TruTag Technologies
TruTag Technologies manufactures microscopic, edible nano-porous silica barcodes for product authentication across pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, electronics, apparel, and cannabis, readable via smartphone apps or proprietary hyperspectral imagers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2011
- HeadquartersEmeryville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What TruTag Technologies does
TruTag Technologies, Inc. is a privately held Delaware corporation founded in 2011 and headquartered in Emeryville, California, with a cGMP-compliant nano-porous silica manufacturing facility in Kapolei, Hawaii. The company manufactures TruTags — microscopic (50–100 micron), edible, GRAS-designated silica particles whose engineered pore structures create unique spectral "barcodes" — and commercializes them as a product-authentication and supply-chain traceability platform spanning pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics, electronics, apparel, cannabis, and nutraceuticals.
Its technology stack combines precision nano-porous silica fabrication, proprietary handheld hyperspectral imaging (via the HinaLea Imaging subsidiary), a smartphone-based ML decoding application, and the Trunetix cloud analytics platform. The company monetizes through multi-year enterprise licensing with per-unit royalties (sub-penny per tablet), hardware sales of handheld imagers and the Model 4100 reader, SaaS-style analytics subscriptions, and professional services; a new SiCare Bio unit extends the underlying silica IP into targeted and extended-release drug delivery. Distribution is primarily enterprise-direct with material channel partnerships — most notably Colorcon (largest pharmaceutical coatings provider) via the SoteriaRx platform, Gerresheimer in cosmetics packaging, PwC Australia in food trust, and Sumitomo Corporation of Americas globally — augmented by regional distributors in China, Indonesia, and other Asian markets.
TruTag has raised approximately $24.2M to date from Pangaea Ventures, Happiness Capital, Crédit Mutuel Equity, WuXi PharmaTech, Presidio Ventures (Sumitomo), and State of Hawaii revenue bonds, and holds more than 15 patents with recognitions including WEF Technology Pioneer, R&D 100, Edison Gold, SPIE Prism, and Frost & Sullivan Technology Innovation awards.
TruTag Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- TruTag Technologies
- Legal name
- TruTag Technologies, Inc.
- Website
- https://trutags.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2011
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- TruTag Technologies manufactures microscopic, edible nano-porous silica barcodes for product authentication across pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, electronics, apparel, and cannabis, readable via smartphone apps or proprietary hyperspectral imagers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
TruTag Technologies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Product Authentication and Brand Protection
- NAICS
- Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)
- SIC
- Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Anti-Counterfeit & Track-and-Trace Packaging (Serialization, Security Features) (IMALAIAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Anti-Counterfeit & Authentication Packaging (Holograms, QR/NFC, Track-and-Trace) (IMALANAJ)
Keywords
Where TruTag Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Emeryville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
TruTag Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Product Identity Solutions - Licensing & Royalties: TruTag licenses its edible barcode technology (TruTags®) to pharmaceutical companies, food & beverage brands, cosmetics companies, and consumer goods manufacturers. Revenue generated from technology licensing, implementation fees, and per-unit royalties based on product volume.
- Hardware Sales - Readers & Scanners: Sale of proprietary handheld hyperspectral imagers (Model 4100, HinaLea cameras) and related scanning hardware for enterprise authentication needs.
- Platform/SaaS - Data Analytics & Cloud Services: Trunetix™ cloud platform provides analytics, product tracking, and supply chain verification services. Subscription or usage-based model for data storage, processing, and reporting.
- Professional Services - Implementation & Integration: Technical implementation services, integration with existing manufacturing processes, regulatory compliance support, and ongoing customer success programs.
