Switzerland-based biometric and digital ID developer TECH5 is channeling its expertise in European digital identity to drive innovation in the Global South. TECH5 had great success with creating national identity infrastructure throughout the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Now, they’re continuing their innovation as a development force behind the decentralized identity solutions that will empower individuals to securely and privately control their credentials. The company's alignment with European regulations and the EU Digital Identity (EUDI) Wallet positions it as a key player in shaping the next generation of digital public infrastructure (DPI) worldwide.

Decentralized Identity for Individual Empowerment

TECH5’s core business had historically lay in the building of national identity infrastructure. The company has disrupted itself by bringing to market a new decentralized identity solution. This even extends to allowing individuals to secure and control their identity credentials without the ability of others to place or secure them.

TECH5's CEO and Co-founder, Machiel Van der Harst, and Chief Revenue Officer, Ameya Bhagwat, are spearheading the company's efforts to expand its reach and impact. TECH5 is constructing such infrastructure in complete accordance with European regulations. By partnering with the EUDI Wallet, we join a collective effort to prepare our solutions to adhere to the highest standards of security and interoperability.

Real-World Applications and Collaborations

TECH5 is particularly engaged with those projects that best illustrate the practical applications for its technology. In Ethiopia, TECH5 is collaborating – as they are with Visa – to provide state of the art technology. Together, they’re powering the issuance of bank credentials and virtual cards via a digital wallet called FaydaPass.

In Honduras, TECH5 has adopted this decentralized DPI approach. These companies — entrants and incumbents alike— are living the business imperative to deliver the technology needed to create robust digital ID programs that enable individuals to manage their own identities. These initiatives underscore TECH5’s ingenuity in adapting its technology to a myriad of contexts and addressing local needs.

Insights from European Pilots and Future Vision

TECH5 has participated in large-scale pilots in Europe for the EUDI Wallet, gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of implementing digital identity solutions. In Europe, the authorities are continuing to test substantial use cases for the EUDI Wallet. Large-Scale Pilots (LSPs) require deep engagement by governments, airports, universities and industry that’s truly change-oriented and collaborative.

"There's a lot of work being done in large-scale pilots in Europe," - Machiel Van der Harst

Ameya Bhagwat national digital identity credentials easily become a kickstarter for establishing basic digital infrastructure. With these ongoing changes to the system, TECH5 wants to help lead the evolution. In order to be successful, all players and participants in this ecosystem must operate under a sustainable business practice.

"From a government point of view, I think what they want is a way to generate revenue so that they do not have to rely on external funding sources and at the same time, build use cases that utilize the core ID of that nation as a trust anchor," - Ameya Bhagwat

"Once you start building that ecosystem, the participating parties realize very quickly the enormous potential it has in terms of new services," - Ameya Bhagwat

"This is not just a question of technology," - Machiel Van der Harst