Traditional trading cards become interactive with a simple touch

One of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, Giochi Preziosi Group, has announced its collaboration with Printechnologics, using their unique Touchcode technology to be launched this spring.
The license agreement, which is exclusive to gaming and toys in Europe, will allow Giochi Preziosi to use Touchcode to transform traditional trading cards to contain a digital and interactive element.
Giochi Preziosi, the Italian based toy company, will create an application for one of its most popular toy properties Gormiti, with Touchcode incorporated into the corresponding trading cards. The invisible data code allows gamers to bring characters to life and access specially created content when the card is placed on a multi-touch screen device, such as a smartphone or tablet.
Dario Berté, CEO of the Giochi Preziosi Group, said about the partnership: “We chose Touchcode because we are impressed with the seamless connection Touchcode makes between paper and digital content. We are now able to enhance traditional games by adding digital features, pushing our products to the next level.”
German-based Printechnologics is working alongside the Italian company to re-launch some of its most popular brands.
Sascha Voigt, CEO of Printechnologics, said: “We are proud of Giochi Preziosi’ decision to integrate our Touchcode technology into their wide portfolio of well-known toys and brands, it is in line with our vision to further the evolution of paper products and drives us to continue working on ground-breaking technologies.”
In what marks the beginning of a number of Touchcode incorporated products, Giochi Preziosi cements its status as a leader in the Italian toy market, showcasing its dynamic business philosophy and creativity by working with innovative technology developer Printechnologics.

HOW TOUCHCODE WORKS

Touchcode is an invisible, printed data code that establishes a connection between paper products to digital content. Comparable to a key it unlocks correlating content by referring to a website or application directly after it is placed on the display of a multi-touch screen device. There is no need for a camera, a Near Field communication device or hardware modifications.
Touchcode technology is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible.
The IP-protected technology is low cost and can be printed on nearly any surface including paper, plastic or foil.

ABOUT PRINTECHNOLOGICS

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer of printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer.
Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, a printed data code - mid 2011. Printechnologics ensures nearly every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, please visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.com.


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Chemnitz-based company beats competitors from U.S. powerhouse of ideas

Chemnitz – 07. November 2012 – Touchcode, the printed data tag by technology developer Printechnologics, has been recognized as “Best Technology Innovation in Mobile” at the Silicon Valley Conference in Santa Clara, California. Bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs and visionary leaders from the Silicon Valley and the world, the conference and award were initiated to celebrate the technology revolution the epicenter of innovation has created in the past 30 years. In order to promote the spirit of Silicon Valley – “Technology, Innovations and Entrepreneurship” – the Silicon Valley Award honors innovative technologies, products and services. This year, German company Printechnologics convinced the award jury with its cutting-edge Touchcode technology, thereby prevailing against a tough competition of innovative companies. This is the second award Printechnologics received within three weeks as the company has been honored with the prestigious Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award.
In addition to receiving the Silicon Valley Award, Touchcode’s large potential has also been recognized by juries outside the U.S.: On November 5, Printechnologics was honored as a finalist of the “SESAMES Award”. The award is traditionally being announced on the evening before CARTES, the world’s leading technology event for security, payment, identification and mobility, officially opens. The “SESAMES” prize represents an unrivalled seal of approval and is regarded as the global standard for card manufactures and related industries. In each of the ten categories including smart cards, digital security, identification and contactless technologies, a panel of independent judges chose a winner as well as two or three finalists based on the innovative nature of the submitted project, its market opportunities, and the quality of argument. In the category “Mobility” Printechnologics has been recognized as one of two finalists.
The award-winning Touchcode, an invisible data code, can be printed on nearly any printable material, seamlessly links printed products and digital content. Thereby, Touchcode enables enterprises to develop new, cutting-edge forms of communication, business models, and applications. Since the code is printed invisibly on paper, packages or foil, Touchcode is nearly tamperproof, making it the perfect solution for items requiring a quick and easy authentication, such as branded products or tickets. In order to read the data tag, a smartphone, tablet or information display with a common multi-touch screen is sufficient: after placing Touchcode on the display, the code unlocks the correlating content in the referring mobile app or website – similar to a key. Immediately, the content will be displayed on the user’s device. In addition to Touchcode’s wide range of applications, the data code’s low production costs are an additional benefit.
“We take pride in being recognized as winner of the Silicon Valley Award despite the tough competition from innovative companies from the most popular powerhouse of innovation”, explains Sasha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics. “This award and the recognition as finalist at the ‘SESAMES Award’, which represents an unrivalled seal of approval for excellence in the development of innovative technologies, highlights – once more – the ingenuity and potential of our technology and company.”
About Printechnologics
Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer of printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, a printed data tag – mid 2011. Touchcode technology can be integrated into almost any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible.
Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures nearly every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, please visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.com.
Media Only Contact:
Tanja Schürmann, Edelman (Germany)
Tel.: +49 (89) 413 01 709, Email: tanja.schuermann@edelman.com

