Simprints
Simprints is a Cambridge, UK non-profit building open-source biometric ID technology (SimprintsID Android app and Vero scanner) that enables governments and NGOs in 17 developing countries to accurately identify patients, verify health service delivery, and track immunization, maternal health, and humanitarian aid programs at the last mile.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2015
- HeadquartersCambridge, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Simprints does
Simprints is a Cambridge, UK-based non-profit technology company that builds open-source biometric identification infrastructure for global development programs. Its core product, SimprintsID, is an Android application that enables frontline health workers in low-resource settings to enrol, identify, and verify beneficiaries using fingerprint and facial recognition, operating fully offline and interoperable with dominant health data platforms including DHIS2, CommCare, ODK, and OpenSRP. The platform is complemented by the proprietary Vero wireless fingerprint scanner, designed in-house over nine years for durability in extreme field conditions and accuracy on diverse populations including infants and adults with worn fingerprints.
The company serves governments, international NGOs, and humanitarian organizations — including the Ghana Health Service, Ethiopia Federal Ministry of Health, Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, BRAC, Mercy Corps, and Orbis — deploying biometric identification to improve maternal and child health programs, immunization delivery, infectious disease tracking, NTD surgery verification, and cash transfer programs in 17 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and the Pacific. Revenue is generated through project-based grants and partnerships with institutional funders including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Gavi, CIFF, UK FCDO, USAID, Arm, Cisco, and the Global Innovation Fund, supplemented by bespoke implementation services for partners. As of 2024-2025, the platform has enrolled over 4.6 million people cumulatively, delivered 1.1 million+ verified health services in 2025, and announced a world-first AI-driven infant biometrics capability (face, ears, feet capture from birth) developed in partnership with Arm and Gavi.
Simprints firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Simprints
- Legal name
- Simprints Technology Ltd
- Website
- https://simprints.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2015
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Simprints is a Cambridge, UK non-profit building open-source biometric ID technology (SimprintsID Android app and Vero scanner) that enables governments and NGOs in 17 developing countries to accurately identify patients, verify health service delivery, and track immunization, maternal health, and humanitarian aid programs at the last mile.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Simprints industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Digital Identity / Biometric Identification
- NAICS
- Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing (334510)
- SIC
- Surgical & Medical Instruments & Apparatus (3841), Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Biometric Input Devices (Fingerprint/Face/Iris Scanners) (HDACAFAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- De-identification, Tokenization & Privacy-Preserving Data Platforms (HLACAIAK), Consent, Documentation & Certification (Records/Passports/Proof of Vaccination) (HLAJAHAM)
Keywords
Where Simprints is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cambridge
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Simprints business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Grant Funding & Philanthropic Revenue: As a non-profit technology company, Simprints relies primarily on grant funding from foundations, governments, and development organizations. Key funders include Gates Foundation, Gavi, CIFF, UK Aid, and various government aid agencies.
- Project Services & Implementation: Bespoke configuration, training, and ongoing support services for partners deploying Simprints technology. Includes solution mapping, user-centred design, dedicated project management, and sustainability planning.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Simprints product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Simprints builds and operates SimprintsID, an open-source biometric identification platform running on Android devices that enables frontline health and humanitarian workers to enrol, identify, and verify beneficiaries using fingerprint and facial recognition in offline, rugged, last-mile settings. The platform is paired with the proprietary Vero wireless fingerprint scanner, the SimAFIS in-house matching algorithm, and backend services for deduplication and analytics. The company also delivers bespoke project services (integration, training, monitoring & evaluation, and verified delivery) to governments, NGOs, and foundations deploying the technology in health, immunization, and humanitarian programs.
Product overview
Simprints is a non-profit technology company offering an open-source biometric ID platform with privacy at its core. The core product is SimprintsID, an Android app enabling frontline workers to enrol, identify, and verify beneficiaries using biometrics in offline settings. This is complemented by the Vero Fingerprint Scanner (flagship hardware) and SimAFIS (in-house fingerprint algorithm), as well as a facial recognition modality integrated into the app. Backend services provide large-scale deduplication and analytics dashboards. AI-driven infant biometrics represent a new capability enabling identification from birth using face, ears, and feet images projected over time. The company also offers professional services including biometric integrations, real-time M&E dashboards, and verified delivery solutions. All products are interoperable with data collection platforms including DHIS2, CommCare, ODK, and OpenSRP with no vendor lock-in.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SimprintsID: An open-source biometric ID platform with privacy at its core, designed for Android devices at work in the toughest offline settings. Interoperable with a range of data collection platforms and biometric algorithms with no vendor lock-in.
- Vero Scanner
- SimAFIS
Products and services
- SimprintsID An open-source biometric ID platform for Android that enables frontline health and humanitarian workers to enrol, identify, or verify beneficiaries using biometrics in offline or online settings, with no vendor lock-in. Designed for governments, NGOs, and foundations deploying last-mile health and humanitarian programs.
