Key codE based on nanomatErials to Protect sErvices and pRoducts

Introduction

Nowadays, counterfeit products seriously affect the global economy and can have a negative impact on security, health, and the environment due to the lower quality of their components. The severity of the problem is estimated to reach $2.3 trillion in 2022, causing EU companies a loss of €121 billion in sales and more than 671,000 jobs.

Project Overview

The KEEPER project aims to provide a new technological solution for this challenge. KEEPER is the first system combining a unique identification code with a virtually infinite number of combinations (more than a septillion) to certify the authenticity of the product and an unprecedented level of security, ease of use, and low price.

Technological Assets

KEEPER is an innovative customizable solution based on two main assets:

1. Nano-engineered inks: These can be applied on documents or product packaging as adhesive tags or directly printed in specific spots (3Tag).
2. Extremely selective verification technique: This is achieved by means of a dedicated reader (3Check).

The specificity of the inks and high-knowledge content make KEEPER technology extremely difficult or almost impossible to replicate by reverse engineering processes.

Development and Validation

KEEPER intends to complete the technological development and validate with industrial partners the impact on massive use cases, increasing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of the proposed solution. This will be supported by a sound and implementable commercialization strategy.

Market Potential

The first market considered is represented by identity verification, which is worth more than $10 billion globally and is expected to grow to $20 billion by 2022 according to research conducted by McKinsey.

Collaborative Approach

The strong integration of a technology track and a business track, along with a multi-actor approach, will bring together key actors from academia and the industry sector. This collaboration will allow for the delivery of project-specific objectives and enable alternative directions and options.

Future Plans

In the last phase of the project, we will proceed to the establishment of a start-up that will have the future objective of consolidating our presence in the reference market.