Founded in 1996 under the leadership of CEO Vincent Dupart, STid was born from a visionary goal: to revolutionize contactless technology. Since its inception, the company has consistently delivered cutting-edge solutions designed to safeguard enterprises' most valuable assets—people, data, and tangible resources. We recently sat down with members of the STid team, to delve behind the company’s founding, its mission, and the innovative technologies that set it apart in the security industry.

The Founding Story and Mission of STid 

STid was founded with a clear objective: to develop contactless technology at a time when it was virtually non-existent. According to Vincent Dupart, the company was driven by the "perceived potential not only in the security business but also in asset tracking." From the outset, STid’s mission has been to "protect the enterprise’s strategic assets, which are people, data, and tangible assets." This mission has guided the company’s evolution and innovation over the years. 

STid’s focus on secure identification and access control solutions was inspired by the need for more secure and open identification technologies, specifically at a time where the only available options were outdated and proprietary. “We needed to be disruptive. Identification technologies were not secure; contactless was the best option to provide not only a secure adaptation to the environment, but also a very new and unique user experience" explains Dupart. Secure identification is a cornerstone of any access solution, and STid has consistently emphasized the importance of an open approach in readers and credentials to develop global security solutions. 

Evolution to Meet Changing Security Needs 

Over the years, STid has evolved to meet the changing needs of the security industry. The company has always been ahead of the curve, anticipating technological advancements and customer requirements. "We have anticipated changing needs by always being ahead of technology," says Sean Stephens, STid’s Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast. STid was "among the first to highlight the weaknesses of the Wiegand protocol" and has since put "all the security features in the hands of the customer." 

A significant part of STid’s success can be attributed to its commitment to research and development. With 30% of the company dedicated to R&D, STid has a team of engineers, marketing professionals, and technicians who continuously explore new technologies. The company also co-founded the SPAC (Smart Physical Access Control) Alliance, which promotes and standardizes open high-security protocols. Today, the alliance boasts over 80 member manufacturers. 

What Sets STid Apart? 

STid’s solutions stand out in the market due to their open technologies, modular architecture, and highest security features. "We give full control of the security to the customer. The company’s products are designed with modularity in mind, allowing for easy upgrades and  customization. For instance, the Architect® series features a groundbreaking modular design,  built on a single electronic board that supports interchangeable façades and plug-in modules”  Stephens explains.  

STid’s business model is another differentiator. Unlike many competitors, STid does not rely on  credential handcuffs. "Mobile credentials are a one-time upfront cost with no annual reoccurring  fees," explains Dupart. This approach ensures that customers’ investments are future-proof,  with the ability to upgrade readers as technology advances.  

Dupart goes on to explain what else makes STid unique in the industry. “People are at the heart of our innovation—our goal is to make access control not only easy to use but also simple to manage and install. People also mean you—the STid team—working closely with our clients and partners to provide service, guidance, and expertise. We don’t just sell products; we support our customers from pre-sales to expert support, with some great moments of sharing along the way!”

Leveraging Mobile Access and RFID Technology  

STid has revolutionized mobile access control with its STid Mobile ID® solution, which turns  smartphones into secure, multi-mode access credentials using NFC and Bluetooth®. "STid  Mobile ID® is the only EN17640-certified mobile access wallet," notes Dupart. The solution  

offers lifetime licensing with no hidden fees or subscriptions, and its SDK and API integration  allows for seamless incorporation into client applications and security systems. 

The Role of Encryption & Cybersecurity

Per Dupart, cybersecurity is at the heart of STid’s approach, driven by two key principles. 

“First, we have long emphasized the crucial link between physical security and cybersecurity. Access control is the first gateway to an organization’s digital core, which is why STid strengthens it with robust, tamper-proof readers. Our technology integrates EAL5+ certified Secure Elements to protect encryption keys and an accelerometer to detect any tampering attempts. To ensure secure communication with access control systems, we developed the SSCP protocol, which authenticates systems before exchanging encrypted and signed data (3DES, AES, RSA, and SHA)

Second, STid develops solutions like STid Mobile ID®, which handles highly sensitive data. Aware of its critical importance, we make strategic choices to guarantee maximum security. STid Mobile ID® is the only EN17640-certified mobile access wallet, and our management platform is hosted on SECNUMCLOUD, ensuring ISO 270011 compliance and full GDPR adherence. At STid, cybersecurity is not an option—it is a fundamental commitment to protecting both physical and digital infrastructures”.

