Objective The main goal of this proposal is to study the technical and commercial feasibility of an innovative DNA-based authentication technology (DNA TRUSTAG - https://vimeo.com/156417735) for brand and product protection. The DNA TRUSTAG platform enables cost-effective and scalable production of composite nanoparticles containing unique DNA codes (impossible to forge), which generate reading signals similar to a barcoded label. The composite nanoparticles are used to mark and authenticate raw materials and a range of products directly in the production line.The introduction of counterfeit goods in distribution chains is reaching epidemic proportions. Counterfeit goods now encompass all industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, electronic goods, cosmetics, automotive spare parts, pesticides, food and beverages. Counterfeit products are becoming more refined and there is an increasing number of cases, where not even manufacturers are able to distinguish fake from original.Traditional, anti-counterfeit technologies based on physical methods, such as holograms, security inks and labels, barcodes and radio-frequency identification are vulnerable, thus being frequently counterfeited. Clearly, there is a market opportunity for new and innovative anti-counterfeit technologies.We aim to explore and assess the feasibility of our technology under industrial conditions (e.g. during the production of authentication labels and tests) and to study the feasibility of the introduction of DNA TRUSTAG technology (product and services) in the international market. To this end, both the technical and economic viability of the project will be accessed in collaboration with important players in the sector. At the end of the project a feasibility report and a project plan detailing the phase 2 proposal will be delivered. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologyradio frequencyengineering and technologyother engineering and technologiesfood technologyengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcompositesnatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsDNAengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials Programme(s) H2020-EU.3.7. - Secure societies - Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens Main Programme H2020-EU.2.3.1. - Mainstreaming SME support, especially through a dedicated instrument Topic(s) SMEInst-13-2016-2017 - Engaging SMEs in security research and development Call for proposal H2020-SMEInst-2016-2017 See other projects for this call Sub call H2020-SMEINST-1-2016-2017 Funding Scheme SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1 Coordinator DNA TRUSTAG LDA Net EU contribution € 50 000,00 Address Rua francisco lucas pires, lote 10 5dto 3030 489 Coimbra santo antonio dos olivais Portugal See on map Activity type Private for-profit entities (excluding Higher or Secondary Education Establishments) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Participation in EU R&I programmes Opens in new window HORIZON collaboration network Opens in new window Other funding € 21 429,00