Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has announced the launch of TrustPaper, the first patented startup to graduate from the university’s official Entrepreneurship Center. The new venture introduces a secure platform for instant document verification powered by its proprietary ZipTrust blockchain technology.
In a significant move towards social impact, the university has committed 25% of all royalty revenues from the startup to a dedicated fund supporting educational equality, underscoring its commitment to sustainability.
Securing Academia with Blockchain and NFC
TrustPaper establishes CUD as the first university in the region to integrate Near Field Communication (NFC) and copyright protection directly into its academic certificates. This innovative solution enables immediate verification through a simple scan of a QR code or an embedded NFC chip using any mobile device.
The platform significantly reduces the risk of document forgery and ensures seamless authentication. A digital copy of each verified document is stored on the blockchain, providing secure, lifelong access for its holder.
A New Hub for Innovation
The startup was officially launched under the slogan “Authenticity You Can Hold” during a ceremony at the university’s City Walk campus. The event also unveiled “The Trust Hub,” a dedicated space within the Entrepreneurship Center that will serve as a permanent platform for developing secure document solutions.
Professor Karim Chelli, President and Vice-Chancellor of CUD, commented on the milestone, stating, “This achievement embodies the university’s role as a key driver of innovation, uniting the business ecosystem to develop solutions that address real-world challenges. The Entrepreneurship Center was established to be a catalyst for community engagement and to build the next generation of sustainable and equitable innovations.”
He added, “TrustPaper sets a new standard for innovation-led entrepreneurship with the potential for global technological impact. Our doors are always open for those with bold ideas to transform them into market-ready solutions.”
Forging Trust in a Global Tech Hub
The initiative aims to expand equitable access to secure and verifiable academic credentials worldwide, bridging the gap between traditional information mediums and cutting-edge technology.
Cesar Medel, CEO and Founder of ZipTrust, speaking on behalf of TrustPaper, said, “Our goal is to build a safer, more transparent world by integrating blockchain, cryptography, and NFC to protect the integrity of documents and the authenticity of identity. As a global hub for progress and innovation, Dubai was the perfect environment to establish the company.”
Medel continued, “Being incubated by Canadian University Dubai allows for close collaboration with a community that believes in technology as a driving force for trust, empowerment, and positive change.”
About TrustPaper
TrustPaper is a UAE-based startup launched from the Canadian University Dubai’s Entrepreneurship Center. It provides a secure, blockchain-powered platform for the instant verification of physical documents. By embedding academic certificates and other important documents with NFC chips and QR codes, TrustPaper combats forgery and ensures the lifelong integrity and accessibility of credentials.
Source: Al Watan
