Our story started by our own experience

In 2019, Frederik Keysers and Roy Jeunen started working on an idea to simplify identity and access flows. With their backgrounds in aviation, logistics and port facilities, they faced the same problems every time they visited an industrial site. They had to be there 15 to 45 minutes in advance to have their ID’s checked/scanned, follow safety briefings and complete security trainings. On top of that, they were given insecure RFID badges for access control.  In August 2020, they founded Nine Engineering with the mission to simplify identity and access flows, boost site security and increase facility safety. To further develop their solution, Nine Engineering received initial funding by the European Space Agency (ESA) and VLAIO.

Roy Jeunen and Frederik Keysers during their master thesis research for NHV Helicopters back in 2014

From idea to first customers

Whereas almost all security technology companies focus their research on incremental product innovation, Nine Engineering started with a blank slate. They based their initial research on their own experience and frustrations with the current processes. Together with their early customers they fine tuned their solution with iterative sessions. Special attention was given to compliancy (how to collect all data in a privacy compliant way), security (how to significantly improve the current RFID badge security problems) and safety (how to make sure that every individual on the site is verified and has completed the right trainings).

From first customers to scaling

Based on this research and iterative process, the company launched NineID® in 2021. The solution consists out of a SaaS platform where user data (ID documents, trainings, certificates) can be collected in a privacy compliant manner, before the person even enters the facility. Upon arrival, the NineID® XS1 hardware can give access to doors, barriers and gates based on facial authentication, QR code or smartphone scanning (all in one device). This combination ensures an end-to-end digital access flow with high security levels, without the necessity of having a physical person present.

In May 2022, Nine Engineering raised €1.1million to further expand their commercial growth.

The NineID® team in May 2022