Touchcode Technology prevails against 536 award entries at Wall Street Journal`s 2012 Technology Innovation Awards

Chemnitz, Germany – October 19, 2012 – On October 15, Touchcode was awarded with the renowned Wall Street Journal’s Technology Innovation Awards, which honors outstanding technological breakthroughs and innovations. The cutting-edge technology by the Germany based company Printechnologics is the “Gold Winner” of this year’s awards, being considered the most innovative solution by America’s largest newspaper. Moreover, Touchcode won the “Wireless” category for enabling a seamless connection between off- and online content. For the first time in the entire history of the awards a German company was recognized as “Gold Winner”.

Scott D. Anthony, Managing Director of Innosight Ventures and one of the jury members was quoted by Wall Street Journal as saying that innovation “used to be isolated to pockets like Silicon Valley or a very small number of operating companies. Today, innovation can come from anywhere.”

In total, the Wall Street Journal received 536 applications by international organizations and innovative start-ups from more than two dozen countries. After a first review by a team of editors, 172 preselected applications were carefully examined by an independent panel of judges which chose the winners and runners-up. The Technology Innovation Awards honor innovations which break with conventional processes, go beyond marginal improvements of existing technologies and are considered to have a broad impact.

This year, the invisible printed data tag Touchcode, which seamlessly links printed products and digital content, fully convinced the jury. The technology enables publishers as well as consumer-product companies or event promoters to include invisible codes on printed items that can be read instantly on smartphones, tablets or information displays. There is just one requirement: the device must have a capacitive touchscreen. After placing the Touchcode embedded product on the display, the code unlocks the correlating content in a mobile app or on a special website – similar to a key. Subsequently, the device automatically displays the correlating content like videos, games, recipes or any other digital feature.

The simplicity of the new technology impressed the independent panel of judges from venture-capital firms, universities and organizations in particular. Wall Street Journal quoted Technology Innovations Awards judge William Webb, chief technology officer of the UK start-up Neul, as saying: “It does look very novel. Much simpler than using a camera.”

“We are very proud that the Innovation Technology Awards jury has honored Touchcode as ‘Gold Winner’. This award is one of the most important and prestigious prizes for innovative technologies and proves once more the great potential the Touchcode technology offers. Moreover, it encourages us that we are on the right track with our point of view to further the evolution of printed paper,” says Sascha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics.

About Printechnologics
Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer of printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, a printed data tag – mid 2011. Touchcode technology can be integrated into almost any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible.

Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures nearly every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, please visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.com.


Media Only Contact:
Tanja Schürmann, Edelman (Germany)
Tel.: +49 (89) 413 01 709, Email: tanja.schuermann@edelman.com

Readers of German soccer magazine “kicker” get iPad Version for special conditions thanks to Printechnologics` innovative Touchcode

Chemnitz, Germany – 09. August 2012 – This Thursday, 9th August, the kicker special edition named “Bundesliga” will be released including a bonus card with an embedded Touchcode. By offering this bonus card, readers get immediately access to an exclusive price for the iPad version of the magazine. Therefore readers just open their kicker iPad app, available in app store for free, choose “kiosk” and place the card on the screen. Immediately the app recognizes the bonus card and offers access to download the magazine special for the iPad for € 1, 59. Additionally readers are able to save € 10 in kicker`s Online Shop. The iPad magazine will have a free Update by the end of January 2013. Toni Schnell, publishing director at the German publishing house Olympia, stated: “Touchcode opens up a wide range of innovative application areas to combine printed media and digital content in an intuitive way.” “We are very pleased about Olympia`s decision to use Touchcode for their promotional purposes” added Sascha Voigt, CEO at Printechnologics. “This project proves once again Touchcode`s potential to enhance printed media with digital content. We are looking forward to upcoming projects, especially to the next one realized with Olympia expected early September.” With Touchcode, the publishing house is able to offer their readers a fully new experience as well as to combine off- and online seamlessly. Touchcode is an invisible electronic code printed on paper, cardboard, labels or films. Integrated in an app or website, the technology acts as a key, unlocking exclusive digital content. In order to activate the data, a user simply needs a touch screen smartphone or tablet and the app corresponding to the printed material. Placing Touchcode – in this case hidden in a bonus card – on the device’s screen will automatically trigger the device to access and play the correlating content. There is no need for a camera, a Near Field Communication device or hardware modifications – just a regular touch screen device and a Touchcode-imprinted document. Click here to see a short video illustrating the process.