- Drug Delivery - SiCare Bio: Precision nano-porous silica particles for pharmaceutical drug delivery applications including targeted delivery and extended-release formulations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Enterprise pharmaceutical licensing - per-unit based pricing |
| Subscription | Annual | Hardware - Reader/scanner purchases and subscriptions |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
TruTag Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
TruTag Technologies manufactures and licenses microscopic, edible nano-porous silica particles (TruTags) that serve as invisible spectral barcodes embedded directly into pharmaceuticals, food, consumer goods, cosmetics, electronics, and apparel for authentication and supply chain tracking. The company sells proprietary handheld hyperspectral imaging readers, a smartphone-based authentication app powered by machine learning, and the Trunetix cloud analytics platform, along with specialty products such as SecuriLam intelligent laminate and Truspect for clothing. Supporting offerings include the HinaLea Imaging hyperspectral imaging business and the SiCare Bio drug delivery platform.
Product overview
TruTag Technologies offers a digitization platform combining secure edible barcodes (TruTags) with consumer-friendly mobile apps to tag, track, and trace products. The core offering centers on TruTags - microscopic silica particles with engineered pore structures that serve as invisible, edible barcodes readable by mobile phones and proprietary hyperspectral imagers. The platform is supported by the TruTag Product Identity Platform, which integrates the Trunetix analytics system for supply chain tracking. Supporting products include HinaLea Imaging (hyperspectral imaging solutions), the Handheld Hyperspectral Imager and Model 4100 reader (hardware), mobile authentication apps, SecuriLam intelligent laminate (for labels/documents), Truspect (for clothing), and SiCare Bio (drug delivery). The technology addresses pharmaceutical, food, electronics, cosmetics, and consumer goods industries.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HinaLea Imaging: Hyperspectral imaging solutions business unit providing complete imaging solutions for inspection challenges, medical imaging, precision agriculture, and quality assurance of food and consumer goods.
- SecuriLam
- Truspect
- SiCare Bio
- TruTag Product Identity Platform
Products and services
- TruTags (Edible Nano-Porous Silica Barcodes) Microscopic edible silica particles that serve as invisible spectral barcodes embedded directly into pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, electronics, and consumer goods for authentication and supply chain tracking. Sold/licensed to enterprise manufacturers.
- TruTag Product Identity Platform Comprehensive enterprise product identity platform enabling tagging, tracking, and tracing of products throughout supply chains for authentication, patient compliance, and anti-counterfeiting applications.
- Trunetix Cloud Analytics System Cloud-based analytics and database platform that ingests product authentication data from readers and mobile apps to enable supply chain tracking, product security monitoring, and anti-counterfeiting intelligence.
- Handheld Hyperspectral Imager Battery-operated handheld hyperspectral imaging device capturing up to 600 spectral bands for product authentication. First fully autonomous, cloud-connected device delivering multi-megapixel images at 400 colors with real-time processing.
- Model 4100 Handheld Universal Reader Handheld universal detector device for secure product authentication across various enterprise applications including pharmaceuticals, food, and electronics.
- TruTag Mobile Authentication App Smartphone application that uses the camera with on-board machine learning and AI to detect and decode TruTag microparticles on products for instant authentication by consumers or supply chain participants.
- SecuriLam Intelligent Laminate World's first off-the-shelf intelligent laminate with TruTags pre-embedded into standard adhesive laminate film stock for supply chain security and traceability in label, document, and packaging applications.
- Truspect (Clothing Authentication Platform) Clothing and apparel authentication platform using spectrally-encoded microscopic particles covertly embedded onto garments through existing product finishes and sewn-in labels, authenticated via mobile phone app.
- SiCare Bio Drug Delivery Platform Drug delivery platform leveraging high-precision bio-compatible nanoporous silica (nPSi) for targeted-drug delivery via nanoparticles and extended-release drug delivery via microparticles, sold to the pharmaceutical industry.
- HinaLea Imaging Hyperspectral Imaging Solutions Hyperspectral imaging solutions for inspection challenges, medical imaging, precision agriculture, and quality assurance of food and consumer goods.
- SoteriaRx On-Dose Authentication On-dose authentication solution co-developed with Colorcon that incorporates TruTags into pharmaceutical film coatings to track medicines from plant to patient.
