Bruno Scarselli of Scarselli Diamonds, who has been awarded a patent for Authentia.io, a platform that combines blockchain technology, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced reading technologies, speaks at length about its history, its impact on the industry, and how it will transform the way assets are tracked, verified, and traded. Excerpts: 

Q: What are the highlights of Authentia.io?

A: ⁠Authentia is a blockchain-based diamond and jewellery authentication platform. It offers end-to-end traceability and verification of the stones, backed by an ⁠AI-powered diamond grading and analysis function. Authentia offers immutable and tamper-proof record-keeping with enhanced transparency and security, integrating easily with existing industry systems. It has a very user-friendly interface for suppliers, manufacturers, and consumers alike.

Authentia applies the nano-marker at the rough stage and uploads information about the diamond to the blockchain, based on legal documents that attest to its origin. The combination of nano-marking and the blockchain record enables a seamless transfer of data, authenticating the diamond’s origin as the rough diamond changes hands.

Q: How is it different from other blockchain-based traceability platforms?

A: Authentia has a specialized focus on the diamond and jewellery industry – it comes with advanced AI-powered diamond grading. It offers integrated authentication and verification, and has a scalable and adaptable architecture. With a patent-protected technology, it enables strong industry partnerships and collaborations. 

Q:  Please give details about Authentia's history -- when did you start working on it, and when was the patent awarded?

A: Well, research and development started in 2017-2018. That is when Authentia's founders (the Scarselli family) began exploring blockchain applications in diamond traceability. We filed for a patent in the year 2018. The patent application was for "Blockchain-Based Diamond Authentication" (US Patent 11,145,088). 

The next year, in 2019, we developed the initial prototype for Authentia, and the year after that, in 2020, Authentia launched its pilot programme with select industry partners. This cutting-edge patent validates our tireless efforts to revolutionize asset traceability and commercialization. We are proud to be at the forefront of this technological advancement. The patent solidifies Authentia's position as a leader in blockchain and AI-driven innovation, paving the way for widespread adoption across the industry.

Q: How will Authentia's patented technology impact the diamond industry?

A: Authentia's patented technology revolutionizes diamond authentication, ensuring authenticity, quality, and origin-certification. It will have a transformative impact on the diamond industry's transparency, security, and efficiency. With enhanced transparency will come enhanced trust. Furthermore, it will reduce counterfeiting and fraud, improve supply chain efficiency, increase consumer confidence, and enable better diamond grading accuracy. It will also lead to industry-wide standardization, thus creating new business opportunities through authentication services.