About Olympia publishing house:

Sport, leisure and recreation are the world of the Olympia Verlag. The company’s best-known brand is the kicker sports magazine, with over 90 years of publishing history to look back on.  With the company's www.kicker.de website and its mobile applications, the kicker brand is the market leader in football and sports coverage in Germany, with over 5.5 million readers and users per week. For more information, visit www.olympia-verlag.de or www.kicker.de

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer in printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, an electronic data tag – in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible. Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.de.

 

Company honored with three prestigious European AutoID-Award and Printed Electronics awards in one month

Chemnitz, Germany – April 25, 2012 – Printechnologics, the leading technology developer for printed functionalities, today announced that it has received the distinguished European AutoID-Award 2012. This is the third in a series of prestigious honors recently awarded to Printechnologics’ Touchcode technology. Earlier this month, the company also received the Best Commercialization Award for Touchcode, as well as the Best in Show Award for its eye-catching booth at Printed Electronics Europe, the leading conference and tradeshow for printed electronics throughout Europe.

“The European AutoID-Award acknowledges technical innovations from a holistic point of view – examining the originality, economic efficiency and consistency of the development process,” said Sascha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics. “We’re especially proud of this recognition, in addition to the Best Commercialization and Best in Show awards received at Printed Electronics Europe, which demonstrates our ability to quickly and successfully bring innovative technology to market and affirms Touchcode’s potential to revolutionize the way consumers interact with printed materials.”

These awards follow recognition of Printechnologics in 2011 with Printed Electronics’ Best Product Development Award for the launch of Touchcode, for successfully translating an idea into reality in just one year.

Printechnologics’ Touchcode is an electronic data tag that enables companies and brands to establish a direct link between online and offline communications for the first time, thus paving the way for absolutely new forms of communication, business models and applications. Touchcode can easily be handled to prove the authenticity features of brand-name products in a fast and secure way. Another advantage of this technology is its simplicity to manufacture. During the development process, Printechnologics focused on methods that do not require special machines or materials; Touchcode can be printed on nearly any surface and is fully recyclable.

Today is opening day of the EURO ID 2012 trade fair, which showcases development and optimization of new technologies that represent a driving force of innovation in future markets. This year, the European AutoID-Award was awarded by the Association of Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM) and Informa Business Communication in the categories RFID, Optical Identification, Secure Identity and Innovative Enterprise, for the seventh time. EURO ID, the international trade fair for automatic identification, is one of the best-known and most important platforms for AutoID experts in Europe.

More on Touchcode

Touchcode is an invisible electronic data tag that can be printed on nearly any surface – including paper, carton or foil – to establish a link between online and offline communications. In order to activate the data, a user simply needs a touchscreen smartphone or tablet and the app that correlates with the printed material. Placing the document – in this case, a card – on the device’s screen will automatically trigger the device to access and play the coordinating content. There is no need for a camera, a Near Field Communication device or hardware modifications – just a regular touchscreen device and a Touchcode-imprinted document. Click here to see a short video illustrating the process.

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer in printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, an electronic data tag – in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible. Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.de.

Media Only Contact:

Gina Jacobs, Edelman
Tel.: +1 916-288-0598
Email: gina.jacobs(at)edelman.com

Chemnitz-based company awarded with “Best Commercialization” and “Best in Show” Awards

Chemnitz, Germany – April 11, 2012 – Printechnologics, today’s leading technology developer of printed functionalities, announced today that it won the Best Commercialization Award for its feature product, Touchcode, as well as the Best in Show Award for its eye catching booth at Printed Electronics Europe, Europe`s leading conference and tradeshow for printed electronics. The awards were presented at the Printed Electronics Awards Dinner on April 3.

