Technology from Stanford moves into practice
The TACEO project originated from research in modern cryptography, including work at Stanford University, where the idea emerged to distribute the computationally intensive generation of cryptographic proofs across multiple independent nodes in a coordinated network.
This approach significantly accelerates computations while increasing the security of the entire process. The research know-how has since been transferred into practice in the form of a startup solution that is now building a global infrastructure for working with sensitive data.
Among the first users of this technology are projects focused on digital identity, such as the World ID initiative, which addresses the verification of a “unique human” in an online environment.
Data without exposure: a new generation of digital infrastructure
The solution is based on so-called zero-knowledge proofs and multi-party computation – methods that allow mathematical verification of information without revealing the underlying data.
“Participation in the TACEO Network confirms that the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at CTU is actively contributing to the development of technologies that will shape the digital infrastructure of the future. The ability to work with data without sharing it is essential not only for the digital economy but also for cybersecurity, which is one of our key priorities in both education and research,” says Prof. Petr Páta, Dean of FEE CTU.
“We’re proud to welcome the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague (FEL CTU) to the TACEO Network as our partner for the Czech Republic. The team has shown strong drive and technical excellence, and has been instrumental in helping bring the network into production.
Working with leading technical universities strengthens our global network with trusted operators who share our vision of secure data processing without exposing the data itself. Academic institutions are key to building the trust this infrastructure relies on,” says Lukas Helminger - co-founder and CEO at TACEO.
Computationally intensive operations within the TACEO Network are distributed across multiple independent nodes worldwide, forming a shared computation layer. Each node processes only part of the computation, increasing both efficiency and security.
The role of FEE: a trusted node operator
FEE CTU operates one of the nodes in this network, contributing to computations and ensuring availability of the network’s computation layer.
“Our role lies in operating a node that is part of a distributed infrastructure. We participate in computations while guaranteeing reliability and operational security. Trust is key – no operator has access to the complete data,” explains Ing. Jan Kočí, Vice-Dean for IT at FEE CTU.
The trustworthiness of operators is one of the reasons why network operators choose universities as partners.
How the technology works in practice
The technology makes it possible, for example, to verify identity without exposing sensitive data. Data is distributed in encrypted shares across the TACEO Network, whose distributed nodes jointly generate cryptographic proof of a person’s attributes. This proof is then verified by the application requesting authentication.
“A simple example is age verification – instead of handing over an ID card, it is enough to provide a mathematical proof that the user is over 18. No one ever sees the actual data,” explains Ing. Luboš Harašta, head of the Blockchain Lab CZM at FEE CTU.
Computations run in parallel across multiple nodes, each processing only partial data. This makes the entire process both faster and more secure.
Students are also involved in the project
Students from FEE are gradually becoming involved in the project, gaining experience with operating highly available infrastructure and modern cryptography. The faculty also plans to further develop this area in both education and research, particularly in the context of cybersecurity and data protection.
“We are at the beginning of a new technological field. We want to be part of it, develop know-how, and involve students and research in topics that have a global impact,” adds Harašta.
FEE at the birth of a new digital layer
Participation in the TACEO Network represents an opportunity for FEE CTU to be part of an emerging global infrastructure that is expected to play a key role in the future of digital identity, security, and data processing.
The faculty thus confirms its role as a partner in international technological projects and strengthens its position in modern cryptography, cybersecurity, and digital technologies.
