IKE Tech Unveils Breakthrough Study Demonstrating 100% Effectiveness of First-Ever Blockchain-Based Age-Gating System for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Rhea-AI Summary

Ispire Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPR) joint venture, IKE Tech , has announced groundbreaking results from their Human Factors Validation Study of the first blockchain-based age-gating system for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). The study evaluated their Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System, which combines biometric authentication and blockchain technology.

Key findings from the study of 101 participants showed:

• 100% successful age verification rate
• Complete prevention of underage device activation
• 100% device deactivation after inactivity
• 91% of users rated the app as extremely or very easy to use
• Only 1% error rate in task attempts

The IKE System, developed through a partnership between Ispire, Berify, and Chemular, aims to establish new regulatory standards for ENDS manufacturers while ensuring adult-only access. The platform features customizable elements including geofencing, authentication protection, and real-time messaging capabilities.

Positive

• 100% effectiveness in preventing underage access to ENDS devices
• High user satisfaction with 91% rating the app as extremely/very easy to use
• Low 1% error rate in task attempts
• Successful development of scalable technology for FDA compliance

Negative

• None.

Insights

Technology Expert

IKE Tech's age-verification system combines blockchain, biometrics, and Bluetooth to achieve 100% effectiveness preventing underage vaping device access in clinical trials.

This clinical study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of IKE Tech's groundbreaking age verification system for vaping products. The technology integrates three advanced components: Bluetooth Low Energy chips embedded in devices, biometric authentication through a mobile app, and blockchain infrastructure for secure verification. The clinical results are technically impressive: 100% success in age verification among 101 participants, complete prevention of underage access, automatic device deactivation after inactivity, and a 91% ease-of-use rating.

What makes this system distinctive is its interoperability—designed as a platform rather than a proprietary solution. The error rate of just 1% during task attempts indicates exceptional usability for a multi-layered security solution. The inclusion of geofencing capabilities, authentication/counterfeit protection, and real-time messaging demonstrates a comprehensive approach to device security.

The blockchain component provides immutable verification records while the BLE implementation creates a physical tether between verified users and devices. This represents a significant advancement over current age verification methods that typically rely on single-point ID checks without ongoing device control. The system effectively creates a continuous digital handshake between user identity and device functionality—a novel approach to solving the underage access problem.

Regulatory Expert

IKE Tech's 100%-effective age verification system addresses critical regulatory challenges in the vaping industry, potentially positioning Ispire as a compliance leader.

These clinical results address one of the ENDS industry's most significant regulatory hurdles: preventing youth access. The vaping industry has faced intense scrutiny from the FDA regarding underage use, with substantial implications for product approvals and marketing restrictions. IKE Tech's system demonstrates a technological solution rather than just a policy approach.

The 100% effectiveness in preventing underage access in clinical settings represents a potentially transformative development. The system's design goes beyond point-of-sale verification to create continuous access control, addressing a key regulatory concern about devices being shared after purchase. The planned publication of findings on clinicaltrials.gov suggests scientific rigor that could bolster credibility with regulators.

For Ispire Technology, as part of this joint venture with Berify and Chemular, this positions the company as an innovator in responsible vaping technology. The technology creates potential for new industry standards that could influence regulatory expectations. If widely adopted or endorsed by regulators, manufacturers implementing this system might gain advantages in the approval process for new products. By addressing youth access concerns with a technological solution that achieved perfect results in clinical testing, IKE Tech has developed what could become a significant competitive differentiator in a highly regulated market.

Clinical results confirm biometric BLE Bluetooth chip and blockchain-based app successfully prevent underage use

Study validates next-gen approach to digital safeguards for ENDS manufacturers, setting a new standard for safety, compliance, and adult consumer control

LOS ANGELES, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ispire Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPR) joint venture, IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech"), a leading innovator in the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification (IDV) and tokenization technology has announced results from a multi-center Human Factors Validation Study evaluating its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System. The IKE System is the first interoperable biometric blockchain-based platform designed to control access to electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

The study assessed usability, safety, and effectiveness in preventing underage access to ENDS, using BLE-enabled chips and biometric authentication to control device access in real-time.

Results showed:

• 100% of users (n=101) successfully completed age verification
• 0% of underage users were able to activate a device
• 100% of devices deactivated after a period of inactivity or loss of Bluetooth signal
• 91% rated the app "Extremely Easy" or "Very Easy" to use
• Errors occurred in only 1% of task attempts

"Our findings prove that digital access control is not only achievable but scalable—and essential to the future of ENDS regulation" said John Patterson, President of IKE Tech. "We're not just building technology. We're building a new regulatory framework, one that gives the FDA and manufacturers powerful tools to safeguard public health and ensure adult-only access. This is bigger than just a chip—it's a paradigm shift."

IKE Tech is a joint venture between three industry leaders including Ispire Technology Inc (Ispire) (Nasdaq: ISPR), Berify and Chemular, that are committed to developing innovative solutions for age verification and biometric authentication across a range of consumer goods.

Commenting on the findings, Michael Wang, co-CEO of Ispire said: "This study confirms what we've set out to prove: that technology can empower better public health and societal outcomes. We are proud to support the IKE initiative, which aligns with our mission to advance intelligent hardware solutions that protect youth, serve adults and support evolving FDA standards."