In 2011, Printechnologics already received the Best Product Development Award for the launch of its invisible, electronic data tag Touchcode by IDTechEX. Just one year after the new technology convinced the jury with its market potential, the second award honors its actual commercial success – a development speaking for itself and emphasizing the success strategy of Sascha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics. In the context of Printed Electronics Europe 2012, he illustrated the successful market launch of a new product by delivering a keynote on April 3 with the title „Commercialisation Strategies and Success“.

An independent panel of judges selected Printechnologics’ Touchcode based on the number of products sold and the generated revenues.

Printechnologics attributes the Best Commercialization Award to two signature projects. The first one introduced a new dimension to the publishing sector by linking print and online services seamlessly and intuitively. A recent print edition of ICON magazine, which was released as a special supplement of WELT am SONNTAG, a German national Sunday newspaper, featured a Touchcode-imprinted card. By placing this card on an iPad, users were instantly able to enjoy a free issue of the ICON’s digital counterpart, “The ICONIST.” Printechnologics was also recognized for introducing a new level of interactivity to soccer trading cards. In Israel, iSupergol - leading sticker album for soccer players - integrated Touchcode so fans could instantly access enhanced content about their favorite Israeli players by holding the card to their device’s screen.

“We’re ecstatic that the jury honored Printechnologics the second time in a row – and even with two awards,” said Sascha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics. “It acknowledges our great commitment to make Touchcode progress from an innovative technology to a strong commercial product. But this is just the beginning – Touchcode has already changed the way consumers interact with printed materials and will continue to provide remarkable commercial projects in the future.”

Printechnologics did not only convince with the commercial success of Touchcode, its booth was voted by attendees of the Printed Electronics Europe as the most impressive and outstanding presence in the hall. With flyers, demos and videos, Printechnologics attracted and informed a large number of visitors about the innovative technology. The invisible printed data tag convinced industry experts, developers, printers and publishing houses alike, including such positive feedbacks as being “the only feature of the trade fair which can be directly integrated into a product”.

More on Touchcode

Touchcode is an invisible electronic data tag that can be printed on nearly any surface – including paper, carton or foil – to establish a link between online and offline communications. In order to activate the data, a user simply needs a touchscreen smartphone or tablet and the app that correlates with the printed material. Placing the document – in this case, a card – on the device’s screen will automatically trigger the device to access and play the coordinating content. There is no need for a camera, a Near Field Communication device or hardware modifications – just a regular touchscreen device and a Touchcode-imprinted document. Click here to see a short video illustrating the process.

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer in printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, an electronic data tag – in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible. Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.de.

Media Only Contact:

Gina Jacobs, Edelman
Tel.: +1 916-288-0598
Email: gina.jacobs(at)edelman.com

Monsterology and Animal Planet: Touchcode paves the way for the next generation of app-cessories

Chemnitz, Germany – April 3, 2012 – Printechnologics, today’s leading technology developer for printed functionalities, announced the successful integration of its Touchcode technology with Nukotoys’ new line of collectible cards. Two series of interactive cards, titled Monsterology and Animal Planet: Wildlands, will be released in the U.S. early this summer. These intuitive playing cards are ahead of the curve, as toy trend expert Adrienne Appell of The Toy Industry Association recently said, “Among the biggest trends in toys this year are app-cessories,” toys that merge digital and physical experiences. Touchcode technology was instrumental in bringing these cards to market, fueling the standout, interactive elements.

 

“Monsterology and Animal Planet: Wildlands offer an unprecedented gaming and learning experience for kids that push the boundaries of discovery and fun,” said Sascha Voigt, CEO at Printechnologics. “We’re very proud to introduce next-generation, Touchcode-enabled playing cards that merge the physical and virtual worlds of game play.”

Prototypes of both card series were recently demoed at the 2012 Toy Fair in New York, where they garnered attention from several retailers and members of the press. Following the unveiling, ToysBulletin.com said the Touchcode-enabled cards “promise to revolutionize current standards. For kids ages three to ten, this is the most amazing interactive experience they could ask for.” Additionally, the cards won Parenting Magazine’s “Best in Play Toy Fair 2012.”

The Monsterology card series is based on the New York Times-bestselling Ology books. Users can still collect, trade and play with the playing cards as they’ve always done, but now Touchcode actually brings the pictured creatures to life on iPads. By simply opening the Monsterology app and placing a card on the display, users activate a turn-based strategy game where kids can virtually collect, train, trade and play with 3D mythological creatures such as unicorns, cyclops and sea serpents.

