In this interview with the team behind MorphMetro, we explore their innovative approach to enhancing data security and privacy in the realm of measurement systems. MorphMetro is a collaborative effort between two SMEs—Random Red Ltd. and MindMint Ltd.—and a group of experts in metrology, machine learning, information security, and blockchain technology. With support from the TrustChain ecosystem, they aim to tackle the growing challenges of securely structuring and sharing measurement data across industries. The team discusses their vision, the impact of their work, and the invaluable role TrustChain plays in their development. They also share insights into the benefits of collaborative frameworks like TrustChain and offer advice to future applicants of the program. Through this exchange, we gain a deeper understanding of how MorphMetro is setting a new standard for secure data exchange in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Can you briefly present your team?
Our team is composed of two SMEs, Random Red Ltd. (RR) and MindMint Ltd. (MM), along with two experienced researchers, combining the key strengths in metrology, machine learning, information security, and blockchain technology. The in-depth metrology, encryption, and cryptographic systems-related experience provided by Dr. Kruno Miličević (RR) and Dr. Davor Vinko (RR) supplements this with a wide range of practical and relevant experiences. Dr. Goran Horvat (MM), in the area of information security and blockchain-previous executive experiences combined with multiple certifications. Dr. Mirko Köhler and Dr. Ivica Lukić joined to bring in strong academic and practical knowledge in fields related to encryption, blockchain, and data analysis.
How did you come up with this project idea and what benefits will it bring to the end users?
The idea for the MorphMetro project was born from the growing need to ensure the security and privacy of measurement data as industries increasingly rely on accurate and reliable data for quality assurance. Currently, there is a lack of standardized protocols for securely structuring and sharing this data, which raises concerns about data governance and user privacy. By leveraging our previous experience and recognizing the potential of emerging technologies like homomorphic encryption and blockchain, we developed MorphMetro to address these challenges.
How is TrustChain supporting your growth and what role does it play for the next steps in your development?
TrustChain supports the growth of our MorphMetro project by providing the necessary infrastructure and collaborative environment to develop and scale our solution. Through TrustChain’s established frameworks, such as Alastria, and experience of other TrustChain teams with various European initiatives like EBSI, we gain access to the latest know-how, cutting-edge technologies, and platforms that enhance the security and privacy of our data exchange processes.
Why did you apply to the TrustChain call and has your vision changed since then?
We applied to the TrustChain call because its emphasis on user privacy, data governance, and digital identity aligns perfectly with MorphMetro’s goals. TrustChain provides the ideal framework for ensuring our solution is compliant with current regulations and adaptable to future standards, which is essential for building trust among stakeholders and end-users. Since our application, our vision has remained consistent. We continue to focus on leveraging TrustChain’s resources to develop a secure, privacy-preserving platform that meets the evolving needs of our industry.
What is the most valuable takeout from the TrustChain project and why was the topic of the Open Call important to you/your team?
The most valuable takeaway from the TrustChain project has been the opportunity to validate and refine our approach to secure data exchange within a collaborative and supportive ecosystem. Support from coaches and the TrustChain consortium has been instrumental in guiding our development process, offering expert advice and feedback that has helped us overcome challenges and improve our solution. Additionally, the informative insights gained from plenary meetings, where other teams present their projects and engage in discussions on various technological topics, have broadened our perspective and enriched our approach.
Did you establish collaboration with any of the TrustChain teams or plan for any kind of synergies? If yes, what is the biggest potential in such collaborations?
While we have not yet established formal collaborations with other TrustChain teams, the plenary meetings have provided valuable insights that have guided our future plans. We are particularly interested in collaborating with teams that plan to use the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI), which, as part of the European Union’s digital strategy, provides a cross-border blockchain infrastructure that supports a range of use cases, including secure digital identity, notarization, and data sharing.
What are your expectations regarding the TrustChain software ecosystem and its contribution to the NGI priority areas?
We expect the TrustChain software ecosystem to play a key role in advancing the NGI priority areas, particularly in decentralization, trust, and security. For example, in our MorphMetro project, we aim to enhance data transparency, traceability, and security, aligning with NGI’s goal of giving users full control over their data. Additionally, collaborating within the TrustChain ecosystem will allow us to contribute to NGI’s vision of collective intelligence and social good.
What are the next steps for your team?
Our next steps include presenting MorphMetro at the IMEKO World Congress, BIOCentre laboratory incubator, and with the ISO team for Smart Standards, aiming to showcase our project and open up new collaboration opportunities. We are also preparing new project proposals to expand our network and continue developing our technologies. Long-term, we’re involved with organizations like HMD, IMEKO, and Eurolab to stay aligned with user needs and continuously improve our solution.
What is the message you would give to new and potential applicants to TrustChain Open Calls?
Our key message would be: Leverage the unique collaborative environment and expert support that TrustChain offers. This initiative provides access to cutting-edge technologies and also offers valuable guidance from coaches and consortium members, and insights from interactions with other teams. These resources are invaluable for refining your project and building trust with end-users. Engage fully in the community, especially through plenary meetings, to discover synergies that could strengthen your solution and expand your impact.