- Vero Fingerprint Scanner A handheld, wireless fingerprint scanner that connects to Android devices via Bluetooth, designed for rugged, last-mile health and humanitarian environments and optimised for use with children as young as nine months. Sold alongside the SimprintsID platform to government and NGO partners.
- SimAFIS Fingerprint Algorithm Simprints' proprietary Android-first fingerprint matching algorithm, developed in-house and used within the SimprintsID platform to perform biometric identification and verification.
- AI-Driven Infant Biometrics World-first AI biometric models that work from birth, enabling health workers to capture face, ears, or feet markers on a phone to create a digital health ID that grows with the child, powered by Arm's on-device AI compute platform. Used in immunization and maternal-child health programs.
- Biometric Integrations A professional services offering that integrates Simprints biometric tools into partner platforms through bespoke configuration, modality selection, workflow digitisation, training, and ongoing technical support. Delivered to government ministries and NGO partners.
- Real-time Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Bespoke dashboards providing real-time programme reach data and impact statistics, enabling data-driven decisions and stakeholder reporting for partner organisations.
- Verified Delivery A 'single source of truth' solution that uses biometric identification verification triangulated with biographic, GPS, and timestamp data to accurately determine unique individuals reached and services delivered by partner programmes.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10x faster identification of clients versus manual search
- +9 more outcomes
Companies that use Simprints
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Simprints technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- Yes
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration8 records
AI capability5 records
Feature6 records
Simprints partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross)coreContract signed to explore advanced security and privacy techniques for humanitarian use. Open-source approach and commitment to ethical biometrics were key to securing the partnership.
- Gavi, the Vaccine AlliancecorePartnership since 2018 as Gavi INFUSE Pacesetter has led to child biometrics innovations, reduced health worker burden, and saved time for vaccinators. New alliance with ARM and Simprints announced at Gavi Replenishment Summit to disrupt barriers to vaccination through AI-driven biometrics from birth. Gavi funds and supports immunization programs using Simprints technology.
- Children's Investment Fund Foundation (CIFF)coreCIFF supports Simprints in verifying patients in Ethiopia's health system and tackling neglected tropical diseases. CIFF also funds open-source biometric solutions. Key funder for Operation Sight program with Orbis.
- ARMcoreARM has been a vital partner providing engineering expertise and technical mentorship since Simprints' inception. They provide power-efficient compute platform enabling on-device AI for infant biometrics. Partnership has evolved into a powerful alliance with Gavi to advance digital inclusion in immunization. ARM's support includes engineering, funding, and mentorship.
- UNICEFcoreUNICEF supports Simprints' work and recognizes its potential to provide identity to hundreds of millions of children. Former Director of UNICEF Global Innovation Centre Dr. Sharad Sapra quoted on Simprints' potential.
- Federal Ministry of Health EthiopiacoreAcknowledges Simprints' crucial role in verifying healthcare recipients. Simprints verifies deworming tablets for schistosomiasis, trachoma surgeries and follow-ups, and helps register patients in the electronic community health information system (eCHIS).
- Ghana Health ServicecoreWorking closely with GHS, Simprints' technology supports access to critical maternal and child services in multiple health centres across Eastern and Oti regions. Partnership strengthens health system and supports health equity through digitisation.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare BangladeshcoreKey digital innovator in SMART Bangladesh initiative. Partnered with MoHFW divisions to demonstrate biometrics as unique identifier for children under five.
- BRACcorePartnered with BRAC's urban health programme to ensure Shasthya Kormis (community health workers) reached expectant mothers to detect, prevent, and treat potential health issues.
- Mercy CorpscoreGlobal humanitarian organisation partnered to use biometric fingerprint scanners in cash transfer programmes serving internally displaced communities in Borno state, Nigeria.
- OrbiscoreLeading eye sight charity partnered with Simprints for Operation Sight programme clearing backlog of sight-saving eye surgeries in Ethiopia. Surgeries and follow-on treatment accurately verified in real-time.
- JSIcorePartnered with Simprints to help health clinics in Ethiopia become paperless as eCHIS rolls out. Biometrics empowers health extension workers to enrol and verify patient identification.
- DHIS2coreSimprintsID interoperates with DHIS2, one of the most common platforms built on open standards that Simprints works with.
- CommCarecoreSimprintsID integrates with CommCare, a mobile data collection platform used by Dimagi and other organizations.
- ODK (Open Data Kit)coreSimprintsID integrates with ODK, one of the open standards platforms Simprints works with.
- OpenSRPcoreSimprintsID integrates with OpenSRP, one of the open standards platforms Simprints works with.
- DimagicoreCo-founder and CEO Jonathan Jackson serves on Simprints Advisory Board. Dimagi builds platforms used alongside Simprints technology.
- D-TreecorePartner organization deploying Simprints technology in health programs. Technical Advisor Rebecca Litner praised Simprints' collaborative approach.
- MobikliniccoreUganda-based partner using Simprints for vaccination tracking and care. CEO Andrew Ddembe praised project as one of their strongest.
- Innovations in HealthcareminorSupported work to improve and strengthen Community Health Worker capacity in rural Uganda for effective COVID-19 vaccine delivery.
