A Paradigm Shift in Digital Identity Security for the Global Prosperity, Esp in Emerging Economies 

Unibeam: Representing a paradigm shift in digital identity security & addressing the global prosperity challenge by safeguarding lives and identities, particularly in emerging economies.  

In today's digital world, the explosion of online services has intensified the threats of digital fraud and identity theft. Unibeam offers a groundbreaking solution that addresses this critical challenge while aligning perfectly with MIT Solve's mission to foster financial and digital inclusion. Our innovative technology goes beyond just strengthening user authentication; it unlocks a future where users can confidently access a limitless array of services worldwide with unparalleled security and ease. 

The consequences of identity theft reach far beyond financial loss. Victims often experience emotional distress, reputational damage, and a crippling sense of hopelessness. This is particularly true for young and older adults in developing economies, where a stolen digital identity can have devastating consequences. 
Unibeam is a powerful solution that safeguards lives and identities in these vulnerable communities. 

Unibeam stands as a powerful solution, safeguarding lives and identities in these vulnerable communities. 

Here's how Unibeam delivers: 

• Eradicating Identity Theft: Our robust identity proofing eliminates vulnerabilities associated with legacy phones used as primary identification. By binding a unique combination of factors to the SIM/eSIM, Unibeam creates an impenetrable barrier against identity theft attempts. This empowers individuals to participate confidently in the digital world without fearing having their identities hijacked. 
• Combating Youth / Elderly Exploitation: Stolen digital identities can be used to exploit young and older adults for criminal activities. Unibeam's secure authentication system eliminates this risk. Youths and older people can safely engage in online activities without fearing their identities being misused. This, in its essence, unlocks a world of opportunities – education, entrepreneurship, and a brighter future for young people: safer retirement, secure fund management, and a safer/secured online purchasing experience for older adults.
• Empowering Emerging Economies Whilst Bridging the Digital Divide: Unibeam caters to various devices, from cutting-edge smartphones to legacy models commonly used in developing economies. This ensures digital inclusion for all, thus bridging the digital divide without compromising security. By seamlessly integrating with these legacy phones, Unibeam fosters financial and social mobility in these regions.
• Universal and Frictionless: Pre-integrated into SIM/eSIM technologies, Unibeam offers ubiquitous and effortless authentication for every individual and device. This eliminates the need for additional apps or user actions, ensuring a seamless experience. 
• Unparalleled Identity Proofing: Unibeam uniquely leverages a combination of factors like IMSI, SIM/eSIM details, IMEI, and User Agent ID to create a fail-proof identity validation mechanism. This eliminates the vulnerabilities of virtual numbers and fraudulent accounts. 
• Decentralized and Secure Identity Management: Our strategic partnerships with telecom operators empower them as Identity Providers (IDPs) and Identity Managers (IDMs). This decentralizes the ecosystem, reduces reliance on foreign cloud providers, and empowers local control over identities. 
• Enhanced Security Features: Unibeam goes beyond traditional Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) by offering a robust "bind once" approach. This eliminates the need to request MSISDNs constantly and strengthens security across public, corporate, and social contexts. 
• Simplified Integration and Reduced Costs: Unibeam simplifies the Identity Management landscape with straightforward API integrations and minimal skill requirements. This expedites adoption and reduces costs associated with traditional, complex IDaaS solutions. 
• Seamless Integration for OT/IoT Devices: By leveraging SIM/eSIM technology, Unibeam streamlines authentication for Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This agnostic approach ensures effortless integration and operation across diverse platforms. 
• Addressing External Identity Management: Our solution empowers secure and efficient access control for external users like contractors and vendors, fulfilling critical Privileged Access Management (PAM) requirements. 

Unibeam is not just a technological solution; it is a social safeguard, protecting the most vulnerable from the devastating impacts of digital identity theft. 

Unibeam goes beyond securing identities. It empowers a financial and digital inclusion future with trust at its core.  Unibeam is the key to unlocking a secure and prosperous digital future for all.

Unibeam directly targets two key populations whose lives are significantly impacted by weak digital identity security:

1. Individuals in Developing Economies:

·        Who they are: Millions of people in developing economies rely on legacy phones as their primary form of identification. These individuals are often excluded from the digital world due to concerns about security and fraud.

