Safran Identity & Security and IDEX partner to commercialize first mass deployable biometric smart cards
Paris / Oslo, 9 November 2016
Safran Identity & Security and IDEX ASA (Oslo Børs: IDEX), announce significant progress toward commercializing the world’s first ISO standard form factor smart cards with a touch fingerprint sensor. A pilot card series has successfully passed testing. This joint solution supports the strategic biometric program of a major payment program.
Payment cards with a fingerprint sensor will make it possible to replace the entry of a PIN by simply placing a fingertip onto the card, adding convenience and security. Safran Identity & Security and IDEX have partnered to design an innovative touch fingerprint sensor and develop a scalable process for integration and volume production of ISO ID-1 form factor cards.
Safran provides the biometric card software, security expertise, and manufacturing capabilities. IDEX supplies the customized fingerprint sensor. The result of this collaboration is a significant breakthrough for the smart card industry in the form of a polymer touch sensor integrated into a standard thickness card that can be replicated efficiently in existing card production facilities. Moreover, the cards work with all existing standard POS (point of sales) terminals, foregoing the need of merchants to upgrade their systems.
“This partnership combines our patented off-chip flexible polymer touch technology with Safran’s world-leading biometric capabilities and its card manufacturing expertise to make biometric cards a commercial reality,” said Dr. Hemant Mardia, CEO of IDEX. “Our integrated solution has successfully passed comprehensive functional and reliability testing on a series of pilot production cards. We are now undergoing qualification of the solution under our strategic partnership in advance of expected trial programs. Subject to customer feedback and adoption, we anticipate the product will be ready for mass production in late 2016.”
“Our ambition is to simplify the everyday life of consumers. By integrating fingerprint biometrics into a payment card together with IDEX, we are enabling a smooth and secure payment experience as well as ensuring seamless integration within existing POS terminals”, commented Philippe Bertiaux, Vice President & General Manager, Payment Business Unit at Safran Identity & Security.
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security. Operating worldwide, the Group has 70,000 employees and generated sales of 17.4 billion euros in 2015. Safran is listed on Euronext Paris and is part of the CAC40 index, as well as the Euro Stoxx 50 European index.
Safran Identity & Security is a global leader in identity and security solutions, deploying systems in more than 100 countries. Backed by more than 40 years of experience in biometrics, the company develops innovative technologies for the public and private sectors, including identity management, secure transactions and public security solutions.
For more information: www.safran-group.com and www.safran-identity-security.com / Follow @Safran and @SafranIDSec on Twitter
Press:
Isabelle de BUYER: isabelle.de-buyer@safrangroup.com /
+33 (0) 1 30 20 22 67
IDEX has developed the world’s most advanced fingerprint imaging, recognition and authentication technology. IDEX’s innovative Intellectual Property (IP) is protected by a comprehensive portfolio of 47 granted and pending patent families, which continues to grow through ongoing innovation.
The IDEX business model is based on designing innovative fingerprint sensor IP and products, which IDEX sells and licenses global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) partners. These partners utilise IDEX IP in a range of biometrically enabled products. The customers are either purchasing IDEX fingerprint sensor units or paying a royalty on units they produce. IDEX’s addressable market represents a multi-billion unit opportunity, centred on three core markets:
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Mobile Devices
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ID security and Smart Cards
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The Internet of Things
IDEX has an exciting and competitive product ready road map including swipe sensors, touch sensors with disruptive cost positions, and a unique in-glass solution. The Company is currently in the process of commercialising these products and has recently announced a number of important OEM partnerships and end user design wins.
IDEX ASA (ticker IDEX) is a Norwegian public company, founded in 1995, and its shares are listed on the Oslo Børs (Oslo stock exchange). For more information, please visit www.idexbiometrics.com
Press
Hemant Mardia, CEO, +44 7788 922 171, hm@idexbiometrics.com
Henrik Knudtzon, CFO, +47 9302 2827, hk@idexbiometrics.com
