In Davos, Switzerland, the world's greats speak this week on the topic of “Rebuilding Trust.” Trust and security in our official identity documents, as in credit matters, is precisely one of the indispensable conditions for the proper functioning of the systems deployed by States. In response to these needs, Criminology Technology was born in Lille in 2010.
At the head of this small and medium-sized company is Cosimo Preti. This former scientific police officer, an expert in document forgery, left a clear path within the police organization to devote himself to the development of new technologies. Within 15 years, it has had many advanced technologies patented in 30 countries, often developed by major companies or countries themselves.
“Best Passport of 2023” in the world
His first work focused on fingerprint detection to identify criminals. It then moves towards an unforgeable process to secure identity documents.
Called OVM (Optical Variable Materials), “on the border between chemistry and optics, our latest technology combines multiple safety elements with disruptive optical properties. “It comes in the form of a polycarbonate raw material or safe optically variable inks,” details from Davos, Cosimo Preti, who praises “the world's first safe plastic”. In 2018, the innovation comes to the attention of the German National Press, famous for being one of the most demanding presses in the world. Many contracts follow: in Turkey, Mexico and, most recently, in Australia, a country that has chosen to integrate CST's expertise in new generation passports, voted 'Best Passport of 2023'.
French seduction and fundraising operation
But as is often the case, no one is a prophet in his own country. Crime Science Technology generates 95% of its turnover from exports, and its clients include well-known organizations such as the FBI and Scotland Yard.
“Despite the approaches, we do not work with the French administration,” regrets the founder, who does not lose hope after his direct contacts with the President of the Republic during this trip to Davos.
Convinced of its revolutionary approach, Quadra, which has, in addition to its offices in Lille, a production unit in Yvelines, is charting its course. Although he prefers to keep his sales a secret, today Cosimo Brett has 16 employees, many of whom come from the prestigious Université Paris-Saclay. A workforce that is planned to double by the end of 2024.
The first half will also be marked by the conclusion of the “major fundraising operation” entrusted to the Rothschilds. So far, with the support of Bpifrance, as well as from the regional funds of Hauts-de-France, Finovam, FIRA and Nord France Amorchage, it is now considering “unlocking capital for French state funds”. It's a way to “give back to the country what it gave me,” believes Cosimo Preti, “the son of Italian immigrants who gave everything to provide an education for their son.”
This new phase will allow it above all to continue its acceleration at the international level, expanding its production capacities – at the end of a multi-million euro investment – and handing them over to central banks. Its next challenge is the security of banknotes. And perhaps it will finally tempt French decision-makers, although it is reaping rewards in the country: BPI France Excellence brand, winner of French Tech Scale Up Excellence, Innovation Champion from Team France Export (Business France), French Tech International Company Award, Grand Prix Jury CCI International. All he needs is a contract of trust with France.
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