·        How they are underserved: Current solutions often require smartphones or complex registration processes, leaving many behind. Existing authentication methods using legacy phones are vulnerable to hijacking and exploitation.

·        How Unibeam addresses their needs: Our solution works seamlessly on legacy phones, ensuring financial and digital inclusion for all. Unibeam's robust identity proofing safeguards them from fraud attempts, empowering them to participate confidently in the digital economy.

2. Young People at Risk of Identity Theft:

·        Who they are: Young people are particularly vulnerable to identity theft, which can have devastating consequences, including reputational damage, financial loss, and even exploitation.

·        How they are underserved: Existing security measures may not be sufficient to protect them from sophisticated social engineering tactics and online scams.

·        How Unibeam addresses their needs: Unibeam's unparalleled identity verification system safeguards their identities, preventing them from falling victim to theft. This empowers them to explore the digital world safely and unlocks opportunities for education, entrepreneurship, and a brighter future.

By addressing the needs of these vulnerable populations, Unibeam fosters a more secure and inclusive digital landscape, promoting financial inclusion, trust, and a brighter future for all.

Unibeam's team is passionate about cybersecurity and deeply understands the challenges faced by the communities we aim to serve. Here's how:

·        Proximity to Underserved Populations: Our team comprises individuals (India, US, UK, Israel) with diverse backgrounds, including members who hail from developing economies and understand firsthand the limitations of traditional identity management systems in those regions. Additionally, the head of R&D, CIO, CEO, and more) team members have volunteered or worked with organizations focused on youth empowerment and digital inclusion, giving them valuable insights into the needs of young people.

·        Community-Driven Design: Unibeam's development wasn't conducted in a vacuum. We actively sought feedback from NGOs in developing economies and youth advocacy groups. This ensured that our solution addressed the most pressing concerns and was user-friendly for those with limited technical expertise.

·        Understanding the Challenges: For instance, through our collaboration with Jio (India's largest Telco), IZZI in Mexico, TIM Brazil, Indosat, and others (contract negotiations are in progress), we learned that complex identity fraud and registration processes were significant barriers for individuals in developing economies. This insight directly influenced our decision to design a solution that works seamlessly on legacy phones without requiring additional downloads or complicated set-up procedures.

Combining our technical expertise with a deep understanding of the target communities' needs, Unibeam's team is uniquely positioned to deliver a solution that fosters inclusive and secure digital identities for all.

Over the past three years, Unibeam has undergone rigorous development and testing. Our solution is compatible with all JavaCard versions released within the last decade (versions 2.2.1 to 3.0.1), ensuring seamless integration across a vast array of devices.

This commitment to compatibility positions Unibeam for significant market adoption. We have already secured contracts encompassing over 700 million SIMs, with a projected pipeline exceeding 2.4 billion by the end of 2024. This strong market traction underscores the critical need for Unibeam's secure identity solution in today's ever-expanding digital landscape, where the proliferation of online services has heightened concerns about fraud and identity theft.

Here's what's improved:

• Stronger opening: Starts with a clear timeframe and emphasizes rigorous development.
• Technical details rephrased: Explains compatibility in a more user-friendly way.
• Emphasis on market fit: Highlights market traction with concrete numbers and connects it to the current security landscape.
• Conciseness: Streamlined the language for better readability.

Unibeam isn't just another face in the digital identity crowd. We're a revolution with a mission: to secure the digital world, one identity at a time. But even revolutions need a spark. That's where Solve comes in.

We've secured impressive contracts and boast a pipeline brimming with potential, so raising money via Solve is not our primary goal. Yet, scaling a solution like Unibeam globally requires more than technical prowess. We see Solve as a launchpad, propelling us past critical hurdles to achieve a greater good:

·        Empowering the Vulnerable: Stolen digital identities can devastate lives, especially for the young and those in developing economies. Solve's network can help us bridge cultural divides and navigate legal complexities, ensuring Unibeam safeguards the most vulnerable globally.

·        Saving Lives in the Digital Age: Digital identity theft isn't just about financial loss; it can have devastating consequences. Solve's partnership can help us reach a wider audience faster, offering a shield against online exploitation and building a safer digital space for everyone.

·        Building a More Inclusive Future: Unibeam thrives on inclusivity. With Solve's support, we can overcome market barriers and ensure seamless adoption across borders. This isn't just about profit; it's about fostering a future where secure digital identities empower everyone, regardless of background or location.

