BixeLab Unveils New Facility and Multi-Year Contract with New Zealand

BixeLab has officially launched its new facility while announcing a multi-year contract with the government of New Zealand. This development was part of a hybrid event where the company showcased its expanded capabilities and introduced key members of its leadership team, including the new Chief Technology Officer, who joined BixeLab in July.

During the event, CEO Dunstone highlighted the company’s growing range of testing services. These include biometric liveness detection, presentation attack detection (PAD), matching accuracy assessments, injection attack detection, document authenticity checks, and evaluations related to age assurance. BixeLab holds the distinction of being the first laboratory globally to conduct bias evaluations based on specific standards and operates in accordance with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, as well as the FIDO Alliance standards.

Operational evaluations are also offered for systems already deployed, ensuring that existing technologies meet rigorous testing criteria. Dunstone emphasized BixeLab’s core commitments to accuracy, transparency, privacy, and innovation, which are central to the company’s mission.

Innovative Laboratory Features and International Collaborations

The new laboratory boasts enhanced features, allowing for simultaneous testing of more mobile devices. It also includes advanced capabilities for deepfake testing and flexible replication of various environments, along with secure data processing facilities. Robotic testing capabilities enhance the efficiency and control of testing processes.

“We just recently signed a multi-year agreement with the government in New Zealand to assist with their testing and assurance services,” Dunstone stated. This agreement is a continuation of previous work conducted by BixeLab for New Zealand authorities. The company collaborates with notable international organizations, including the World Bank and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Dunstone also mentioned an upcoming visit from an unnamed national government to BixeLab, scheduled for next week, to explore educational programs related to testing. This visit underscores BixeLab’s role in knowledge sharing and technical education within the industry.

Future Initiatives and Emerging Challenges

BixeLab is preparing to release a report on the application of the OFIQ biometric quality standard in airport environments, which Dunstone believes will be a pioneering contribution to the field. Additionally, the company is developing a prototype using open-source components to demonstrate how digital government can operate effectively.

Anticipating an increase in demand for testing services, BixeLab expects to address emerging challenges related to bias and age assurance over the next year. Looking ahead, the demand for testing concerning deepfakes and artificial intelligence agents is also projected to grow.

Dunstone elaborated on the implications of AI agents in everyday life, stating, “When an AI agent is out in the world doing things for you, how can it do things on your behalf? How is it trusted?” He noted that establishing a trustworthy connection requires a reliable biometric anchor.

BixeLab’s expertise extends beyond biometric systems, allowing it to assess non-biometric AI technologies, including surveillance systems and large language models (LLMs). With its innovative testing methods and commitment to quality, BixeLab is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of technology assurance.