South African startup Eagle Eye Defence has developed an in-vehicle security system that uses fingerprint verification to start the powertrain.

Cofounder Iviwe Mosana describes Eagle Eye Defence as a “tech-enabled asset security company which looks at the provision of preventive, detective and corrective measures to ensure ultimate asset protection.

“Our current device is a multifaceted authenticator for assets (mainly vehicles), which provides a complete usage block until a valid biometric measure is presented, in addition to having the correct vehicle key.”

Mosana is from Mdantsane, in the Eastern Cape. He is an accountant by profession, and holds a BCom Financial Accounting (CA Stream) degree, as well as a postgraduate diploma in accounting from the University of Cape Town.

He has more than seven years’ experience in the retail and security industry.

Eagle Eye’s other cofounder,Naadir Vorajee, is from Ladysmith, in KwaZulu-Natal.

Vorajee is an engineer by profession, and has a BSc degree in mechatronics, as well as a master’s degree with a focus on electrical components.

Mosana says the spark for what would become Eagle Eye Defence arrived in 2016, as he witnessed his younger brother’s heartbreak as he lost two of his friends, both minors, in an accident where they used their parents’ vehicle without consent.

“This made us aware of the weakened control environment within the asset environment,” says Mosana.

“When addressing control, Naadir and I came to the understanding that we should not only look at the ability to direct the use of an asset, but that it should also encompass the ability to hinder movement.”

The system “verifies that the correct, authorised individual is about to make use of the vehicle”, says Mosana.

“Without an approved biometric, the system does not allow for the use of the key.

“We have conducted several tests, in controlled environments, on several vehicles, without limitation, so we can safely say that installation can happen in any vehicle as it stands.

“Once available, the tech will be available for installation with our partner companies, which will be announced prior to our intended launch date in June,” says Mosana.

“We are currently working on the system’s cosmetic features and further efficiency improvements, prior to our final approval application with the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa),” he adds.

“We have a provisional type approval with Icasa, which has allowed us to install our units in a controlled environment for testing, research and demonstration purposes.”

Eagle Eye’s biometric system is an aftermarket installation, and the team aims to secure a spot on the approved list of vehicle manufacturers’ aftermarket parts.

“The cost is estimated to be anywhere between R400 to R580 a month on a subscription model,” says Mosana.

“This cost could potentially be absorbed by some key potential partners, such as insurance companies, given the reasonable assurance it provides.”

Mosana says while the system currently employs fingerprint verification, Eagle Eye is investigating the introduction of other biometric options.

“The technology is also linked to a Web-app to allow for access to additional functionality, such as remote disabling, the tracking of vehicles and driver allocations.”

Mosana says he and Vorajee believe their technology will set a new security standard within the insurance, rental and leasing, fleet management, public transportation and e-hailing sectors.

“E-Squared has been working closely with us throughout the development of our device and we remain eternally grateful to them,” he adds.