University and Hypervine bring blockchain to construction sector

Edinburgh Napier University is working with startup Hypervine to develop blockchain solutions to the data recording problems which can jeopardise complex construction projects.

The university has established a new Blockpass Identity Lab at its Merchiston campus and the collaboration will run until the end of November.

Professor Bill Buchanan, Director of the Blockpass Identity Lab, says: “The nature of the construction industry is that there are many stakeholders involved, and making sure that each part of the process is working as it should can be difficult. A blockchain solution will aim to integrate digital signing into the key parts of the process.”

Paul Duddy, CEO and Founder of Hypervine, comments: “Digitising infrastructure, construction and facility maintenance industries through blockchain technologies will yield significant improvements across the sector that will have wide ranging positive economic and social economic impacts for both private and public sectors.”

The two were brought together by Interface – which works with businesses to translate their ideas into dynamic briefs for academics – and the team up is supported by the Scottish Funding Council’s Innovation Voucher scheme, which Interface administers.

Ruth Oliver, Business Engagement Executive at Interface, says: “Edinburgh Napier’s School of Computing was a natural choice for Hypervine. Professor Buchanan is one of the world’s leading lights in blockchain technology and, together with researcher Liam Bell, offers a wealth of experience in supporting businesses and organisations in the practical application of this technology.”

“Hypervine is helping construction companies build faster, safer and more cost efficiently through digitising the industry. Exploring how to incorporate secure methods of recording data in complicated supply chains and transactions is a key element of this. Partnerships with academia can propel companies onto the next stage of their development, enabling them to enter new markets, win additional business and grow their business.”