Athena Smartcard

Smart Card Technology

Cyber Security
Acquired by NXP Semiconductors
Acquired Founded 1998
LinkedIn
Last updated 2026-06-18
Total raised
Stage
Acquired
Founded
1998
Headcount
31
HQ
Sector
Cyber Security

About

Athena develops smart card solutionsto support card manufacturers, national printers, and system integrators. Athena's business model allows itspartners to source smart card technology directly from Athena or through itslicensed silicon partners. Athena provides secure, flexible, and cost-effective solutions for ICAO-based ePassports, FIPS-201/PIV-based documents, IAS-ECC and national ID schemes, digital signature, PKI, eGov, transportation, ATM cards, ePurse, embedded security for M2M and NFC, and contactless transactions.

Q&A

What is Athena Smartcard's primary business?
Athena Smartcard develops smart card solutions for card manufacturers, national printers, and system integrators, focusing on secure, flexible, and cost-effective solutions for various applications including ePassports, national ID schemes, digital signatures, and contactless transactions.
When was Athena Smartcard founded?
Athena Smartcard was founded in December 1998.
What is Athena Smartcard's current status?
Athena Smartcard was acquired by NXP Semiconductors in March 2015 and is currently inactive.
Which company acquired Athena Smartcard?
Athena Smartcard was acquired by NXP Semiconductors.
When did the acquisition of Athena Smartcard by NXP Semiconductors take place?
The acquisition of Athena Smartcard by NXP Semiconductors was completed in March 2015.
In which sector does Athena Smartcard primarily operate?
Athena Smartcard's primary sector is Cyber Security.
What is the employee count for Athena Smartcard?
Athena Smartcard has an employee count in the 11-50 range.
What technologies does Athena Smartcard utilize?
Athena Smartcard utilizes Materials & Substances and Silicon technologies.

Sectors & technology

Primary sector
Cyber Security
Technologies
Materials & SubstancesSilicon
Target customers
Defense, Safety & SecuritySecurity
Business model
B2GB2B

Tags

cryptographyaccess-controlauthenticationbiometricspkiidentity-verification
Full data — links, identifiers, deals & radar signals (jobs, patents, research, more)

External links

LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1732218
Facebookfacebook.com/Athena.Smartcard

Identifiers & details

Founded1998-12
Employees (exact)31
Status reasonAcquired (Inactive) by NXP Semiconductors on Mar 2015 - closed due to acquisition

Acquisitions & public offerings

Acquired by NXP Semiconductors 2015-03

Radar intelligence

Patents

EPO3