Addressing Emerging Trends and Balancing User Convenience and Security  

STid is well-positioned to address emerging trends in the security industry, such as touchless  access and IoT integration. The Architect® range is designed for scalability, enabling the  integration of biometric modules, touch keypads, and future security innovations. "With STid’s  creation of SSCP, the most secure communication protocol on the market, we are fostering  object-to-object communication, creating a holistic response to emerging threats," says Dupart. 

One of the biggest challenges in security is balancing user convenience with robust security  measures. "All our products are secure by design and default, based on open technologies that  allow full control by the customer," explains Frederick Trujillo, STid’s Director of Operations. The  company’s Mobile ID® solution, for example, enables secure and seamless smartphone-based  access while simplifying security management and installation.  

Adapting to Cloud-Based Access Control 

As cloud-based access control systems gain traction, STid has ensured that its readers are compatible with both on-prem and cloud-based solutions. "We have multiple features and protocols to support upcoming changes in access control architectures," says Trujillo. The company’s mobile ID platform provides the APIs and SDKs required to interface with partners’ cloud solutions. 

A Success Story: The Icelandic Parliament 

STid’s solutions have been successfully implemented in various high-security environments. Dupart shares a story about their client, The Icelandic Parliament, which needed a centralized, adaptable security system. “STid provided a dematerialized digital badge that secures access across all areas—from parking to offices—while allowing real-time management of access rights. The system integrates secure entry, restricted zone access, and even cafeteria payments, setting a new standard for resilient, high-security access control in political institutions”, Dupart explains. 

Customization, Global Reach, and Expanding in North America 

STid’s solutions are highly customizable to meet the unique needs of various industries. "Our line of products is the widest in terms of security configuration and the largest for modularity," says Dupart. The company also tailors its solutions to meet regional security requirements, working closely with local regulatory bodies and security experts to ensure compliance with standards such as GDPR, FIPS, and APAC security frameworks. 

STid has been making strides to significantly expand its presence in North America. "We’ve strengthened our presence with a dedicated team in the U.S., partnered with leading system integrators, and enhanced compliance," says Stephens. The company’s expanding network of certified resellers and technology alliances in the U.S. should help more organizations adopt its high-assurance access control solutions. 

Commitment to Sustainability and Community 

Sustainability is a core part of STid’s innovation strategy. The company has developed a modular electronic board that supports interchangeable façades, allowing clients to upgrade their systems without replacing entire devices. "We are the first manufacturer to remove epoxy potting for better capacity to recycle, refurbish, and repair. Our eco-designed products and reduced electronic waste reflect its commitment to responsible innovation”, notes Dupart. 

Beyond its products, STid contributes to the security community through education and collaboration initiatives. The company provides specialized training modules and works with professional associations like the BOMA, CSA, SIA, and SPAC Alliance. "We believe in leading by example—not just innovating but acting for the greater good," says Vincent Dupart. 

Future Innovations and Goals for 2025

Looking ahead, STid is excited about the launch of Spectre NANO Standalone, a preconfigured, plug-and-play solution designed for SMBs and secured residential areas. "This breakthrough product fills a major market gap, offering superior security and convenience compared to traditional license plate readers," explains Dupart. The solution leverages UHF technology to enable seamless vehicle identification from up to 6 meters away. 

STid envisions a future where secure identification and access control are intuitive, adaptable, and sustainable. "We are committed to simplifying deployment without compromising on protection, ensuring that advanced security is available to businesses of all sizes," says Trujillo. By 2025, STid aims to expand its presence in North America and the Middle East, advance sustainability and ethical security, and enhance partner support with new services. "In 2025, STid continues to redefine the art of innovation, staying ahead of security challenges while building a future where trust and technology coexist seamlessly," concludes Dupart. 

STid’s journey from a visionary startup to a global leader in secure identification and access control is a testament to its commitment to innovation, security, and sustainability. With a focus on open technologies, modular design, and customer control, STid is well-positioned to address the evolving security needs of enterprises worldwide. As the company continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the security industry, its mission to protect people, data, and assets remains at the heart of everything it does. 

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