Nukotoys’ Animal Planet: Wildlands card series is a collection of 50 exotic animals that will inspire children to learn more about wildlife. Touchcode enables users to instantly interact with lifelike, 3D representations of their favorite animals in a virtual savannah. Kids can simply open the app and place a card on the display to access exclusive videos, photos and information about the behavior and habitat of the pictured animal.

 

More on Touchcode

Touchcode is an invisible electronic data tag that can be printed on nearly any surface – including paper, carton or foil – to establish a link between online and offline communications. In order to activate the data, a user simply needs a multitouch screen smartphone or tablet and the app that correlates with the printed material. Placing the document – in this case, a playing card – on the device’s screen will automatically trigger the device to access and play the coordinating content. There is no need for a camera, a Near Field Communication device or hardware modifications – just a regular touchscreen device and a Touchcode-imprinted document. Click here to see a short video illustrating the process.

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer in printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, an electronic data tag – in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible.

 

Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.de.

Media Only Contact:

Gina Jacobs, Edelman
Tel.: +1 916-288-0598
Email: gina.jacobs(at)edelman.com

Touchcode: the low-cost data tag solution that transforms paper into digital media

Chemnitz, Germany – March 26, 2012 – Printechnologics, the leading technology developer of printed functionalities, will demonstrate its unique Touchcode data tag at Printed Electronics Europe 2012 on April 3 - 4 in Berlin, Germany. Now in its eighth year, Printed Electronics is Europe's leading event on printed, organic and flexible electronics. “Without doubt, printed electronics is a rapid-growing segment with enormous market potential,” said Sascha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics. “Printed Electronics Europe plays a pioneering role in the adoption of this technology since it gives companies a platform to introduce sophisticated solutions. We look forward to discussing how Touchcode transforms paper into digital media and opens up countless application possibilities.” Conference attendees are encouraged to stop by Printechnologics’ booth (E112/D112) to see how Touchcode can be seamlessly integrated into printed products. In addition to showcasing a wide array of Touchcode applications, Printechnologics has also developed a Touchcode Web app that show attendees can use with their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. This app allows users to experience Touchcode first hand and is a strong example of a fluid integration with an existing website. Touchcode is an invisible, environmentally friendly technology that makes it easy to link multitouch smartphones and tablets with printed materials, unlocking a host of entertainment, safety and information opportunities (click here to see a video outlining several implementation opportunities). When consumers simply place a printed product with the embedded data tag on the screen of their device, an app or website instantly opens up correlating digital content such as videos, photos and more. Touchcode can also be used to validate the authenticity of a ticket or a packaged product. Unlike RFID tags or QR codes, Touchcode does not require a special reading device, camera or hardware modification. Any mobile device with a multitouch screen and the appropriate app can easily read a Touchcode tag. Customers can implement the recyclable electronic tag using standard commercial printing processes for a very low cost per item. Several global customers have already effectively implemented Touchcode into their products and services. For example, in Germany, a recent print edition of ICON magazine was released as a special supplement of WELT am SONNTAG (World on Sunday) with a card equipped with an electronic data tag developed by Printechnologics. By placing the card on an iPad, users were instantly able to enjoy a free digital issue of the iPad magazine “The ICONIST.” In Israel, Printechnologics created a new form of interactivity for soccer trading cards by iSupergol. Thanks to integrated data codes, Israeli soccer fans can access additional information or videos on their smartphones by placing the trading cards with their favorite soccer players on the device’s screen.

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer of printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, an electronic data tag – in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible. Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.de.

Media Only Contact:

Gina Jacobs, Edelman
Tel.: +1 916-288-0598
Email: gina.jacobs(at)edelman.com

Touchcode is a low-cost solution which links printed paper with multi-touch smartphones and tablets

