General details
EDIHs involved
Customer
Customer size: Micro (1-9)
Customer turnover: EUR 450 000
Challenges
Robocoast EDIH has played a pivotal role in assisting Starcke Oy's collaboration with Secure Image Feed Oy, leading to groundbreaking innovations in photonics. The primary challenge was to develop a compact physical identifier for cameras, crucial for small devices such as mobile phones. This identifier needed to be recognisable in real-time by another online user via a live camera feed. A solution involving a physical barcode integrated into the camera was devised, allowing the code to be transmitted through an online video feed and read instantly by the recipient's barcode reader. This innovation is a significant step towards preventing deepfake frauds by enabling real-time authentication.
Given the confidentiality of the project, it was imperative for Robocoast EDIH to engage the right partners without disclosing the core requirements, ensuring that the process was executed seamlessly under a strict NDA.
Solutions
Starcke Oy embraced the challenge and developed an innovative solution involving nanoscale marks embedded in the protection filter adjacent to the camera sensor. This cutting-edge solution has been included to the Patent filed on February 8th 2024, under the title "Security Image Feed Oy / A CAMERA, A SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AN OPTICAL IDENTITY TAG AND A METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION". This invention represents a significant advancement in camera technology, offering a robust method for optical identity verification that can be seamlessly integrated into various camera-equipped devices, from smartphones to advanced security systems.
The development work was funded by a private investor, whose support was crucial in bringing this pioneering technology to fruition. Throughout the project, Starcke Oy and Secure Image Feed Oy operated under a stringent NDA agreement, ensuring that all proprietary information and innovations were kept confidential. This strict adherence to confidentiality not only protected the integrity of their groundbreaking work but also fostered a secure environment for collaboration and innovation. The partnership between these companies exemplifies the importance of trust and discretion in the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Results and Benefits
Starcke Oy boasts a rich 40-year history in holograms and mass manufacturing. Notably, the company supplied Nokia with over 160 million individually secured physical labels for various mobile phone components, showcasing their expertise in large-scale production and security solutions.
Leveraging the new network established through this recent project, Starcke Oy is embarking on a transformative strategy. The company plans to modernise its laboratory and production lines to meet the requirements outlined in their latest patent: "Security Image Feed Oy / A CAMERA, A SYSTEM FOR DETECTING AN OPTICAL IDENTITY TAG, AND A METHOD FOR IDENTIFICATION," filed on February 8th, 2024.
As a result of this project and the new strategic direction, Starcke Oy is poised to apply its mass-manufacturing expertise to the evolving demands of digital products and global customer needs. The integration of physical and digital technologies is increasingly vital, signaling a burgeoning market for innovative solutions that bridge these domains.
Encouraged by the project's positive outcomes, Starcke Oy has initiated the construction of a new production laboratory and is acquiring advanced technology for mass production related to the new patent. Robocoast EDIH has been instrumental in securing funding for this development and investment, further facilitating Starcke's growth.
The collaboration between Robocoast EDIH experts and Starcke Oy personnel included approximately 15 days of intensive workshops. Although the precise value of this support is challenging to quantify, the contribution of EDIH has been substantial, playing a crucial role in the project's success and Starcke's strategic evolution.
Perceived social/economic impact
In the future, this solution will enable people to verify the identities of other online users with confidence. As deepfake technologies advance at a rapid pace, the reliability of visual information is increasingly compromised, making physical identifiers essential for establishing trust.
The solution developed by Starcke Oy and its partners provides a robust method for authenticating the presence of real individuals in online video meetings. This technology allows participants to send an identification request to anyone present in the meeting at any time, ensuring that all participants are who they claim to be. This real-time verification capability is crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of virtual interactions in an era where visual deception is becoming increasingly sophisticated.
Measurable data
Starcke Oy is now initiating a project to further develop and invest in a new production line and laboratory. The initial investment for the laboratory is projected to be between €500.000 and €1.000.000. The precise valuation of the production line is currently under calculation. This strategic investment aims to enhance Starcke Oy's capacity to innovate and meet the demands of cutting-edge technologies, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.
DMA score and results - Stage 0
On April 19, 2023, Starcke Oy achieved a score of 63 points in the DMA Assessment. This evaluation, a comprehensive analysis of the company's digital maturity and readiness, reflects the company's current capabilities in leveraging digital tools and technologies. Achieving 63 points demonstrates significant progress and highlights areas for further development, guiding Starcke Oy in their continuous journey toward technological advancement and operational excellence.
Lessons learned
The main takeaway from this experience is that innovation doesn't always require inventing entirely new solutions. There are many existing methods, innovations, and technologies that were ahead of their time or deployed in the wrong context, leading them to be underutilised. Starcke Oy, with its extensive history in photonics, exemplifies how leveraging past innovations can address contemporary challenges effectively.
Since the early 2000s, Starcke Oy has possessed the expertise to print nanoscale text. This capability is so advanced that the entire New Testament of the Bible can be printed on a single A4 sheet, and they have managed and handled individual codes for over 160 million labels with absolute security. This wealth of knowledge and technological prowess in photonics, accumulated over decades, has become a cornerstone of their current and future projects.
The new partner network thrives due to Starcke Oy's long-standing history and profound expertise in photonics. Starcke's wealth of knowledge attracts partners, and these partners bring new insights and expertise to Starcke, creating a symbiotic relationship that drives innovation and growth.
However, challenges remain. The implementation of new technology demands significant capital investments and skilled personnel. For Starcke Oy, attracting and retaining experts is challenging without projects that guarantee full-time work. It is understandable that experts are reluctant to leave secure positions in research organizations for uncertain futures in SMEs. Addressing these challenges requires strategic planning and investment to ensure that Starcke Oy can continue to attract top talent and invest in cutting-edge technology, securing their position as a leader in photonics innovation.
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