InteliSpark client, OWiC Technologies, wins a phase I Small Business Innovation Research award from the National Science Foundation to develop intelligent, invisible electronic ID tags, linking physical objects to the digital world.
Counterfeiting is a growing business in the United States and across the world. The value of imported counterfeit goods worldwide was $509 billion based on 2016 customs seizure data. Not only does it hurt legitimate companies by tainting their reputations, counterfeiting is dangerous. When lower quality goods enter a supply chain for medical equipment or pharmaceuticals, for example, these products could jeopardize the health and safety of patients.
The New York based start-up, OWiC Technologies, is developing an innovative class of Optical Wireless Integrated Circuits (OWiCs). This research project, led by Dr. Alejandro Cortese, Co-founder of OWiC Technologies and recent graduate of Cornell University, will directly address this global issue of counterfeiting by developing a new OWiC designed specifically for use as a unique ID tag.
This innovative technology will help ensure that products are authentic for consumers as well as ensure quality control for manufacturers as they track components through their supply chains. The unique ID tag is microscopic, low-cost, and secure based on programmable integrated circuits, thereby overcoming the challenges in tagging products or components due to size, security or cost.