Funding for DNA traceability system

The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance.

27 projects from sectors like life sciences, medical devices, ICT, manufacturing, food, agriculture, energy sustainability and the creative industries made successful applications for this first round of funding.

The projects can use the funding to develop and deploy their disruptive innovative technologies on a commercial basis. The Fund is a key part of the Government’s ‘Future Jobs’ initiative, a new whole-of Government plan to secure Ireland’s economic success, starting in 2019. It is one of the first funds of its type in the world and is aimed at tackling national and global challenges to secure the jobs of the future.

One of the successful projects was ‘Beyond Food Labelling’ led by IdentiGEN with University College Dublin as partners. As the first company to develop a successful DNA traceability system, IdentiGEN has a detailed understanding of the protein industry, pioneering exclusive DNA-based technologies to identify and trace food products with greater precision and accuracy.

The company’s signature product, their proprietary DNA TraceBack traceability system, provides food retailers, processors and producers with the capability to identify and trace the source of protein products throughout the entire supply chain. This advanced level of supply chain transparency enables food businesses to source with integrity and provides value-added assurance for consumers.