At a time when digitalization and data security are becoming essential, some companies stand out with their groundbreaking innovations. URCODE, an ambitious startup, emerges as a pioneer with its invisible code technology. This innovation transforms authentication processes, traceability, and even copyright protection in an efficient and secure manner. During an interview conducted by Léo Thevenet, founder of Le Café Du Geek, in Seoul on July 18, 2024, at the Made In Korea Basecamp (MIK Basecamp) created by Aving News, SungSoo Kim, CEO of URCODE, shared the various applications of this unique technology and how it could change our daily lives.
Introducing URCODE
Founded in December 2018, URCODE is a Korean startup distinguished by its vision to digitize and transform global processes using intelligent invisible codes. SungSoo Kim, the company’s CEO, explains that their goal is to create an improved version of existing Ultra Resolution (UR) codes by utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and recognition technologies. From its inception, URCODE has invested heavily in research and development to offer an innovative solution that addresses the limitations of traditional QR codes by providing rapid and reliable recognition, design flexibility, and seamless integration across various sectors.
Headquartered in Seoul, URCODE has quickly attracted the interest of major international companies. In 2023, just one year after starting to provide commercial solutions, URCODE achieved a revenue of $430,000. This impressive growth is the result of strategic partnerships with leading brands in various industries, including cosmetics and beverages.
Understanding URCODE’s Technology
URCODE’s technology relies on invisible codes, also known as “blind codes,” which are imperceptibly integrated into various products. Developed through artificial intelligence, these codes enable a multitude of innovative applications and resolve the limitations of current technologies such as QR codes and barcodes.
SungSoo Kim states, “Our goal is to digitize everything.” URCODE uses advanced algorithms to create codes that can be scanned quickly, even in irregular shapes. Unlike traditional QR codes, which can be slow or fail to recognize, UR codes ensure fast and reliable recognition.
Key Applications of UR Codes:
- Product Authentication: Integrating these invisible codes allows for verifying the authenticity of a product, particularly useful in combating counterfeiting in industries like cosmetics and beverages.
- Enhanced Barcodes: UR codes can replace traditional barcodes, offering instant reading without the need for manual entry of serial numbers, simplifying the process for end-users.
- Digital Watermarking: UR codes can also serve as invisible watermarks for images, protecting copyrights and preventing plagiarism by embedding ownership information directly into the image file.
Advantages of URCODE Technology:
- Fast Recognition: Utilizing artificial intelligence, UR codes can be scanned quickly and reliably, even under challenging conditions.
- Design Flexibility: UR codes are not limited to rectangular shapes like QR codes. They can be integrated into various designs, allowing for creative and non-intrusive use.
- Security and Traceability: Beyond authentication, UR codes offer better product traceability throughout its lifecycle, from production to final consumption.
- Wide Compatibility: UR codes can be used in various sectors, including fashion, food, electronics, and the arts, due to their versatile and invisible nature.
Diverse Applications and Innovations
URCODE not only reinvents barcodes and QR codes but also explores innovative application areas that push the boundaries of digitalization and traceability.
Protecting Images and Artwork
One of the most fascinating uses of UR codes is integrating invisible watermarks into images. This technology protects creators’ copyrights by adding an imperceptible code that authenticates and identifies the artwork. SungSoo Kim explains that this method is particularly useful for photographers and digital artists, as it secures their creations against copying and plagiarism without altering the image’s appearance.
Food Safety and Traceability
In the food sector, UR codes can be used to improve product traceability. By integrating these codes into food packaging, it becomes possible to track every step of the product’s lifecycle, from production to consumption. This innovation ensures better stock management and product recalls, while also reinforcing consumer trust by guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of the products they purchase.
Warehouse Automation and Efficiency
UR codes are also an ideal solution for warehouses and distribution centers. Thanks to their fast and accurate recognition, they allow products to be scanned in a flash, reducing the time needed to inventory and locate items. This increased efficiency translates into time and cost savings for businesses while minimizing human errors.
Application in Luxury Goods
Luxury products, often targets of counterfeiting, greatly benefit from URCODE’s technologies. Invisible codes integrated into items such as watches, jewelry, and handbags allow for the authenticity of products to be verified in seconds. This provides an additional guarantee to customers and protects brands against financial losses due to counterfeiting.
Collaboration with the Pharmaceutical Industry
URCODE also collaborates with pharmaceutical companies to secure medications and medical devices. UR codes can be used to authenticate each product, ensuring that patients receive genuine and safe medications. This application is crucial in a sector where counterfeits can have serious health consequences.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
By integrating UR codes into recyclable products, URCODE facilitates waste management and the recycling process. The codes allow for the quick and precise identification of materials, simplifying their sorting and processing. This innovation contributes to more efficient and sustainable recycling practices, in line with environmental protection goals.
Q&A with URCODE’s CEO
During our interview at the Made In Korea Basecamp, SungSoo Kim, the CEO of URCODE, shared valuable insights about the company’s vision, the challenges faced, and future prospects. Here are some excerpts from our conversation.
Léo Thevenet (LT): What inspired you to start URCODE, and what was the initial motivation behind this technology?
SungSoo Kim (SK): “I was inspired by the need to guarantee product authenticity after witnessing issues with counterfeit baby formula in China. This problem made me realize the importance of a more secure solution than traditional barcodes. That’s how the idea of invisible codes came about.”
LT: How does URCODE’s technology stand out from traditional QR codes?
SK: “UR codes are much faster and more reliable to scan. They aren’t restricted by shape, allowing for flexible integration into various designs. Additionally, they can be used for product authentication, traceability, and even as digital watermarks for images, making them incredibly versatile.”
LT: What are your expansion plans for the future?
SK: “We aim to collaborate with industry leaders. We are already working with major brands in cosmetics and beverages. In the future, we plan to expand our reach to Europe and the US, and potentially go public. Our goal is to become a global standard in digitalization and traceability.”
LT: Can you share some of the significant partnerships URCODE has established?
SK: “We have signed contracts with top brands like CheongKwanJang for ginseng and beverage companies. We also collaborate with academic institutions such as Seoul National University and Yonsei. These partnerships allow us to test and refine our technology in real-world settings.”
LT: What challenges did you encounter while developing this technology?
SK: “One of the biggest challenges was the initial uncertainty about the feasibility of our technology. For several years, we focused solely on research and development without generating any revenue. It was a tough period, but the recognition we recently received, especially during our participation at CES, confirmed that we were on the right track.”
Conclusion: The Promising Future of URCODE
URCODE is emerging as a high-potential startup, ready to transform various sectors with its invisible code technology. By offering innovative and secure solutions for authentication, traceability, and copyright protection, the company effectively addresses current digitalization challenges.
The interview conducted in Seoul at the Made In Korea Basecamp provided a deeper understanding of URCODE’s ambitions and the efforts made to achieve their goals. By collaborating with industry leaders and continuing to innovate, URCODE is well-positioned to become a key player in global digitalization.
