Finnebrogue is excited to join the Smart Nano NI Accelerator Programme, led by Digital Catapult, to explore the potential of photonics in enhancing food quality and sustainability.
As part of this initiative, which aims to accelerate the adoption of photonics and future network technologies in local industry, Finnebrogue will join 10 other businesses in a 12-week programme. Together, they will gain access to cutting-edge technology and expertise to develop market-ready solutions using photonics, 5G, and Narrowband-IoT.
Commenting on Finnebrogue’s participation and objectives, Ryan Smith, Head of Automation, said:
“At Finnebrogue, we are always seeking innovative ways to enhance our processes, and the Smart Nano NI Accelerator Programme presents an incredible opportunity to explore the potential of photonics in the food industry. We’re eager to see how these advanced technologies can drive efficiencies, improve sustainability, and revolutionise food production.
“The focus of our project will be integrating vision systems and IoT sensors for verification, data capture, and advanced analytics.
“One of our primary goals is to enhance the precision and efficiency of quality control on our production lines. Photonics-based technologies and laser sensors can detect contaminants, foreign objects, and quality issues with far greater accuracy than traditional methods. This allows real-time monitoring, ensuring consistent quality and safety without slowing down the production line.
“Additionally, early detection of spoilage or defects will help reduce waste, supporting our commitment to more sustainable operations while aligning with growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices.
“Photonics integration will also enhance traceability and inventory management. Advanced sensors can provide detailed insights into the condition of raw materials and finished products across the supply chain. This level of transparency enables us to quickly identify and address potential issues, reducing the risk of recalls and improving overall supply chain efficiency. Moreover, the data collected from photonics systems will offer valuable insights into production trends, helping us optimise processes and reduce costs.
“By embedding photonics into our operations, we aim not only to improve product quality and safety but also to drive greater operational efficiency and sustainability.”
Smart Nano NI is a Northern Ireland consortium who aim to support and drive self-sustaining local industry and economic growth through research and innovation.
With the support of Digital Catapult, our director of R&D, Declan Ferguson and Head of Automation, Ryan Smyth look forward to leveraging access to state-of-the-art facilities, expert mentoring, and collaboration opportunities, to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
“We make food the best it can be, without being bound by the way it’s always been done.”
Finnebrogue’s mantra since 1991.
