The International Optical Technologies Association (IOTA) has launched a Start-Up Membership Programme aimed at early-stage companies working in optical technologies, optical variable devices (OVDs), secure authentication solutions, and related security applications.
IOTA said the new membership category is intended to connect emerging companies with established industry members, technology experts, and other stakeholders in authentication and anti-counterfeiting.
Commenting on the launch, IOTA Chairman Dr Mark Deakes said: ‘ Start-ups are increasingly playing an important role in the innovation cycle of optical security and authentication technologies. As counterfeit threats continue to evolve, the industry must remain ahead through innovation, collaboration, and stronger technology partnerships. This programme will create opportunities for such emerging companies to engage directly with established industry leaders and contribute to the next generation of secure authentication solutions’.
The programme is open to legally registered companies typically with no more than five years of operational history, annual turnover below £1 million, and at least one paying customer for a security-related application.
IOTA said Start-Up Members will receive access to its Security Image Register (SIR) to register security images and devices, as well as industry reports, IOTA Holography & Optical Technology News, and a patent newsletter. Other benefits listed include networking and mentorship opportunities and the ability to showcase innovations through IOTA events and industry platforms.
The programme includes an ‘IOTA Start-Up Member’ branding option for participating companies.
Membership will be available for up to two years at an annual fee of £1,300, which IOTA said is a subsidised rate of about half its standard Band 1 membership fee. At the end of the period, members will either transition to full membership or leave the association.
IOTA said the membership category was incorporated into its revised Articles of Association earlier this year.
