Nicholas Holden, Director of R&D at Proveye and academic director of the Food and Agriculture Sustainable Technology Innovation Programme (FAST-IP), has been confirmed as a member of the judging panel for the Green Transformation Awards 2026, bringing research leadership in sustainable agriculture, bioeconomy systems, and environmental impact quantification to one of Ireland's most forward-thinking sustainability awards programmes.

Holden's work spans the full arc from foundational research to commercial application. As academic director of FAST-IP, a programme supported under the Enterprise Ireland Innovators' Initiative and co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021 to 2027, he leads innovation at the intersection of food systems, agricultural technology, and environmental sustainability.

His role as deputy director of BiOrbic, the Research Ireland Bioeconomy Centre, places him at the heart of efforts to define standards for quantifying the external costs of agri-food and circular bioeconomy systems, work that engages academic, industry, and civil society partners in developing the measurement frameworks that give sustainability claims their credibility.

That focus on rigorous, evidence-based quantification of environmental impact is directly relevant to a judging process that must distinguish genuine sustainability leadership from surface-level commitment. As co-founder and director of Proveye, Holden has also navigated the transition from research to commercial enterprise, giving him an understanding of the practical and organisational challenges that green businesses and sustainable companies face when embedding environmental innovation into their operations.

The Green Transformation Awards 2026 recognises Irish organisations driving systemic change across renewable energy, circular economy practice, and sustainable business models.

The programme spans 22 categories covering sustainability excellence across organisation size, sector, and transformation type, with entries assessed by an independent panel bound by strict confidentiality.

Holden joins Judging Coordinator Daragh Anglim of Broadlake, David Maguire of BNRG Renewables, Rosie O'Neill of An Post, Ian Phillips of Anua Clean Air International, and Antonio Vieira Santos of Eviden.

The awards gala will take place on 6 November 2026 at the Royal Marine Hotel, Dun Laoghaire. Entries close on 24 July 2026.

Visit the official Green Transformation Awards website to explore categories, review past winners, and submit your entry. Subscribe to the newsletter for more information and other awards updates.