Collaboration for Good

Dr Siobhán Jordan, Director of Interface, said collaboration between industry and academia is highly beneficial, helps to overcome real-life challenges and can facilitate the sharing of expertise.

“There are numerous mutual benefits to business partnering with academics,” she said. “As demonstrated by Edinburgh Napier University and Eyecademy. Through tackling real-life challenges and opportunities, they can learn from each other and grow their knowledge and expertise.”

Dr Jordan added that Innovation Vouchers enable companies and organisations to focus on research and development.

“Funding through Innovation Vouchers can be pivotal for companies as they research and develop products, services and processes, enabling them to tap into our world-leading universities.”