The launch of the Internet of Food Things Network Plus will take place on 21st September in the centre of London at the IET, Savoy Place, overlooking the Thames.

Not for many years has the food manufacturing supply chain been more critical in terms of the complexity, demand and uncertainty surrounding processes, sources and dependencies. New technologies present an opportunity to address these issues, but how, and by whom, and when can these opportunities be realised?

The IoFT launch event sets the scene for the activities to be organised over the three-year lifetime of the Network: workshops, conferences, funding opportunities and other collaborative ventures. A programme of insightful and thought-provoking talks from across the sector will build a picture of both the challenges and opportunities that digitalisation presents in the form of Internet of Things, data and blockchain technologies.

Attendees from academia, industry and Government will gain insight into these issues, and also be able to contribute to the debate and the planning of future activities.

The academic leadership team from the IoFT NEtwork will be present to contribute to the debate and answer questions about the aims and ambitions of the Network:

• Professor Simon Pearson, University of Lincoln (Network Lead)
• Professor Jeremy Frey, University of Southampton
• Professor Roger Maull, University of Surrey
• Professor Gerard Parr, University of East Anglia
• Professor Andrea Zisman, The Open University
• Professor Luc Bidaut, University of Lincoln

The full programme will include:

* Introduction to the EPSRC-funded Internet of Food Things Network Plus: Professor Simon Pearson, University of Lincoln, Network Lead for the IoFT Network Plus

* Keynote talks from sector experts from industry, government and academia

• Professor Guy Poppy, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Food Standards Agency (FSA), will invite the community to help the FSA address the challenge of modernising regulation during these transformational times
• Josephine Hansom from Youthsite on Millennials and food - https://www.youthsight.com
• Patrick Curry Director, British Business Federation Authority (BBFA), on Distributed Ledger Technology and Food Traceability
• Kirsten Coppoolse from The Fork, Amsterdam (www.thefork.online) on blockchain activity in the Dutch food context

* Panel discussion with speakers and the Network leaders on key issues with Q&A

* Release of new funding opportunities from across the sector including from the Network itself. These will include: pilot projects, white papers and other related initiatives

* Innovation case studies from industry and the research community will be presented

* Networking opportunities throughout the day

Tea, coffee and pastries will be available on arrival from 10:30, a light buffet lunch will be served at 12:30, and refreshments will be available at the end of the day (15:30). All of which should contribute to a productive networking environment for attendees.

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To become part of the Internet of Food Things Network Plus, join the Foodchain mailing list by sending an email to: listserv@jiscmail.ac.uk

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