Quantifiable outcome
- 22% of all counterfeit goods seized are footwear; Up to 20% of fine wine worldwide is counterfeit; Every second kilogram of Australian-labelled beef sold in China likely isn't Australian beef; $200B worth of fake drugs enter markets annually
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use TruTag Technologies
Customer profileNamed customers8 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
TruTag Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
AI capability3 records
Feature5 records
TruTag Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor, major and regional.
- Spinnaker BiosciencescoreStrategic supply partnership for TruTag's advanced nano-porous silica (pSi) particles to support commercialization of therapy for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Particles loaded with biosimilar Ranibizumab act as controlled-release drug delivery vehicle injected into the eye.
- DayaMed (Daya Medicals)corePartnership to deliver combination digital therapeutics to pharmaceutical industry. Couples TruTag's smart medicine solution with DayaMed's comprehensive adherence platform for holistic patient engagement solution.
- GerresheimercorePartnership to offer innovative secure digitization solution for cosmetic brands. Integration of invisible microparticles detectable by smartphone into Gerresheimer glass packaging for cosmetics. Targets rising counterfeit beauty products problem.
- HITLAB (Health Innovation & Technology Lab)minorPartnership to further reach into pharmaceutical space. HITLAB helps organizations shape future of healthcare. TruTag featured in Digital Health Symposium and Summer Innovators Summit.
- AAFA (American Apparel & Footwear Association)minorMembership in AAFA which represents 1,000+ clothing apparel and footwear brands. Supports TruTag's expansion into clothing industry with Truspect technology.
- CubergmajorCuberg adopting TruTag Product Identity solution for next-generation batteries for aviation and aerospace. TruTags marked on batteries for customer authentication via mobile smartphone.
- WuXi AppTecmajorCollaboration on application of TruTag's microtag on-dose authentication solution for solid oral dosage form (SODF) drugs. Successful testing demonstrated solution effectiveness.
- ColorconcoreDevelopment agreement to enable on-dose verification technology for tablets by combining TruTag's silica-based microtag authentication technology with Colorcon's industry-leading film coating systems. Colorcon is the largest coatings provider to the pharmaceutical industry, giving this partnership significant reach into pharma manufacturing.
- PwC AustraliacoreStrategic alliance to incorporate TruTag's edible barcode technology as part of the PwC Food Trust initiative. Blockchain-based platform providing unrivalled supply chain visibility for food and beverage manufacturers. Already working with customers in meat and wine industries.
- Tag-it TechregionalPartnership to bring safety, security and traceability to North American cannabis market. Seattle-based technology firm collaboration for cannabis traceability platform.
- The Daily Wellness CompanymajorNutraceutical manufacturer deployed TruTag's dosage-level product identity for FertilityBlend products distributed globally. First major nutraceutical customer.
- Sumitomo Corporation of AmericascoreGlobal strategic partnership to apply TruTag solutions across broad industries. Includes investment by Sumitomo's corporate venture capital fund Presidio Ventures.
- Hongyang BiotechnologyregionalStrategic partnership with leading Chinese animal health management company for authentication solution to protect livestock supply chain in China.
- IRIS CorporationminorPartnership with world leader in Trusted Identification to explore potential for smartcard and secure label applications globally.
- Spinnaker BiosciencescoreEarlier strategic partnership for precision nano-porous silica to facilitate Spinnaker's drug delivery solution for ophthalmic applications.
- CarsurinregionalStrategic partnership with Indonesia's largest private inspection and certification company to leverage Carsurin's extensive network across multiple industries.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
TruTag Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- AlpVision: Digital authentication specialist providing covert fingerprint-based anti-counterfeiting for pharma packaging. Comparable to TruTag in delivering covert, smartphone-readable authentication without visible security features.
- Applied DNA Sciences: Molecular-level authentication company using DNA-tagged markers for product authentication. Competes with TruTag in offering covert, on-product authentication that is difficult to replicate, addressing similar pharmaceutical and consumer goods anti-counterfeiting needs.
