A firm behind what it describes as “the visual equivalent of NFC” is one of 17 tech start-ups chosen by Telefonica for its Wayra start-up programme.

Ensygnia offers visual recognition and scanning technology which speeds up on-line purchases because users do not need to enter their user name and password before completing a transaction. Instead the user scans the screen of the PC with their smartphone to complete a purchase.

Users set up their user name and password when they sign up for a service supported by Ensygnia’s technology, which they can make a transaction just by scanning a QR code, although it can also work with other technology and can also be used in physical outlets, as well as on websites. The company is headed by Richard Harris (pictured).

Ensygnia and the other winners will receive funding as well as rent-free workspace and mentoring as part of the Wayra selection process that started with 3,400 applicants.

This is the second round of start-ups chosen as part of the Wayra programme which launched last summer.