Intel acquires IDesia’s heartbeat biometrics technology

Intel Corporation has acquired IDesia Biometrics, an Israeli-based medical device firm, according to the Israel-based business publication Globes. The firm has 14 employees, 10 of which are based in Israel.

IDesia Biometrics was acquired by Intel’s Perceptual Computing Division, which is coordinated by Intel VP and Israel president Mooly Eden. Although there is no telling what Intel will do with Idesia’s technology, the division has always worked on improving user experience in electronic products.

The story in Globes notes that IDesia “develops heart-based biometric technology that allows personal computers, mobile phones and gadgets to personally recognize heartbeats.”

Dr. Daniel Lange, one of the founders of IDesia, said that: “identification on the basis of heartbeat is not a biometric measurement recognized by any government body.”

The firm’s heartbeat-based biometric technology uses an electrical signal generated by the heartbeat to create an “electro biodynamic signature” that is unique to every individual. To recognize heartbeats, all it takes is a contact between the finger of the person being checked and a small metal sensor. The technology can be used in airports and border crossings, as well as electronic devices such as personal computers, mobile phones and gadgets.

The firm had raised $7 million from Partech International and Aladdin Knowledge Systems, now a unit of SafeNet. Globes also noted that IDesia Chairman Gidi Barak had previously sold two other companies to Intel: Envara in 2004 for $40 million and DSP Communications in 1999 for $1.6 billion.

Despite these previous sales, Dr. Lange was reluctant about the acquisition. Dr. Lange, now serving as consultant to Intel, said: “I would be happier if the company had not had to be sold because in my opinion it has great potential. But as an entrepreneur, the most important thing is that the technology will be brought to market, and it looks like Intel is the company that can ensure that.”

He added: “I think that the main investors in the company are satisfied with the deal. It’s not the exit of the century but it might reward all those involved by more in the future.”

Article Topics

biometrics  |  healthcare  |  Intel  |  mobile  |  Recognition