Optosecurity

About Optosecurity

Optosecurity, established in 2004, carved a niche in the security sector by developing software solutions for the transportation and critical infrastructure markets. The company was founded by Eric Bergeron, who brought over two decades of international high-tech management experience to his role as President and CEO. His background includes time at the venture capital fund Innovatech Quebec and as a general manager for a US-based wireless infrastructure software provider.

The firm specialized in threat detection technology, focusing on improving the operational efficiency of security checkpoints, particularly in airports. Its primary business involved providing a software platform for remote screening, also known as centralized image processing, and data integration. This business-to-business (B2B) model served airports and other critical infrastructure operators, aiming to reduce costs and headcount while enhancing security standards. One of its key products was eVelocity, a remote screening application, and the OptoScreener, an X-ray checkpoint upgrade designed to automatically detect weapons and liquid threats without causing delays. The technology was designed as an upgrade to existing X-ray systems, allowing for the screening of all passengers for threats like liquid explosives.

Throughout its history, Optosecurity raised $33.3M in funding from investors including Accès Capital Québec, Anges Québec, and BDC Capital. A significant milestone occurred on June 29, 2017, when the company was acquired by Vanderlande Industries, a market leader in logistic process automation at airports. This acquisition was a strategic move for Vanderlande to integrate Optosecurity's software with its own automated passenger checkpoint solutions, like the SCANNOJET, to create a comprehensive offering for the airport security market. At the time of the acquisition, Tim Mathews was the CEO and President of Optosecurity. Following the acquisition, Optosecurity became a subsidiary of Vanderlande, which is part of the Toyota group.