Kainos and Defra Win Digital Transformation Project of the Year at the Digital Revolution Awards 2025

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Date posted
16 May 2025
Reading time
3 minutes

We’re proud to announce that Kainos, in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has won the Digital Transformation Project of the Year at the 2025 Digital Revolution Awards.  

This award celebrates those shaping the future of digital transformation through impactful, technology-led projects. Our winning submission recognised the transformation of the UK’s import system for agri-food goods—delivered in response to new post-Brexit border requirements. 

Following the UK’s EU Exit, Defra needed to build a robust digital inspection system to protect biosecurity while supporting the smooth flow of over £70bn in annual agri-food trade. Working together, Kainos and Defra enhanced the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS), building a data-driven platform on Microsoft Azure that delivers real-time risk assessments, reduces friction for traders, and supports faster decision-making at the border. 

Delivered in just 18 months, the project involved eight multidisciplinary teams working at pace to meet tight government deadline, resulting in:  

  • 225% increase in active users 
  • 250,000+ transactions per quarter 
  • 91% completion rate 
  • 100% digital adoption, recognised by the Cabinet Office as one of the UK’s Top 75 Digital Services 

By strengthening national biosecurity and improving efficiency for importers, this project sets the benchmark for how digital innovation can solve complex public sector challenges.  

“This award is a testament to what true partnership looks like. Working alongside Defra, we’ve delivered a critical national service that balances innovation, resilience and user need - on time and at scale.” - Tracey Davis, Client Group Director, Kainos 
 

“Kainos’ expertise and innovative digital solutions have underpinned the implementation of the new Border Target Operating Model. Their partnership has been instrumental in safeguarding our biosecurity while ensuring the seamless flow of agri-food trade.” 
-  Jo Bradshaw, Delivery Director, Defra Biosecurity, Borders & Trade Programme 

Read more about the work here: https://www.kainos.com/insights/success-stories/defras-digital-approach-to-agri-food-inspections