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Event Recap: SOF Week 2025 and EAFS 2025

May 2025 proved to be a significant and diverse month for Smytec, as we participated in two very different yet equally valuable events: SOF Week in Tampa, Florida, and the European Academy of Forensic Science Conference (EAFS) in Dublin, Ireland. These events showcased the unique versatility of BlindSite, our forensic imaging tool, across defence-led operations and scientific forensic environments.

SOF Week 2025: Operational Demand and Tactical Relevance
SOF Week brings together elite military units, technology developers and policy experts to discuss solutions tailored for Special Operations Forces. Held in Tampa from 6–10 May, the event emphasised operational efficiency, field deployability and mission-critical support.

At SOF Week, our demonstrations focused on BlindSite’s ruggedised design, rapid evidence acquisition, and its ability to operate in unpredictable and often hostile environments. Delegates expressed particular interest in BlindSite's ability to recover trace evidence post-blast and on-site without disrupting sensitive areas. The conversations highlighted a growing need for technology that can provide actionable intelligence in the field while maintaining evidentiary standards. We also had the opportunity to speak with defence procurement specialists and military investigators looking for forensic tools that align with rapid deployment needs, minimal training requirements and compatibility with digital chain-of-custody protocols. Feedback from these engagements is underpinning our future roll out of BlindSite across US defence organisations.

EAFS 2025: Science, Standards and Innovation
Later in the month, from 26–30 May, we exhibited at EAFS in Dublin, which brought together leading forensic scientists, academics and laboratory professionals. Here, our conversations centred around evidence integrity, laboratory workflow integration and the scientific validation of emerging technologies.

We presented how BlindSite’s non-contact evidence capture can support labs and field units alike in maintaining uncontaminated samples, especially on surfaces like fabrics, walls and weapons. Many delegates expressed interest in its potential for enhancing trace recovery, supporting DNA preservation and improving documentation for judicial proceedings.

Crucially, EAFS provided a forum for Smytec to engage with researchers and collaborators about future studies, interoperability standards and collaborative validation work that can help shape the wider forensic landscape. The exchange of knowledge at this event reinforced our commitment to science-driven innovation and responsible development.

Cross-Market Relevance and Looking Ahead
These back-to-back events highlighted not only BlindSite’s wide-ranging application but also Smytec’s core mission: to deliver intelligent forensic solutions that serve both high-stakes tactical environments and the rigour of academic and legal scrutiny.

To learn more about our technology, visit the BlindSite product page or contact us to arrange a follow-up conversation with our team.

Supporting innovation in U.S. law enforcement

Shelby Township Police Department joins a growing community of forward-thinking agencies exploring new ways to make forensic evidence recovery simpler, faster, and more reliable.

Early operational use of BlindSite by Lakewood Police Department has already demonstrated the technology’s versatility across different forensic applications. This has included visualising tattoos on a decomposed body to support victim identification and recovering a fingermark from a vehicle that produced a positive result against the state’s AFIS database, where traditional powder processing had not produced a match.

Dr Alexander Smyth, CEO of Smytec, said:

“What excites us most is the outstanding results these agencies are achieving in such a short time. Lakewood Police Department has already demonstrated BlindSite’s versatility across victim identification and fingermark recovery. These outcomes highlight the technology’s adaptability across a wide range of forensic applications and its ability to integrate into existing workflows.”.

Growing momentum across the United States

The latest deployment reflects increasing interest from U.S. agencies seeking forensic technology that can strengthen evidence recovery without introducing additional chemical processing or disrupting existing workflows.

As BlindSite’s U.S. presence continues to expand, Smytec remains focused on supporting law enforcement teams through practical training, close collaboration, and continued operational learning.

Smytec looks forward to working with Shelby Township Police Department and seeing how the team applies BlindSite across future investigations.

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