Collin Arocho
14 September 2020

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has announced four regional pilot programs to test the application of Covid-19 contact-tracing solutions. The programs will use physical tokens in real-life settings and events, which are viewed as crucial for reopening essential part of Europes economy. Regional teams include Italy, the UK, the Nordics and the Benelux. Each of them will be tasked with creating startups that will run the pilots and, following successful completion, be responsible for market introduction, production upscaling and commercial distribution.

EIT Tokenme
Tokenme with PSV Eindhoven branding. Credit: EIT Digital

The Benelux region will pilot Tokenme, which consists of a contact-tracing wearable, about the size of a wristwatch. The devices will detect proximity and exchange IDs anonymously via broadcast radio. Benelux tests of Tokenme will be utilized in two main areas of focus: first being PSV’s Philips Stadium in Eindhoven, second being other large-scale events like concerts. In both scenarios, the wearables will be offered to visitors upon their arrival. However, the notification of other users in case of infection will remain voluntary.