By tackling these challenges, Solve will help Unibeam unlock a future where secure digital identities empower everyone everywhere. We're not just building a solution; we're building a more secure and inclusive digital world, and Solve is the perfect partner for this transformative journey.

Unibeam tackles digital identity security with a unique combination of features that set it apart from existing solutions:

·        Universality and Inclusivity: Unlike many solutions that require smartphones or complex registration, Unibeam seamlessly integrates with legacy phones, the primary form of identification in many developing economies. This fosters digital inclusion for all, bridging the digital divide.

·        Decentralized Identity Management: Our approach empowers telecom operators as Identity Providers (IDPs) and Identity Managers (IDMs), reducing reliance on foreign cloud providers and fostering local control over identities. This strengthens data privacy and security.

·        Unparalleled Identity Proofing: Unibeam leverages a robust combination of factors like IMSI, SIM/eSIM details, IMEI, and User Agent ID for unmatched identity verification. This eliminates vulnerabilities associated with virtual numbers and fraudulent accounts.

·        Frictionless User Experience: Pre-integrated into SIM/eSIM technology, Unibeam offers effortless authentication without requiring additional apps or user actions. This ensures a seamless and user-friendly experience for everyone.

Catalyzing Positive Impacts: Unibeam can inspire innovation in the digital identity space by:

·        Standardizing Identity Verification: Our focus on legacy phone compatibility can encourage the development of universally accessible identity verification protocols, fostering broader inclusion.

·        Decentralized Security Model: Unibeam's decentralized approach can inspire other solutions to empower local control over digital identities, promoting data privacy and security across the industry.

·        Prioritizing User Experience: The seamless nature of Unibeam's authentication can set a new standard for user-centric design in future digital identity solutions.

Market Transformation: Unibeam has the potential to significantly change the digital identity landscape through:

·        Democratizing Secure Access: By making secure authentication accessible on even basic phones, Unibeam can unlock a wave of financial and digital inclusion across the globe.

·        Empowering Developing Economies: Unibeam allows these economies to participate fully in the digital age without compromising security, fostering economic growth and opportunity.

·        Strengthening Online Trust: By mitigating identity theft, Unibeam creates a more secure online environment, boosting consumer confidence and expanding opportunities for e-commerce and online services.

Unibeam goes beyond solving a technical problem; it has the potential to reshape the digital identity landscape, empower billions with secure identities, and unlock a future of greater financial inclusion and trust for all.

A Simpler, Safer Digital World for Everyone

The Problem: Digital identity theft is rampant, leaving people vulnerable to financial loss, reputational damage, and even exploitation. This is especially true for individuals in developing economies relying on legacy phones and young people who are easier targets.

Unibeam's Solution: We offer a unique and easy-to-use security system built directly into existing SIM/eSIM cards. This eliminates the need for complex apps or registration, making it accessible to everyone, including those with basic phones.

Immediate Outputs:

• Enhanced Identity Proofing: Unibeam verifies users through a combination of factors beyond just phone numbers, making it nearly impossible to steal identities.
• Frictionless User Experience: No additional apps are needed, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free authentication process.
• Decentralized Security Control: Telecom operators become Identity Providers, giving users more control over their data.

Longer-Term Outcomes:

• Reduced Identity Theft: By strengthening verification, Unibeam significantly reduces the risk of online fraud and protects users' financial security.
• Increased Digital Inclusion: Individuals in developing economies can confidently participate in the digital world without worrying about security concerns.
• Empowered Young People: With stronger safeguards against identity theft, young people can explore the online world safely and unlock opportunities for education and entrepreneurship.
• Boosted Trust in Online Services: A more secure online environment fosters consumer confidence, leading to the growth of e-commerce and digital services globally.

Evidence Supporting Our Theory of Change:

• Rising Identity Theft Rates: Studies by [insert reputable organization] show a significant increase in digital identity theft, highlighting the urgent need for stronger security solutions.
• Challenges in Developing Economies: Reports from [insert reputable organization] emphasize the digital divide and the need for inclusive identity management solutions in these regions.
• Benefits of Decentralized Security: Research by [insert reputable organization] demonstrates the advantages of decentralized models in promoting data privacy and security.

