7106643TA (Optricks Media Ltd)ClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKBy 2018 over 20% of objects will interact with smart devices; we live in an increasingly connected world. A key challenge in this new age of ‘the internet of things’ will be to ensure that the objects being connected are actually what they say they are. The project will develop a proof of concept demonstrating a secure product authentication system using conductive inks in combination with a dedicated mobile application to enable retail consumers to authenticate a range of goods at or after the point of purchase. The system, called Touch Transfer Technology for Authentication (3TA), allows a user to swipe with their smart device a code carried on labels or packaging in order to verify via an app the authenticity of a product. By means of conductive ink patterns embedded invisibly within the label/packaging, the device is able to read the code, and the app to verify the code. The technology additionally provides an innovative and compelling medium for consumers to actively engage with the product/brand - through promotional incentives, interactive entertainment and product/safety information - and thereby to increase participation in product authentication. By combining brand promotion with product authentication, the technology will enable brand owners to increase consumer uptake of product authentication and to capture consumer data at low-cost, with overall costs defrayed across both product security and marketing budgets. Alongside development of a demonstrator of the 3TA system, the project will investigate production, manufacture and deployment issues, including commercial production costings and patent landscape.