- NanoMatriX: Hong Kong-based emerging player offering nano-optical authentication tags with smartphone verification. Direct technological analog to TruTag's nano-porous silica approach in the broader authentication space, particularly across Asia-Pacific markets.
- Authentic Vision: Emerging player in mobile-readable authentication and anti-counterfeiting. Authentic Vision's smartphone-based tag authentication mirrors TruTag's consumer-friendly mobile workflow and competes for similar brand protection customers in pharma, luxury, and consumer goods.
Broad incumbents
- Optel Group: Broad incumbent in track-and-trace and supply chain visibility for pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetics. Optel's serialization platforms compete with Trunetix at enterprise pharma manufacturers adopting DSCSA and EU FMD compliance solutions.
- TraceLink: Established pharma serialization and supply chain network operator serving 1,300+ customers. Competes for the same pharma manufacturer serialization wallet that TruTag targets with its on-dose authentication, though at the packaging level rather than the dose itself.
- Antares Vision: Broad incumbent providing inspection, serialization, and track-and-trace systems for pharma and life sciences. Antares Vision competes with TruTag in pharma authentication with an installed base of vision systems at major manufacturers globally.
- SICPA: Broad incumbent in security inks, tax stamps, and authentication solutions for governments and brand owners. SICPA's product identity and track-and-trace offerings overlap with TruTag's brand protection value proposition across multiple verticals including pharma, food, and consumer goods.
Direct peers
- Systech International: Direct competitor in pharmaceutical serialization and track-and-trace. TruTag's current CEO Barry McDonogh previously served as VP of Business Development at Systech, and the two companies compete head-to-head for pharma anti-counterfeiting and supply-chain authentication contracts.
- Covectra: Direct peer in product authentication and brand protection, offering serialization, traceability, and authentication solutions for pharma and consumer goods. Competes with TruTag across the same pharmaceutical and luxury goods customer base for covert on-product authentication.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
TruTag Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceTruTag Technologies compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
TruTag Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
TruTag Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles9 records
TruTag Technologies subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
TruTag Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors10 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
TruTag Technologies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about TruTag Technologies
What does TruTag Technologies do?
TruTag Technologies manufactures and licenses microscopic, edible nano-porous silica particles (TruTags) that serve as invisible spectral barcodes embedded directly into pharmaceuticals, food, consumer goods, cosmetics, electronics, and apparel for authentication and supply chain tracking. The company sells proprietary handheld hyperspectral imaging readers, a smartphone-based authentication app powered by machine learning, and the Trunetix cloud analytics platform, along with specialty products such as SecuriLam intelligent laminate and Truspect for clothing. Supporting offerings include the HinaLea Imaging hyperspectral imaging business and the SiCare Bio drug delivery platform.
Is TruTag Technologies a public or private company?
TruTag Technologies is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was TruTag Technologies founded?
TruTag Technologies was founded in 2011. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is TruTag Technologies based?
TruTag Technologies is headquartered in Emeryville, United States, in the North America region.
How does TruTag Technologies make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Product Identity Solutions - Licensing & Royalties are the primary driver. The others are hardware Sales - Readers & Scanners, platform/SaaS - Data Analytics & Cloud Services, professional Services - Implementation & Integration and drug Delivery - SiCare Bio.
Who are TruTag Technologies's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are AlpVision, Applied DNA Sciences, NanoMatriX and Authentic Vision. Broad incumbents are Optel Group, TraceLink, Antares Vision and SICPA. Direct peers are Systech International and Covectra.
Does TruTag Technologies have an API?
No public API is recorded for TruTag Technologies.
What industry is TruTag Technologies in?
TruTag Technologies's product category is Product Authentication and Brand Protection. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALAIAJ, Anti-Counterfeit & Track-and-Trace Packaging (Serialization, Security Features), with a secondary code of IMALANAJ, Anti-Counterfeit & Authentication Packaging (Holograms, QR/NFC, Track-and-Trace). Its NAICS code is 334516 and its SIC code is 3826.