The CSIR’s VeristicPrint biometric technology is an end-to-end biometric system that uses digital imaging devices such as smart phones, webcams and digital cameras to create fingerprint scanners.

The technology provides institutions in need of access security, with an affordable, locally sourced, contactless fingerprint solution that can be integrated with existing biometric systems. The solution is relevant for use in a world that is pursuing social distancing and avoidance of activities and technologies that have a high likelihood of spreading germs and viruses, as became necessary during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The biometric technology is underpinned by a unique and proprietary modular technology base, that confers compelling state of the art functionality. VeristicPrint is able to effortlessly accept colour photographs of fingerprints, extract the relevant patterns, encrypt and accurately authenticate to enrolled databases in a highly secure manner, amongst other functionalities. The system’s ability to be integrated to existing biometric systems sets it apart from similar technologies and enables the CSIR to support many organisations with the capability.

VeristicPrint technology has proven to be compatible with existing systems. This was achieved by normalising the resolutions of all fingerprints captured by digital devices to ensure that different devices are compatible with each other, including existing commercial touch-based systems.

The introduction of an affordable biometric solution that does not rely on specialised hardware means that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) and non-governmental organisations have access to contactless biometrics at affordable prices, using devices such as smartphones. The CSIR has partnered with a local SMMEs that specialises in finance technology, which became the first user of the technology under the terms of a pilot licence. VeristicPrint technology is available for non-exclusive licensing with the CSIR.