Iris recognition tech to transform biometrics market

Biometrics is the science of using automated methods of identifying or authenticating the identity of a living person based on physiological or behavioural characteristics. As per India Biometrics Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2020, the biometrics market in India is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of over 35 per cent till 2020. 

Tamaal Roy, the CEO of Biomatiques Identification Solutions tells us, “The growth of this market is anticipated on account of increasing use of various biometric products in government and Banking, Financial services and Insurance (BFSI) sectors across the country. Increasing use in corporate houses, schools and industries for time and attendance monitoring, coupled with rising demand from IT/ITeS to authenticate access to confidential data, are other factors that are expected to propel market growth over the next five years.”

Iris scanning technology is gradually gaining ground over the various systems prevailing in the biometric identification industry today including voice, fingerprint, facial recognition, retina, gait and palm. Talking about the USP of iris scanners, Roy says, “Unlike retina scanning, iris recognition uses camera technology with subtle infrared illumination to acquire images of the detail-rich, intricate structures of the iris and random textures visible in the eye, using the eye to confirm someone’s identity. In comparison to existing technologies, iris recognition is far more accurate. Application wise, it has tremendous scope in fields like healthcare, education, time keeping, BFSI sector and utility centres, data and research centres, automobiles, medical and biotechnology, airport and border security among others.” 

The Surat-based company’s business operations which are in line with the Make in India initiative finds them collaborating on key projects with the Government as well. Roy explains, “We have also bagged the largest order in India for 40,000 iris scanners from the Govt of Andhra Pradesh which can be used in various schemes. Iris recognition as an authentication system has wide application in government services like Public Distribution System (PDS), Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), pension and NREGA schemes which could be used for verifying individuals. The technology has already been implemented in 12 districts of Telangana.” 

The company has trained its focus on South India now, as Roy reveals, “The maximum number of Aadhar enrolments have been done in this region and some governments have also initiated various Aadhar-enabled projects like food distribution, pension schemes and education. Many administrations are taking efforts in lining up such initiatives. We will shortly set up our service centre in the region with dedicated local team to cater to the market. We are also planning an assembly unit down south looking at the huge scope that we foresee in the region.”