Scantrust credits EIC pavilion at MWC with new leads and market traction, but claims merit scrutiny
- ›Scantrust says participation at Mobile World Congress 2023 via the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 raised its visibility and generated qualified leads.
- ›The company reports strong uptake of a new Scantrust e-label for EU wine labelling and expects broad adoption of its secure QR code anti-counterfeiting technology.
- ›Scantrust highlights EIC preparatory workshops and on‑site credibility from the EIC pavilion as important supports while warning that trade fairs are unpredictable.
- ›Practical exhibitor advice includes sending at least two staff to large trade shows and preparing for unplanned opportunities during the event.
Scantrust at MWC 2023: what happened and what the company says it gained
Scantrust, a Switzerland founded provider of product connectivity and anti counterfeit technology, participated at Mobile World Congress 2023 as part of the European Innovation Council's Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0. Justin Picard, CTO and co founder, describes the EIC pavilion experience as credibility enhancing and says the company left the show with several qualified leads and new industry contacts. He highlights meetings with mobile ecosystem partners and deeper ties with the EIC and EIT communities as key outcomes.
Claims of impact and business outcomes
According to Picard, the EIC booth delivery made Scantrust appear more credible to visitors. The company says showroom traffic translated into qualified commercial conversations. He frames Mobile World Congress as a place to spot technology trends and competitive moves that could affect Scantrust in coming years. Picard also credits the EIC programme for improving Scantrust's global visibility and brand recognition within the mobile and supply chain sectors.
How the EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme helped
Scantrust took part in EIC OTF Programme 2.0 which offered pre departure briefings, a pavilion at the show and preparatory workshops. Picard underlines the value of the preparatory workshop in improving the company messaging and communications plan ahead of the event. He also notes that despite good preparation, trade fairs such as MWC throw up unplanned interactions that can be as valuable as scripted meetings.
Practical advice for prospective exhibitors
Picard offers concrete, practical tips based on Scantrust's experience. He recommends intensive preparatory work supported by organisers where available. He also stresses that no amount of pre show planning removes the need to react to unplanned opportunities on the ground. Finally he advises having at least two staff at the booth to manage heavy visitor flows and long show layouts.
| Recommendation | Rationale | Practical note |
| Attend preparatory workshops | Helps refine messaging and pitch | Use organiser coaching to align commercial and communication goals |
| Expect the unexpected | Unplanned meetings can become the most valuable leads | Assign one team member to reactive networking and one to scheduled meetings |
| Staff the booth with at least two people | Large shows can overwhelm a single person | Ensure staff rotate and plan logistics to cover long walking distances |
| Bring comfortable shoes | Exhibitors often walk many kilometres across halls | Practical but important for stamina across multi day events |
Product updates and future expectations from Scantrust
At MWC Scantrust announced a new product for wine labelling, called Scantrust e label. The company says it has since observed heavy adoption from wineries globally. Scantrust also expects its secure QR code solution, which the firm notes is supported by EIC Accelerator funding, to be adopted at scale across industries in coming years as organisations seek accessible anti counterfeit tools.
Why trade fair success claims warrant scrutiny
Trade fair participation is a legitimate channel for networking and visibility. The EIC pavilion does amplify credibility for backed companies. However, conversions from leads to contracts are not automatic and often require months of post show follow up. When companies report 'massive adoption' after an event it is reasonable to ask for metrics such as number of paying customers, contract values and retention rates. These metrics are not provided in the interview and would be needed to assess the real commercial impact.
About Scantrust
Scantrust was founded in Switzerland and positions itself as a provider of product connectivity, supply chain traceability and security. The company issues unique digital identifiers and secure QR codes to help brands mitigate counterfeits, gray market activity and false warranty claims. Scantrust also frames its offering as a tool for sustainability tracking and for creating customer engagement channels for loyalty and upselling.
About Mobile World Congress
Mobile World Congress in Barcelona is a major global event for the connectivity and telecoms industry. The EIC notes MWC as one of the most influential connectivity stages. The 2023 edition is described in EIC communications as hosting more than 1 000 exhibiting companies from 165 countries with over 100 000 attendees. The event mixes keynote speeches, panels, workshops and large scale exhibition halls offering networking opportunities across industry, policy and investment audiences.
About the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme
The EIC Overseas Trade Fairs Programme 2.0 has since evolved into the EIC International Trade Fairs and USA Soft Landing Programme 3.0. The programme aims to help EIC awardees promote commercialisation in foreign markets by providing pavilion space, coaching and matchmaking at selected trade fairs. Participation is open to EIC funded SMEs, startups and scale ups from EU Member States and associated countries following an application and selection process.
Implications for European deep tech and trade fair strategy
EIC supported pavilions give European deep tech companies a curated route to international exposure. For policy makers this is a low risk way to showcase EU innovation and to support SME internationalisation. For companies the value depends on execution and post show commercial strategy. Trade fair appearances can accelerate introductions but should be integrated into a broader market entry plan that includes pilots, proof of value and local compliance work.
For journalists and procurement officers evaluating vendor claims, look for independent evidence beyond anecdote. Useful indicators include number of pilot customers, revenue growth attributable to the trade fair, signed contracts, integration references and public case studies with measurable outcomes.
Where to find more information
More information about the EIC International Trade Fairs Programme 3.0 is available on the EIC Community platform. The EIC also publishes success stories and open calls for beneficiaries. Scantrust product details and technical specifications are available from the company directly and through EIC published materials where applicable. The EIC Community platform contains resources about upcoming trade fairs and application processes for EIC awardees.