Chemnitz, Germany – February 21, 2012 – Printechnologics, today’s leading technology developer for printed functionalities, will be demonstrating its unique Touchcode data tag at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain in Hall 1.0 Booth 1J37. Touchcode makes it easy to link multi-touch smartphones and tablets with printed materials, unlocking a host of entertainment, safety and information opportunities. Consumers simply place a printed product with the embedded data tag on the screen of their device. Then an app or website can instantly open up content, such as videos, websites, photos and more. Touchcode tags can even be used to validate the authenticity of a ticket or a packaged product. Unlike RFID tags or QR codes, Touchcode does not require a special reading device, camera or hardware modification. Any mobile device with a capacitive touchscreen and the appropriate app or web app can easily read a Touchcode tag. Customers can implement the recyclable electronic tag using standard commercial printing processes for a very low cost per item. “Touchcode is different because you simply hold the printed product up to your smartphone or tablet – no camera or special reader is required,” said Sascha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics. “Touchcode combines the low-cost of a QR code with the security benefits of an RFID tag, and Touchcode is recyclable.” Printechnologics will offer visitors an opportunity to experience this intuitive technology first hand in its booth at Mobile World Congress. The Chemnitz, Germany-based company has developed a demo flyer which contains a Touchcode card. The embedded data tag in the Touchcode card links to a web app developed for all Apple iOS devices. Visitors can open the web app, place the Touchcode-enabled card on their iPhone, iPod touch or iPad and exclusive content will quickly be downloaded and displayed on the screen. Touchcode has been used around the globe for a range of applications. In Germany, the October 2011 print edition of ICON magazine was released as a special supplement of WELT am SONNTAG (World on Sunday) with a card equipped with an electronic data tag developed by Printechnologics. By placing the card on an iPad, users were instantly able to enjoy a free digital issue of the iPad magazine “The ICONIST.” In Israel, Printechnologics created a new form of interactivity for soccer trading cards by iSupergol. Thanks to integrated data codes, Israeli soccer fans can access additional information or videos on their smartphones by placing the trading cards with their favorite soccer players on the device’s screen. Printechnologics will demo Touchcode at Mobile World Congress in Hall 1.0, Booth 1J37. Key executives are available for press interviews or sales briefings.

More on Touchcode

Touchcode is an invisible electronic date tag that can be printed on nearly any surface – including paper, carton or foil – to establish a link between online and offline communications. In order to activate the data, a user simply needs a multi-touchsmartphone or tablet and an app or web app that correlates with the printed material. Placing the document on the device’s screen will automatically trigger the device to access and play the coordinating content. There is no need for a camera, a Near Field Communication device or hardware modifications – just a regular touchscreen device and a Touchcode-imprinted document. Click here to see a short video illustrating the process.

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer in printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product – Touchcode, an electronic data tag – in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible.

Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.de.

Media Only Contact:

Brian Kemp, Edelman
Tel.: +1 650-762-2844
Email: brian.kemp(at)edelman.com

Touchcode technology enables Israeli iSupergol fans to create virtual dream teams of their favorite soccer players

Chemnitz, Germany – February 08, 2012 – Printechnologics, today’s leading technology developer for printed functionalities, announced the successful integration of its Touchcode technology with the newly launched booster pack of iSupergol football stickers, created in collaboration with PMI, the largest distributor of stickers and trading cards in Israel, and Cartamundi, the worldwide playing card leader. The iSupergol collection of stickers and trading cards, especially popular among Israeli children and teenagers, depicts players from Israeli soccer teams. The cards are imprinted with Printechnologic’s Touchcode technology, which electronically connects the card to correlating digital content that can be activated using an iPhone. By simply opening the free iSupergol app and placing a card on the display, collectors and soccer fans can instantly access videos specific to the pictured player or his team, along with exclusive games. Users can also build a virtual dream team of their favorite players. “Touchcode is a fascinating solution for connecting gaming cards with the virtual world and offers an unprecedented experience for the collector,” said Steven Schoenmaekers, Cartamundi’s key account manager of special projects. “The team overseeing this project at Cartamundi was immediately impressed by this technology. Thanks to excellent cooperation, the iSupergol cards were developed in no time. Just recently, there was only a demo version available – now the cards are on the market. The success in Israel speaks for itself.”
The Touchcode-imprinted iSupergol collection – which Cartamundi prints in Turnhout, Belgium –came to market in November. Within five days of launch, the iSupergol app was downloaded more than 22,000 times and become the No. 1 app in Apple Israel’s “Kids Game” section. “We are pleased with our partnership with PMI and Cartamundi,” said Sascha Voigt, CEO at Printechnologics. “Touchcode introduces a new form of interactivity to playing cards and features innovative technology. The future holds a wide range of possible applications for Touchcode – we are already planning the next project with PMI.”

