Our history
Year by year
2016
Early in the year, Professor Thomas Just Sørensen develops the first luminescent random patterns. By July, after attending a conference in France and getting more insights into physical unclonable functions (PUFs), Thomas envisions using these patterns for serialization. The first demonstration takes place in August, followed by a patent filing at the University of Copenhagen.
2017
In January, the patent for using luminescent random patterns, later known as O—KEYs, is filed.
2018
The O—KEY technology gains significant attention. It's featured in New Scientist in September, followed by publications in Das Speigel in January, and in Nature Photonics in March.
2019
Milestones include the compatibility of O—KEY technology with smartphone cameras using clip-on lenses, and the initiation of an AI engine to read O—KEYs. PUFIN—ID is founded in November after a year marked by increasing media coverage and investor interest.
2020
In October, a metal prototype for the O—KEY technology is completed.
2021
By June, PUFIN—ID grows to 10 employees, and a US patent for the technology is granted.
2022
This year features several developments: Durability of a teardrop-shaped O—KEYs on various metals is proven, these patterns receive IP protection, and mass production begins. Additionally, longevity on cast iron is confirmed, and the O—KEY Verifier App is launched.
2023
A prototype for security seals is completed in March. Over the Summer, a European patent and other intellectual property rights for the teardrop-shaped patterns are granted. By the end of the year a new version of the O—KEY Verifier App is released.
Strong investor backing
Invested in PUFIN—ID due to their longstanding challenges with counterfeits within the eyewear industry. They view our technology as a vital solution to protect luxury brands and see a huge potential for applying it across various industries, where product authenticity is crucial.
Morten Mathiesen, a hedge fund manager at Asgaard Asset Management, invested in our technology because he believes in its global potential. His main expertise is letting Danish companies and new technologies prosper internationally.
Based in Hong Kong, A7D is an investment company formed by successful Danish expatriates with expertise across luxury, manufacturing, and food industries. They invested in our technology, attracted by the unique solution that promises to enhance brand protection and consumer safety worldwide.
David Rus
Commercial Director, Germark.
What drives Germark is also the establishment of partnerships with technology companies to continually evolve and innovate. "Our partnership aligns with our core values, and we have over time built a strong relationship with PUFIN-ID."
Jason Francis, Group COO
Mega Fortris Group
“By simplifying the authentication of genuine products and make it easily available will mitigate the risks associated with counterfeit goods. Ensuring peace of mind for both our clients and end-users is what we do."