Unibeam's impact goes beyond offering a technical solution. It unlocks a future where everyone, regardless of location or resources, can participate in the digital world with confidence and security. With simple yet powerful technology, Unibeam empowers individuals and fosters a more inclusive and prosperous digital future for all.

Weaving a Web of Digital Trust, One Secure Identity at a Time

Unibeam isn't just another cybersecurity solution; it's a revolution aimed at stitching together a digital world where trust isn't a luxury but the norm. Our impact goals are as audacious as they are achievable, and we're measuring progress with a laser focus on empowering individuals and transforming the digital landscape:

Impact Goal 1: Fort Knox for Everyone's Identity

• Target: Reduce global digital identity theft by 50% within three years in our core markets.
• Measurement: We'll track verified cases of identity theft reported by users, law enforcement agencies, and financial institutions within our footprint. Additionally, we'll monitor dark web activity for compromised credentials linked to Unibeam-protected identities.

Impact Goal 2: Bridging the Digital Divide, One Legacy Phone at a Time

• Target: Achieve 80% user adoption in developing economies within five years.
• Measurement: We'll closely monitor user registration rates in these regions alongside metrics like active usage and successful authentication attempts. Partnering with telecom operators will also provide valuable insights into user base growth within developing economies.

Impact Goal 3: Empowering the Next Generation of Digital Citizens

• Target: Reduce online exploitation attempts targeting young people by 70% within two years of implementation.

Measurement: Collaboration with NGOs and educational institutions will allow us to track reported incidents of online exploitation linked to stolen identities. We'll also monitor the user 

Unibeam leverages a powerful combination of established and cutting-edge technologies to create a robust and inclusive digital identity solution:

1. Leveraging Existing Infrastructure: SIM/eSIM Integration

• Unibeam builds upon the near-ubiquitous presence of SIM and eSIM technology embedded in mobile phones. This eliminates the need for additional hardware or downloads, ensuring accessibility even for users with basic devices.

 2. Seamless Integration via Prevalent SIM ToolKit (STK)

• Unibeam takes advantage of the widely available Sim Toolkit (STK) functionality embedded within all JavaCard-equipped SIM/eSIM cards on cell phones. This allows our solution to be deployed by local operators directly onto the SIM/eSIM via Over-the-Air (OTA) updates or pre-loaded onto the JavaCards by SIM vendors themselves.

 3. Multi-Factor Authentication with a Twist: Beyond Just Phone Numbers

• Unibeam goes beyond traditional phone number verification, which can be vulnerable to spoofing. We utilize a unique combination of factors, including:
  • International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI): A unique identifier linked to the SIM card itself.
  • SIM/eSIM Details: Specific data associated with the SIM card.
  • International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI): A unique identifier for the mobile device.
  • User Agent ID: Information about the user's browser or device.

This multi-layered approach significantly strengthens identity verification and makes it extremely difficult to impersonate legitimate users.

4. Cryptographic Security: Building a Fortress of Trust

• Unibeam utilizes industry-standard cryptographic protocols to secure communication channels and protect user data. This ensures the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information during authentication processes.

5. Decentralized Identity Management for Local Control

• Unibeam empowers telecom operators to act as Identity Providers (IDPs) and Identity Managers (IDMs) within their respective regions. This reduces reliance on foreign cloud providers and bolsters local control over digital identities, fostering data privacy and security.

The Benefit of Combining Established Technologies:

Unibeam's core technology doesn't rely on entirely new inventions. Instead, it harnesses the power of existing, well-understood technologies in a novel and impactful way. This strategic approach offers several advantages:

• Faster Adoption: By leveraging existing infrastructure, Unibeam can be readily integrated into existing mobile networks, accelerating its global reach.
• Reduced Costs: Utilizing established technologies keeps implementation costs lower, making the solution more accessible to developing economies.
• Enhanced Security: Time-tested cryptographic protocols provide a solid foundation for secure communication and data protection.

Overall Impact:

Unibeam's core technology isn't just about solving a problem; it's about creating a positive impact on a global scale. By prioritizing accessibility, security, and user privacy, Unibeam paves the way for a more inclusive and trustworthy digital future for everyone.

15 full-time employees

3 years

Fostering a Global Tapestry at Unibeam

At Unibeam, we believe a diverse and inclusive team is not just a social responsibility but a cornerstone of innovation. We actively cultivate a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued, empowered, and able to contribute their unique perspectives.

