Applied DNA and Everledger to Develop Blockchain-Based Platform for Provenance Verification

Applied DNA Sciences Inc., a leader in large-scale PCR-based DNA manufacturing, announced today the signing of a Joint Development Agreement with Everledger, Inc., an independent emerging technology enterprise. Under the Agreement the parties will develop and market a combined physical and digital supply chain traceability and certification solution utilizing the Company’s CertainT molecular tagging and authentication systems together with Everledger’s blockchain-based platform. The signing of the Agreement follows a Memorandum of Understanding “MOU” announced on July 31, 2018.

The parties believe this joint solution platform is at the forefront of linking immutable digital transactions with synthetic molecular authentication to tightly track movement and chain of custody of forensically-identified goods across complex ecosystems. Everledger’s blockchain-based platform is proven to offer transparency and asset protection across various industries including diamonds, colored gemstones and jewelry, and is scaled for industry standardization as evidenced by the encrypted provenance of over 2.2 million diamonds. Applied DNA’s CertainT platform has demonstrated its “tag and test” capability having captured millions of tagging data points and thousands of sample authentication reports.

“We are very proud to align our proven CertainT platform with Everledger’s, an industry-leading blockchain-based platform for digital provenance,” said Judy Murrah, Chief Information Officer of Applied DNA. “As consumers demand more proof of claims with their purchases, enterprises and supply networks are now responding to the challenge by investing in such traceability at both the product and transaction levels.”

Dr. James Hayward, President and CEO of Applied DNA, stated, “We have long held the opinion that blockchain technology, and its ability to provide immutable digital transactions toward product provenance, is a perfect fit for our CertainT platform. In collaboration with Everledger we are targeting leather, luxury goods and other high-value commodities as the initial markets for our joint platform.”

Leanne Kemp, Founder & CEO of Everledger, said, “As a pioneer in digital provenance across many industries critical to the global commons, we understand the importance of incorporating a forensic layer for the unique identification assets tracked on our platform. We are pleased to further provide added confidence in the provenance data captured and tracked on our platform through CertainT’s molecular authentication solution. This will greatly benefit all stakeholders by driving full supply chain transparency with a positive economic and social impact.”