KEEPER · Key codE based on nanomatErials to Protect sErvices and pRoducts

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 2.3T$ in 2022, causing EU companies a loss of 121B€ in sales and more than 671 000 jobs. 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.KEEPER is an innovative customizable solution based on two main assets: nano-engineered inks to be applied on documents or product packaging as adhesive tags or directly printed in specific spots (3Tag), and an extremely selective verification technique 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 be replicated by reverse engineering processes. KEEPER intends to complete the technological development and to validate with industrial partners the impact on massive use cases increasing the TRL of the proposed solution, supported by a sound and implementable commercialization strategy. The first market considered is represented by the identity verification which is worth more than $10B globally and is expected to grow to $20B by 2022 according to research conducted by McKinsey. The strong integration of a technology track and a business track and a multi-actor approach, that will bring together key actors of academia and industry sector, will allow to deliver project-specific objectives and enable alternative directions and options. 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.