Industries like luxury goods, electronics, and design-driven manufacturing are facing new challenges as they adapt to a more connected and sustainable future. Counterfeiting is on the rise, lifecycle traceability is increasingly demanded, and sustainability has become a core expectation from consumers and regulators alike.
Yet, most existing solutions—such as QR codes, holograms, or external tags—disrupt the product design or create unnecessary waste. This creates a dilemma for brands that value both trust and aesthetic integrity.
StegaMatter aims to bridge this gap. At its core is TEXTure, a solution that embeds secure, machine-readable patterns directly into product surfaces. These patterns are designed to be tamper-proof and can be scanned with a smartphone, eliminating the need for visible tags or specialised tools. What makes TEXTure unique is its ability to seamlessly integrate with the design of a product, preserving its visual appeal while providing thesecurity and traceability that brands need.
The idea behind TEXTure originated during my master’s project at ECAL, where I explored how design could contribute to solving real-world problems. The project resulted in prototypes that were recognized with the Nestlé Prize. Since then, I have been developing this idea further and was recently selected as a resident at TrustVillage, an innovation hub where I’ve been able to refine the concept. Importantly, a luxury fashion brand, Paloceras, has expressed explicit interest in piloting TEXTure, which offers a promising opportunity to bring the solution to life.
While the project is still in its early stages, the interdisciplinary nature of TEXTure—combining principles of design, manufacturing, and security—creates significant potential. I am currently the sole founder, but I benefit from guidance within the innovation ecosystem at TrustVillage, SICPA, and EPFL Innovation Park. In the future, I hope to attract co-founders with expertise in security and business development to complement my design-driven approach.
The next steps are clear: secure intellectual property for the technology, finalize a minimal viable product (MVP) for pilot testing, and work with industry partners to refine the solution. I am committed to ensuring that StegaMatter not only meets the practical needs of its users but also contributes to broader sustainability goals. TEXTure eliminates the need for disposable tags and external markers, reducing waste and enabling brands to take responsibility for their products throughout their lifecycle—from sourcing to recycling.
At its heart, StegaMatter is about creating a future where trust and design coexist naturally. The goal is to provide a solution that feels intuitive and respects the products it serves, enabling brands to tell their stories with both integrity and elegance.
This project is personal to me, born out of my passion for solving problems at the intersection of design and technology. I believe StegaMatter has the potential to make a meaningful impact, and I’m deeply committed to bringing this idea to life with humility, care, and collaboration.