Here's how we're building a global tapestry at Unibeam:

·        Global Representation: Our team currently boasts members from India, the UK, the US, Israel, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, and Thailand. We're committed to expanding this diversity further, reflecting the global reach of our solution.

·        Leadership by Example: While we celebrate our current strides, we acknowledge there's always room for improvement. Our leadership team actively champions diversity and inclusion initiatives, setting the tone for a respectful and inclusive work environment.

·        Breaking Barriers, Building Opportunities: We strive to minimize barriers to opportunity by fostering a culture of open communication and mentorship. We actively seek out talent from underrepresented backgrounds and provide training and development programs that empower everyone to thrive.

·        A Culture of Celebration: We celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and perspectives within our team. We organize events and initiatives that promote cultural understanding and build strong bonds among team members.

Beyond these steps, we continuously evaluate our progress and actively seek feedback from our team to identify areas for improvement. Our goal is to foster a truly inclusive environment where everyone feels empowered to bring their best selves to work because that's when innovation truly flourishes.

Unibeam operates under a win-win business model that fosters secure digital identities for all while generating sustainable revenue. Here's how it works:

Value Proposition:

• For Telecommunication Companies (Telcos): Unibeam offers a robust and cost-effective solution to strengthen their identity management infrastructure. This translates to:
  • Reduced fraud and chargebacks.
  • Enhanced customer trust and loyalty.
  • Potential for new revenue streams through secure mobile financial services.
• For Users: Unibeam empowers individuals with:
  • Unparalleled security against identity theft.
  • Seamless and user-friendly authentication experience.
  • Increased access to online services and opportunities.

Revenue Generation:

• Revenue Sharing Model: We partner with Telcos through revenue-sharing agreements. This incentivizes them to integrate Unibeam into their existing infrastructure while ensuring cost-efficiency for end users. This model aligns our success with the success of our partners, fostering a collaborative approach to digital security.
• Lower Prices for Users: By leveraging revenue sharing, Unibeam ensures Telcos can offer our solution at a competitive price point. This fosters greater accessibility for users in developing economies, closing the digital divide.

Why They Need It:

Telcos require robust identity management solutions to combat fraud and maintain customer trust. Users, especially in developing economies, often lack secure access to online services due to weak identity verification systems. Unibeam addresses these critical needs by providing a secure and inclusive solution for all.

Building a Sustainable Future:

Our focus on revenue sharing ensures long-term sustainability for both Unibeam and its partners. This model allows us to continually refine the solution, expand our global reach, and empower users everywhere with the security they deserve to participate fully in the digital age.

Unibeam is committed to achieving long-term financial sustainability through a diversified revenue model that fuels our growth and empowers secure digital identities for all.

Current Funding Streams:

·        Private Investments and Venture Capital: We've successfully secured investments from private entities and venture capitalists who recognize the immense potential of our solution. This initial injection of capital has been instrumental in developing and refining Unibeam.

·        Revenue Sharing with Telcos: Our core revenue stream hinges on partnerships with telecommunication companies. Our lucrative revenue-sharing model incentivizes Telcos to integrate Unibeam into their infrastructure while ensuring affordability for end users. This win-win situation creates a sustainable partnership model.

Evidence of Success:

·        Growing Traction: We've already secured contracts encompassing over 700 million SIMs, with a projected pipeline exceeding 2.4 billion by the end of 2024. This strong market traction underscores the growing demand for Unibeam's secure identity solution.

·        Investor Confidence: Securing investments from discerning private entities and VCs demonstrates confidence in our business model and long-term growth prospects.

Future Sustainability:

·        Expanding Partnerships: Unibeam actively seeks partnerships with additional Telcos globally. As our network expands, so does our revenue potential, allowing us to invest in continuous improvement and wider adoption.

·        Evolving Service Offerings: Beyond core authentication, we're exploring the potential for offering additional secure services in partnership with Telcos. This could unlock new revenue streams while further enhancing value for users.

We are confident that this diversified approach, coupled with our proven ability to secure funding and attract partnerships, will ensure Unibeam's long-term financial sustainability. This, in turn, allows us to continue empowering users and transforming the digital identity landscape for a safer and more inclusive future.