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Technology

NXP offers fan engagement boost with MIFARE smart tickets at Summer Universiade

NXP Semiconductors says its MIFARE contactless smart paper ticketing solution will provide safety, efficiency and improved fan engagement when the World Student Games opens in Taiwan tomorrow (Saturday).

More than 150,000 athletes, government officials, university leaders, VIP guests, delegates and other event participants will use passes powered by NXP’s MIFARE Ultralight Nano technology at the 2017 Summer Universiade.

The solution is in the form of an ID badge that will provide authorised access to the sports venues, training centres, athlete residences, meal programmes and VIP events such as the opening and closing ceremonies.

NXP contactless smart card technology was also deployed recently at the 2017 Fifa Confederations Cup in Russia.

“We are proud that the second largest global multi-sports event, the Summer Universiade in Taipei, has chosen our world-class contactless technology for their entrance passes,” said Markus Staeblein, vice-president and general manager secure mobility and retail at NXP.

“This project reinforces our leadership position in contactless smart card technology for international sporting events and validates the growing interest in using our smart ticketing solutions for hassle-free entrance to sports facilities that provide a safer overall environment for everyone while reducing lines and wait times.”

Strengthen fan engagement

NXP’s technology is included in core components that power secure government-issued ID documents in more than 120 countries and is used by 95 countries worldwide to secure electronic passport programmes

Staeblein said: “It’s a win-win situation for all; the event host and team organizations especially appreciate the ability for smart ticketing solutions to also strengthen fan engagement with team brands and increase merchandise sales.”

NXP collaborated with the Taipei City Government and the Universiade Committee to develop the MIFARE Ultralight Nano smart ticketing solution to meet the “rigorous” security standards of the organisers.

Li-Chong Su, head of Taipei Summer Universiade Committee, said: “In order to ensure the security of every participant, including athletes, judges and VIP guests, flow control is critical. It’s our pleasure to collaborate with NXP, to create a secure solution.

“With their advanced technology, the complex identity verification process turns out to be faster, more convenient and more secure for all participants. For example, the athletes can be focused on the competition itself by reducing the accreditation waiting time.”