Printechnologics launches new brand appearance

Chemnitz, Germany October 27, 2011 - Printechnologics, the leading technology developer in printed functionalities, announces the launch of its new brand appearance. Core elements include a new logo as well as a completely redesigned Internet presence. Printechnologics new websites are live as of today, providing a global platform for the company’s innovative product portfolio. Printechnologics uses conventional printing methods to create electronic systems that can be printed on paper, carton or foil. One of its first commercial products - available today - is Touchcode, embedded data memory that can be printed on any printable material. Touchcode is the key to digital content – the new communications standard bridging the offline and online worlds. In order to activate data, a multi-touch device - like today’s popular smartphones and tablets - is required. Touchcode has a wide application range, including safety and security. For example, Touchcode can replace holograms by offering safety features with printed functionalities. Additionally, it can be employed as a progressive advertising medium thanks to its ability to connect with the Internet. In logistics, it allows for a fast authentication. Other groundbreaking application areas include micropayment, gaming and ticketing. Printechnologics’ innovative portfolio will continue to expand through pioneering patents, such as new payment systems. “We’re developing future-oriented technologies - with the new brand appearance our technological leadership is also emphasized visually,” explains Sascha Voigt, founder and CEO of Printechnologics.

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer in printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product -Touchcode, an electronic data storage method - in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible.

Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com and www.touchcode.de.

Contact:

Brian Kemp, Edelman
Tel.: +1 (650) 762-2844
Email: brian.kemp@edelman.com

WELT am SONNTAG readers can download a free issue of The ICONIST for the iPad via embedded electronic tags

Chemnitz, Germany October 27, 2011 - Printechnologics announced today that the WELT Group is the first publisher to use its Touchcode technology, linking the sixth edition of its iPad magazine The ICONIST with the style magazine ICON. On October 23, the new edition of ICON was released as a special supplement of WELT am SONNTAG (World on Sunday) that contained a card equipped with electronic data tags developed by Printechnologics. By placing the card on an iPad, a user is instantly able to enjoy the latest issue of The ICONIST. It takes a fraction of a second to activate Touchcode and start downloading the reading content, offering a completely new experience for the reader. This combination of traditional and new media convinced Audi to become the official advertising partner for the sixth edition of The ICONIST, presenting its new Audi Q3 in the digital edition. Touchcode can be described as invisible data storage from a printing press. Printechnologics uses conventional printing methods to transform paper, carton or foil into a key to digital content - Touchcode essentially establishes a link between offline and online communications using invisible data tags. Companies can easily combine Touchcode technology with existing apps or Web apps. In order to activate the data, a touch-screen smartphone or tablet is required. The user then opens the app or the Web app on their device and places the printed material with the embedded Touchcode on the surface. The smartphone or tablet will recognize the data automatically, upload the coordinating content and display it directly on the screen. In this example, it’s a free issue of The ICONIST, which can be read instantly. There is absolutely no need for a camera, special Near Field Communication device or hardware modification - just use a regular touch-screen device. By executing this project for the WELT Group, Axel Springer AG is the first multimedia company to implement Touchcode technology to link print and online services intuitively. The ICONIST is the first magazine in the European market produced exclusively for the iPad and one of the first iPad-specific magazines in the world. Its purpose: to merge the intuitive reading experience of print media with the multimedia interactivity of the iPad. “The use of Touchcode is a fascinating experience and a great solution for establishing a link between the print edition ICON and our digital offerings like The ICONIST,” Inge Griese, editor-in-chief of ICON/The ICONIST, said. “Both brands stand for quality, innovation and that ‘certain something’ – besides fulfilling this commitment on the content level, we are now able to fulfill it on a technological level, too.” “With Touchcode, there isn’t a gap in the usage of print and digital media,” Carola Curio, advertising manager at Axel Springer Media Impact, said. “The world of printed materials is fitting seamlessly into the mobile world. Touchcode offers a unique experience – the WELT Group’s offering delighted advertisers like Audi, which supports this innovation project as an exclusive sponsor.” “We are pleased about the partnership with Axel Springer AG,” states Sascha Voigt, CEO at Printechnologics. “The completion of the project, as well as the decision to use Touchcode for the iPad app promotion of The ICONIST, shows how future-oriented the publishing company is. Once again, Touchcode has demonstrated its enormous functionality and leading technology.”

About Printechnologics

Printechnologics is today’s leading technology developer in printed functionalities, creating electronic systems produced entirely by a common printer. Printechnologics introduced its first commercially viable product –Touchcode, an electronic data storage method - in 2010. Touchcode technology can be integrated into any printable material, and is completely recyclable, invisible and flexible.