- Duke UniversityminorCollaborated with Duke, Pfizer Foundation, King Baudouin Foundation, Innovations in Healthcare, and local Uganda NGO partner Mobiklinic to address rural healthcare challenges.
- University of SydneyminorPartnered for TB and Leprosy Research program in Kiribati, using Simprints for unique ID among highly mobile population with low literacy and little formal ID.
Scale indicators17 records
Recent moves6 records
Simprints competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- iRespond: Non-profit biometric identity platform serving refugees, displaced persons and underserved communities with iris and fingerprint recognition. Most direct competitor in the humanitarian/biometric-for-development space, overlapping on donor base (UN agencies, NGOs) and beneficiary populations.
- MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform): Open-source foundational digital ID platform backed by the Gates Foundation and IIT Bombay, deployed across multiple African and Asian countries. Competes with Simprints at the national identity layer, potentially serving as an alternative to or upstream of Simprints' last-mile biometric layer.
Emerging players
- ID2020 Alliance: Multi-stakeholder alliance promoting ethical, portable digital ID for the world's 850M undocumented people. Operates as a coordinating body rather than technology vendor but overlaps in target beneficiary population and funder ecosystem (Gates, Gavi, Rockefeller).
- Yoti: Digital identity platform offering biometric verification with a social-impact arm; Ken Banks (Simprints advisor) is Head of Social Impact at Yoti. Partial overlap on identity-for-development use cases and the same open-source-leaning philosophy.
- Peek Vision: Mobile eye-health platform co-founded by Andrew Bastawrous (Simprints advisory board member). Operates in overlapping geographies (Ethiopia, Kenya, India) with overlapping NGO/institutional funders, and is itself a Simprints deployment partner in eye-care programs.
- Nexleaf Analytics: Non-profit using sensor technology and data analytics to improve vaccine cold-chain and health outcomes in Africa and Asia. CEO Nithya Ramanathan sits on Simprints' advisory board; both target immunization delivery in low-resource settings and share funder relationships.
Broad incumbents
- Onfido: Commercial AI-based digital identity verification provider serving fintech, banking and gig-economy customers. Adjacent in biometric technology stack (face/fingerprint matching) but commercially focused rather than humanitarian, with overlapping privacy/ethics considerations.
- IDEMIA: Global leader in government biometric identity, civil ID and public security programs. Incumbent in the same national-ID space (Aadhaar-style deployments) and a potential competitor for large government health-ID contracts in the markets Simprints targets.
- Innovatrics: Independent provider of biometric algorithms (fingerprint, face, iris) for civil-ID, law enforcement and commercial customers. Overlaps with Simprints on the algorithmic/fingerprint matching layer (vs. Simprints' SimAFIS) and serves the same emerging-market ID market.
Others
- Dimagi (CommCare): Maker of CommCare, the mobile data collection platform that SimprintsID integrates with. CEO Jonathan Jackson sits on Simprints' advisory board. Strategic technology partner rather than direct competitor, but Dimagi's expanding digital ID features could converge with Simprints' scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Simprints social profiles
Digital presenceSimprints compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Simprints financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Simprints leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Simprints funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds9 records
Investors9 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Simprints 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 Simprints
What does Simprints do?
Simprints builds and operates SimprintsID, an open-source biometric identification platform running on Android devices that enables frontline health and humanitarian workers to enrol, identify, and verify beneficiaries using fingerprint and facial recognition in offline, rugged, last-mile settings. The platform is paired with the proprietary Vero wireless fingerprint scanner, the SimAFIS in-house matching algorithm, and backend services for deduplication and analytics. The company also delivers bespoke project services (integration, training, monitoring & evaluation, and verified delivery) to governments, NGOs, and foundations deploying the technology in health, immunization, and humanitarian programs.
Is Simprints a public or private company?
Simprints is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Simprints founded?
Simprints was founded in 2015. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Simprints based?
Simprints is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Simprints make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Grant Funding & Philanthropic Revenue is the primary driver. The others are project Services & Implementation.
Who are Simprints's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are iRespond and MOSIP (Modular Open Source Identity Platform). Emerging players are ID2020 Alliance, Yoti, Peek Vision and Nexleaf Analytics. Broad incumbents are Onfido, IDEMIA and Innovatrics. Dimagi (CommCare) is listed as an others.
Does Simprints have an API?
Yes. Simprints offers Android APIs for local data syncing through partner backend infrastructure and visualisation tools. Use of the APIs requires SimprintsID, the open-source Android app. All code is publicly accessible via Simprints GitHub. Documentation is available via Simprints GitBook. Developer documentation is at simprints.gitbook.io/docs.
What industry is Simprints in?
Simprints's product category is Digital Identity / Biometric Identification. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDACAFAI, Biometric Input Devices (Fingerprint/Face/Iris Scanners), with a secondary code of HLACAIAK, De-identification, Tokenization & Privacy-Preserving Data Platforms. Its NAICS code is 334510 and its SIC code is 3841.