TRACE
TRACE (Technological Revolution towards an Agri-food Circular Economy) will establish a cross-border innovation Hub focussing on the agri-food industry.
What is TRACE?
TRACE (Technological Revolution towards an Agri-food Circular Economy) is a €5.9 million cross-border project modernising the island of Ireland’s Products of Animal Origin (POAO) supply chains.
Working with SMEs and industry partners across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, TRACE applies technologies - including IoT sensors, computer vision and data analytics - to enhance efficiency, transparency and sustainability from farm to fork.
Through its cross-border innovation hub, TRACE offers structured innovation programmes, technical support and funding advice to help SMEs in the agri-food and seafood sectors to adopt digital technologies and strengthen their competitiveness.
A PeacePlus project
TRACE is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Ulster University with partners University College Dublin, University of Galway, Donegal 2040, the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA), and BioConnect Innovation Centre.
How can TRACE help my business?
- Funding Support
Access financial support to trial advanced digital technologies to improve your supply chain’s efficiency, transparency, and sustainability. - Expert Advice and Technical Support
Receive tailored guidance on digital technologies and funding. TRACE connects you with technical experts and research partners to help you identify the right solutions for your business and support their adoption. - Innovation Programme and Pilot Site Demonstrations
Join our innovation programme to understand innovation and apply digital technologies to improve your business. You’ll also have the chance to see innovative digital technologies in action through real pilot site demonstrations, gaining practical insights into how they can enhance performance and support growth.
If you’re an SME working with Products of Animal Origin (POAO) and would like to avail of these opportunities, TRACE would like to hear from you.
Learn More about TRACE
Listen to our recent Lunch and Learn Information session
Project Partners
Ulster University
Ulster University is a multi-campus public university located in Northern Ireland. We are a research-intensive university, creating research that impacts society and the economy, focused on developing inquiring minds and building sustainable futures for all.
We are in the Top 10% of UK Universities for outstanding (4*) or very considerable (3*) research impact. We were awarded ‘University of the Year 2024’ by Times Higher Education.
BioConnect Innovation Centre
BioConnect Innovation Centre brings farmers, food producers, scientists, entrepreneurs and investors together to turn bioeconomy ideas into real-world agri-food innovations.
Anchored by a 1,639 m² R&D hub in Knockaconny, Monaghan, the Centre provides labs, write-up areas and collaboration spaces for start-ups and established firms, with capacity for 80+ people and up to 12 laboratories.
Its mission is to engage regional and international businesses to drive the sector forward and create world-class opportunities.
University College Dublin
University College Dublin is a research-intensive global university ranked within the top 1% of higher-education institutions worldwide.
For over 160 years UCD has combined ambitious scholarship with impact across disciplines, supported by a comprehensive college and school structure and a strategy to 2030.
UCD is Ireland’s global university, fostering discovery, innovation and inclusive excellence.
Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA)
NIFDA is the voice of Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry, a voluntary organisation that helps companies compete successfully while representing and promoting members’ interests.
Its vision is the sustainable growth of the sector, supported by industry strategies, valued information, and strong networks with government and stakeholders.
NIFDA also convenes forums on skills, packaging and advanced manufacturing to enable export-led growth.
Donegal 2040 Strategic Development DAC
Donegal 2040 is a special-purpose company established by Donegal County Council to accelerate economic development, investment and job creation in the county.
Its vision is to be an engine for a sustainable, innovative region that is a vibrant place to live, work, learn and do business, working with public and private partners to plan, develop and manage strategic sites.
University of Galway
Founded in 1845, the University of Galway has grown from an inaugural cohort of 68 to a community of 19,000+ students.
The University is ranked in the top 2% globally and among the top 100 in Europe (QS), with a strong reputation for impactful research and a distinctive campus anchored by the historic Quadrangle.
It blends heritage with global ambition across teaching, research and innovation.
