Wellington-based Jade Software has received funding from TechNZ, the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology’s business assistance programme, to further develop its crime-fighting software product, Investigator.

Managing Director of Jade Software, Craig Richardson, said, “New Zealand is one of the few countries recognised internationally as a safe haven for developing superior software for these secure markets.  We should be leveraging our trusted status and we are grateful the New Zealand Government has recognised this potential with their investment in Investigator.”

 The tool was developed in association with the Australian Federal Police to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of complex, highly sensitive cases. It is distributed through Jade’s subsidiary Methodware, through offices in Wellington, Sydney and London.

The software is now used by law enforcement agencies, government departments and companies in more than 29 countries, says the company.

Methodware Managing Director, Paul Stokes, said, “We have a unique selling point and a compelling value proposition for investigation and law enforcement teams. Investigator is all about giving front line officers useful and usable technology so they can get on with solving difficult cases.”

 Mark Gallagher, Director of Sector Investments at the Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, said that Jade Software is the type of company that TechNZ supports.

“The further development of this very successful product will allow Jade to bring more highly-skilled research and development capabilities on board.”