Read the original German article here.
Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Digital Art
In December 2023, OwnerChip, a Vienna-based crypto startup led by CEO Michael Schramm, introduced an innovative solution bridging the digital realm of NFTs with the physical world of art. By attaching Near Field Communication (NFC) chips to artworks, OwnerChip enables artists to offer enhanced digital storytelling experiences. When collectors scan the NFC chip with their smartphones, they access exclusive content related to the artwork, creating a seamless fusion of physical and digital art forms.
A Strong Team and a Clear Vision
Established in 2022, OwnerChip boasts a team of notable co-founders and investors, including Lukas Götz of block42, the Graz-based startup incubator Moshbit, and crypto enthusiast Niki Futter. The company’s mission is to connect valuable physical items—such as artworks, fashion pieces, and luxury goods—with blockchain and NFTs, ensuring authenticity, ownership verification, and secure tradability on digital platforms.
Empowering Artists with Digital Certificates
Artists can acquire starter kits containing five NFC chips from OwnerChip, granting them access to a dedicated app. This platform allows artists to create and manage digital content associated with their artworks and control access to this content. The NFC chip embedded in each piece effectively creates a digital twin on the blockchain, which artists can store in crypto wallets like MetaMask.
Showcasing Innovation: The Osmium Violin
A notable example of OwnerChip’s application is the Osmium Violin by Kurt Assam and Karl Großschädl, considered one of the most valuable new violins globally. Adorned with 541 osmium inlays and 298 gemstones—including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and tsavorites set in 18-karat gold—the instrument’s authenticity and provenance are secured through OwnerChip’s technology.
Unlocking New Opportunities for Artists
For artists, integrating OwnerChip’s NFC technology offers multiple benefits. In a saturated art market, standing out can be challenging. By creating a digital twin, incorporating NFC integration, and having the freedom to express their creative vision, artists can capture the attention of a broader audience, particularly crypto-savvy art enthusiasts. Moreover, each NFC chip corresponds to a crypto token that can be resold via blockchain, enabling artists to earn royalties on secondary market sales. Currently, OwnerChip utilizes the Polygon blockchain, a fast and cost-effective Layer-2 solution based on Ethereum. Purchasing a starter kit includes coverage of transaction fees on the Polygon network for one year.
Collaboration with Infineon for Secure Authentication
OwnerChip collaborates with European chip giant Infineon for hardware, utilizing their “Secora Blockchain Chip,” developed in partnership with block42. This NFC-based blockchain solution aims to protect brand integrity and authenticate luxury goods. While the NFT market experienced a significant downturn, affecting platforms like OpenSea and Yuga Labs, OwnerChip’s approach offers a tangible application of blockchain technology, potentially revitalizing interest in digital art authentication.