Dan Kang, CEO of Berify added: "We built this platform for the vaping category to give brands and users more control and confidence. By combining BLE, biometrics and blockchain infrastructure, the IKE System offers a customizable access layer that's secure, interoperable and compliant. This study proves that the system is not only effective, but easy for adult users to navigate, and sets the stage for safer vaping products at scale."

Human Factors Study Design and Key Results
Conducted with more than 100 participants (51% male, 49% female, aged 18–67 across race/ethnic demographics), the study simulated real-world use of the IKE system. Participants downloaded the app, verified their age, paired with a test device and interacted with BLE-based access controls. Devices could only be reactivated with biometric authentication

Results indicated high efficacy in age verification, and no underage individuals were able to access the ENDS device.

The results confirm the IKE System's ability to reduce user error, prevent underage access, and provide a user-friendly experience for adults.

Full findings from the study will be published on clinicaltrials.gov, and the Abstract can be found on https://www.iketech.com/clinical-trials/protocols 

Next Steps Toward Safer, Smarter ENDS
The IKE platform is built for integration across a broad range of ENDS devices and includes customizable features such as geofencing, authentication/counterfeit protection and real-time messaging.

"We remain committed to delivering cutting-edge evidence-based solutions that prioritize security, efficiency, and seamless user experiences" John Patterson concluded. "We look forward to collaborating with industry leaders, regulatory stakeholders, and other partners in seizing the opportunity that technology offers in providing smart public health interventions."

END

About IKE Tech LLC 
IKE Tech LLC is a joint venture comprised of Ispire Technology Inc., Touch Point Worldwide Inc. d/b/a Berify, and Chemular Inc. IKE is dedicated to advancing next-generation Identity and Age Verification (IAV) systems for ENDS devices. Its BLE System-on-a-Chip allows manufacturers to embed customizable, interoperable access controls into vapor devices—ensuring authorized adult use and preventing youth access through real-time mobile and biometric authentication.

About Ispire Technology Inc.
Ispire is engaged in the research and development, design, commercialization, sales, marketing, and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. The Company's operating subsidiaries own or license more than 200 patents received or filed globally. Ispire's tobacco products are marketed under the Aspire brand name and are sold worldwide (except in the U.S., People's Republic of China and Russia) primarily through its global distribution network. The Company's cannabis products are marketed under the Ispire brand name primarily on an original design manufacturer (ODM) basis to other cannabis vapor companies. Ispire sells its cannabis vaping hardware only in the U.S., and it recently commenced its marketing activities in Canada and Europe. For more information, visit www.ispiretechnology.com or follow Ispire on  Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

About Berify
Berify is a cutting-edge platform specializing in linking physical products to the digital world, digital engagement, and brand protection. With a suite of patented technologies, Berify offers a blend of security, interoperability and engagement in the consumer-brand relationship. Berify brands can protect their reputation, own their data, gain valuable consumer insights, incentivize desired behaviors and differentiate themselves in the competitive market. 

About Chemular
Founded in 2015 by experts in nicotine and U.S. FDA compliance, Chemular provides analytical, behavioral, toxicological, clinical, and overall project management. Its expertise spans all aspects of the PMTA and MRTP process. Chemular has successfully submitted PMTAs on over 200 products. It has a highly focused regulatory consulting group dedicated to the tobacco space and brings a world class team of tobacco-specific toxicologists, chemists, clinical trial experts in addition to project managers and other various subject matter experts to assist companies with their FDA and other regulatory needs.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("Securities Act") as well as Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company's future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "would," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "project," "estimate," "anticipate," "strategy," "future," "likely" or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the Company's strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties including those regarding: the Company's ability to collect its accounts receivable in a timely manner, the Company's business strategies, the ability of the Company to market to the Ispire ONE™, Ispire ONE's success if meeting its goals, the ability of its customers to derive the anticipated benefits of the Ispire ONE™ and the success of their products on the markets; the Ispire ONE™ proving to be safe, and the risk and uncertainties described in "Risk Factors," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements" and the additional risk described in Ispire's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2023 and any subsequent filings which Ispire makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in the press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in the press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

IR Contacts:
For more information, kindly contact:
Investor Relations
Sherry Zheng
718.213.7386
ir@ispiretechnology.com

KCSA Strategic Communications

Phil Carlson
212.896.1233
ispire@kcsa.com

PR Contact:
Ellen Mellody
570.209.2947
EMellody@kcsa.com

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SOURCE Ispire Technology Inc.

FAQ

What are the key success metrics of IKE Tech's blockchain-based age verification system for ENDS (ISPR)?

The system achieved 100% success in age verification, 0% underage access, 100% device deactivation after inactivity, and 91% user satisfaction rating the app as extremely or very easy to use.

How does IKE Tech's BLE system prevent underage access to vaping devices?

The system uses Bluetooth Low Energy chips combined with biometric authentication and blockchain technology to control device access in real-time, requiring age verification and deactivating after periods of inactivity.

What was the scope of IKE Tech's Human Factors Validation Study for their age verification system?

The study included 101 participants (51% male, 49% female, aged 18-67) across various racial/ethnic demographics, testing real-world usage of the app, age verification, device pairing, and BLE-based access controls.

What features does the IKE platform offer for ENDS manufacturers?

The platform includes customizable features such as geofencing, authentication/counterfeit protection, real-time messaging, and interoperability across various ENDS devices.