Alcatraz

Alcatraz AI offers an access control system, Alcatraz Rock, that uses computer vision, AI, and 3D sensing to allow frictionless entry into physical locations. The company was founded by a team of former employees from Apple and Nvidia, led by former Apple Engineer Vince Gaydarzhiev. According to the company’s CEO, Alcatraz is the industry’s first one-factor authentication system capable of multi-person, in-the-flow sensing. This technique allows many people to walk in without interruption for access control while checking for tailgating. The users are not required to face or be very close to the reader. The real-time 3D facial mapping feature also avoids spoofing using photographs, videos, or masks. In February 2021, the company introduced three-factor authentication where the Alcatraz Rock platform is used in conjunction with two other authentication methods, such as a badge reader and a personal identification (PIN) reader. Alternatively, in a one-factor authentication system, Alcatraz Rock will be the primary access control device, whereas, in a two-factor authentication system, Alcatraz Rock will be used with a badge reader. In June 2023, the company launched “Rock M,” offering an extended range of up to two meters (6.5 ft), employing 2D and 3D sensors to enable liveness detection and counter-spoofing attempts, targeting original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Unlike other software based on APIs and SDKs that require further development, Alcatraz’s facial recognition system can be deployed off the shelf. Alcatraz AI’s target market includes high-tech companies, healthcare, governments, and banks. 

Key customers and partnerships

The company has partnered with several organizations that use/trial its product, including Google, SAP, BrainBox AI, and multiple police departments in the San Francisco Bay area. In October 2020, the company partnered with New York Security Solutions Inc. (developer of security solutions) to expand the market for Alcatraz Rock platform to the East Coast area. In addition, several security service providers, such as Johnson Controls, Axis Communications, PSA Security Network, SAGE Integration, TRL Systems, and Netronix have integrated the Alcatraz platform into their product offerings. In August 2021, the company partnered with Switched On Space, a UK-based provider of smart building technology solutions, to introduce Alcatraz AI’s autonomous access control to international markets. Through this partnership, Alcatraz AI expects to reach a broader customer base in the UK and European markets by leveraging Switched On Space's existing customer base in these markets. In November 2022, the company announced its expansion into the European and Middle Eastern markets establishing new offices in these regions.