Smart inks for anti-counterfeiting
Distinkt demonstrates how foundational nanoscience research becomes a market-ready technology in record time. Created in 2022 from microencapsulation innovations, this company has already deployed products to market and secured multi-million euro investment.
Distinkt develops and commercialises smart inks with photochromic properties, based on microencapsulation technology developed by Daniel Ruiz's laboratory at ICN2. The company targets the anti-counterfeiting market—a growing sector serving luxury brands and national governments seeking advanced security solutions.
Founded in 2022 with initial investment from Lotus Partners (led by Luca Venza, current CEO), Distinkt brings together expertise from multiple institutions. ICN2 PhD graduate Alex Julià serves as CTO, and the company licenses technology co-owned by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), CSIC, and ICN2.
By December 2025, Distinkt had grown to five employees and raised €1.9M from both private and public sources. The company achieved market entry in exceptional time, launching a starter kit of smart inks just two years after foundation, with first commercial sales in early 2025.