Furthering the evolution of printed paper, Printechnologics ensures every kind of printed product, from advertising leaflets to labels and forgery-proof packaging, is ready for the digital age. These first production products have the potential to inspire a series of inventions that will change everyday life. Printechnologics is a 3M New Venture Company since 2010. For more information, visit www.printechnologics.com oder www.touchcode.de.

Contact:

Brian Kemp, Edelman
Tel.: +1 (650) 762-2844
Email: brian.kemp@edelman.com

Huge success of innovative technology as marketing tool is scientifically confirmed

Chemnitz 12.04.2010. printechnologics GmbH, world-leading developer of electronic components for printing machines, is developing a new kind of marketing tool. The little cards are made of conventional paper and look like any other small paper cards. But these cards come with an invisible data chip printed directly onto the paper, at hardly any extra production cost. "A big advantage is the versatility of our data memory," said Sascha Voigt, director of printechnologics GmbH. "Our data memory can be invisibly integrated into almost any paper product, no matter what shape or size, and it cannot be copied." In addition,the new intelligent flyer remains non-toxic, recyclable and almost as affordable to produce."

SATURN, a specialist electronics shop in Chemnitz, was the first to use this technology as a sales promotion tool in a new kind of competition. "Customer response was huge," said director Mario Kessler from Chemnitz. "We were able to identify a distinct increase in customer frequency from this marketing exercise, and customers were excited by the brilliant idea". The competition tickets from Chemnitz-based printechnologics were distributed through various channels: at celebrations, placed in magazines, and given to customers making a purchase at the electronics shop.

Competitions like this are just the start of a whole range of new concepts in sales promotion. Another advantage of this new method is its measurability. "Now for the first time I can know with the push of a button where my advertising budget is best placed," continued Mario Kessler. "If the cards are distributed in magazines, the system automatically knows which card came from which magazine. That way, I have for the first time an exactly measurable newspaper advertisement." The success of this new sales promotion tool was also scientifically investigated in an accompanying study by the Department of Marketing and Business Management Studies at the TU in Chemnitz. "Simplicity in use, rapidity of the system and the fact of not having to register to participate were seen by customers as especially important and satisfying," said Prof. Cornelia Zanger.

After this impressive first application, Printechnologics GmbH are now planning an international rollout of the technology. "We already have concluded first contracts with international groups", says Sascha Voigt. "And of course it helps that our products can be produced world-wide in many locations."

About Printechnologics:

Printechnologics (new name, formerly Menippos GmbH) has transformed from a systems integrator into a technology developer. We are proud to present the first production ready and market proven fully printed identification system and a new type of easy-to-integrate printed battery. We offer innovative new features for marketing, publishing, toys, logistics, ticketing and counterfeit protection.

Our printed identification tag can be printed directly into the end product and offers the same features as a nearfield-RFID tag but at extreme low cost und environmentally friendly.

Our printed battery offers an innovative way of printing and integrating a power source with wide varieties of easy and product-friendly customization and integration.

New York Times Magazine 2009 - printed battery belongs to best 5 ideas

Since nine years in December the New York Times Magazine publishes a list of ideas from A to Z, the most clever, important, silly and just plain weird innovations from all corners of the thinking world. This year t the printed battery of Fraunhofer ENAS belongs to the best fi ve ideas in the technology area.

The printable battery can be produced cost-effectively on a large scale. It was developed by a research team of the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Electronic Nano Systems ENAS in Chemnitz together with colleagues from TU Chemnitz and Menippos GmbH. “Our goal is to be able to mass produce the batteries at a price of single digit cent range each,” states Dr. Andreas Willert, deputy department manager at ENAS. First time the printed batteries have been presented at the nanotech exhibition in Japan in the spring 2009. The battery weights less than one gram and is less than one millimeter thick. It is possible to print it in serial connections up to four batteries with voltages of 1.5 to 6 V depending of the connection. The batteries are environment-friendly because they do not contain mercury. This new generation of batteries can be applied for medicine products or printed media.

The new type of battery is composed of different layers: a zinc anode and a manganesedioxide cathode, among others. Zinc and manganesedioxide react with one another and produce electricity. However, the anode and the cathode layer dissipate gradually during this chemical process. Therefore, the battery is suitable for applications which have a limited life span or a limited power requirement, for instance greeting cards.