From Quantum Physics to Anti-Counterfeiting: The Fascinating Journey of Dr. Fred Jordan
In the world of tech entrepreneurship, few stories are as captivating as that of Dr. Fred Jordan, co-founder and CEO of AlpVision. His journey from a quantum physics enthusiast to a pioneer in anti-counterfeiting technology is not just inspiring—it's downright fascinating.
A Passion for the Complex
Fred's story begins in France, where he chose to study at INSA, an engineering school that offered a unique blend of microelectronics and quantum mechanics.
From Engineering to Fundamental Research
But Fred's thirst for knowledge didn't stop there. Along with his equally brilliant wife, he dove headfirst into a Ph.D. program at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). Their goal? To become "one of the best experts in the world" in a very specific topic. Now that's ambition!
During his PhD, Fred met his future cofounder Martin Kutter who was also following a PhD in the same Lab. Together, they delved into the realm of digital watermarking, a technology that allows for the embedding of hidden information within digital images. This technology formed the bedrock of AlpVision.
From Academia to Entrepreneurship
Their professor at EPFL planted the seed of entrepreneurship in their mind. With no startup ecosystem to support them, Fred and his co-founder Martin ventured into the unknown, armed with nothing but their technology and a dream.
The Birth of a Game-Changing Technology
During their PhD, Fred and Martin stumbled upon digital watermarking—a technology that would change the course of his career. Imagine hiding secret messages in images, invisible to the naked eye but detectable by computers. It's like spy tech meets art!
The early days of AlpVision were fraught with challenges. With limited funding and no clients, Fred and his team had to innovate and adapt. They created multiple demonstration systems, each tailored to different industries, and eventually found their breakthrough with a bank that needed a solution to prevent tampering with invoices. This success paved the way for more clients and opened doors to new opportunities.
The Yellow Dot Breakthrough
But the real game-changer came when they discovered they could print invisible yellow dots on white paper, detectable only by document scanners. This innovation opened up a world of possibilities in anti-counterfeiting technology.
The Business Model
One of the key factors contributing to AlpVision's success is its unique business model. Instead of charging clients for the technology upfront, AlpVision operates on a royalty-based model. Clients pay for the right to print a certain number of patterns, and this recurring revenue stream ensures a steady income for the company. This model not only benefits AlpVision but also provides a cost-effective solution for clients, as there are no material costs involved.
The Technology
AlpVision's technology is rooted in mathematics, specifically image cross-correlation. This mathematical technique allows for the reliable detection of hidden patterns, even in noisy environments. The company has adapted this technology to various industries, from pharmaceuticals to luxury goods, providing invisible and reliable authentication solutions.
One of the most fascinating applications of AlpVision's technology is in the detection of counterfeit products using smartphones. Initially, the company faced skepticism about the feasibility of detecting microscopic patterns with a handheld device. However, through innovative approaches and real-time processing, AlpVision has made this a reality. The technology can now detect genuine products within seconds, making it an invaluable tool for brand protection.
The Future of Counterfeiting
As technology advances, so do the methods used by counterfeiters. However, companies like AlpVision are staying ahead of the curve by continuously innovating and adapting their solutions.
Why Industry Leaders Should Take Notice
Invisible Protection
AlpVision's technology offers undetectable security features, making it nearly impossible for counterfeiters to replicate.
Versatility
From paper documents to product packaging, the applications are endless.
Cost-Effective
No need for special inks or materials—just clever algorithms and standard printing techniques.
Easy Integration
AlpVision's solutions can be seamlessly incorporated into existing production processes.
AlpVision protects in real-time +20 billion products worldwide!
Advice for Aspiring Tech Entrepreneurs
For PhD students and postdocs looking to transition into the world of entrepreneurship, Fred Jordan offers some valuable advice. He emphasizes the importance of talking to people who have successfully built businesses, as they can provide practical insights and help identify potential pitfalls. Additionally, he stresses the need to focus on profitability and being pragmatic in business decisions.
Conclusion
AlpVision's journey is a testament to the power of innovation, perseverance, and a customer-centric approach. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and a unique business model, the company has not only protected countless brands from counterfeiting but also carved a successful path in the tech industry. As the fight against counterfeiting continues, companies like AlpVision are leading the charge, ensuring that businesses and consumers alike can trust the authenticity of the products they buy.
Contact
Dr Fred Jordan and Dr Martin Cutter are the cofounders of AlpVision.
Dr Jordan has served as CEO since June 2001. He is the author of numerous scientific publications, patents, and co-inventor of Cryptoglyph and Fingerprint, AlpVision’s core technologies. Dr. Jordan has extensive experience working in the United States and in France. In 1999, he received his PhD from the Swiss Technology Institute (EPFL) – Signal Processing Institute (ITS) in Lausanne.
Fred and Martin are the cofounders of a new deep tech startup: FinalSpark
Co-host of this episode:
Dr. Benjamin Delsol, Quantum Physicist, Deep Tech Expert and European Patent Attorney
ITW + IP Masterclass of Benjamin 👉https://www.episteme-entrepreneur.com/blog/benjamin-delsol-physique-quantique-propriete-intellectuelle-brevet-deep-tech
Find out more about the counterfeiting market
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The Hidden Danger in the Skies: Counterfeit Airplane Parts
The counterfeiters’ feast
The Cure is Worse than the Disease: The Medicines of Despair
The Silent Threat: Counterfeit Electrical Equipment
The Faces of Counterfeiting: A Journey into the Shadows of Global Trade
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗻'𝘁: 𝗨𝗻𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗸 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗶𝘁 𝗗𝗿𝘂𝗴𝘀
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Welcome to the "Counterfeit Carnival"!