CISO Tribune

Vendor comparison · 2 companies

HID vs SandboxAQ

HID sells identity solutions that connect billions of people, places and things. SandboxAQ is a science-first technology company that connects AI and Quantum techniques across pharma, energy, defense, and other markets. CISO Tribune files both under Machine identity and PKI. This page sets the two records side by side: what each sells, where it is based, who owns and funds it, the customers it names and its recent news, each fact numbered to its source.

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  • HID
  • SandboxAQ
HID vs SandboxAQ: Products, Customers and Funding Compared
HIDHID sells identity solutions that connect billions of people, places and things.hidglobal.comSandboxAQSandboxAQ is a science-first technology company that connects AI and Quantum techniques across pharma, energy, defense, and other markets.sandboxaq.com
What it sells
  • HID Authentication Service[3]A cloud-based authentication platform for regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, government and critical infrastructure.
  • HID Approve[3][4]A mobile authentication solution with push notification, QR code and one-time password methods.
  • HID Amico[7]HID Amico provides facial recognition technology.
  • HID Signo Reader 40[5]A reader for door applications requiring wall switch mounting.
  • HID Signo Reader 20[6]A reader for door applications requiring a narrow card reader.
  • HID VAL100[10]A ticket validator that combines barcode and NFC/RFID reading.
  • HID DigitalPersona 5300[8]A FIPS 201/PIV and FBI Mobile ID FAP 30 fingerprint reader.
  • EikonTouch TC510[9]A USB capacitive silicon fingerprint reader.
  • AQtive Guard[1][5]AQtive Guard gives security teams insight into cryptographic assets and NHIs, then automates remediation.
  • Sandwich[7]Sandwich is an open source, unified API for cryptographic libraries, built for developers.
  • Large Quantitative Models[4][5][11]SandboxAQ offers three ways to access and deploy its LQMs.
  • AQCat Adsorption Spin[8]AQCat Adsorption Spin predicts spin-polarized adsorption energies and converged geometries on catalytic surfaces.
  • AQPotency[10]AQPotency is a Large Quantitative Model for potency prediction and virtual screening.
  • AQBioSim[5]AQBioSim enables biopharma teams to model interactions, predict outcomes, and optimize drug candidates in silico.
  • CardiAQ[11]CardiAQ combines advanced magnetic sensing, AI-powered Large Quantitative Models (LQMs), and electromagnetic interference rejection.
Categories
Headquarters
Not stated on its pagesPalo Alto, United States[3]
Founded
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Ownership and funding
Not stated on its pagesPrivately held[2][5][6]
Named customers
Not stated on its pagesNot stated on its pages
Recent news
  • November 3, 2026HID announced it has acquired inepro ID, a provider of contactless authentication solutions for secure print release and identity management.[12]
Not stated on its pages
G2 and Gartner Peer Insights
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
  • G2: Not stated on its pages
  • Gartner Peer Insights: Not stated on its pages
Who it fits
HID names government agencies, financial services organizations and healthcare providers that secure access to online services for citizens, customers and patients. HID also provides digital onboarding and instant card issuance to banks and fintechs. HID also offers hospitality solutions for hotels and resorts. HID Amico is for mid-sized organizations seeking a contactless reader.From its own pages, SandboxAQ sells to organizations across pharma, energy, defense, and other markets. AQtive Guard is aimed at security teams working with cryptographic assets and NHIs. Sandwich is aimed at developers, as an open source API for cryptographic libraries. AQBioSim is aimed at biopharma teams that model interactions and optimize drug candidates. SandboxAQ provides pay-as-you-go access options for individuals and enterprises.
Last verified
November 6, 2026November 2, 2026

Where they overlap

  • HID and SandboxAQ are both filed under Machine identity and PKI.

Where they differ, field by field

  • HID's primary category is Workforce IAM and SSO; SandboxAQ's is Post-quantum cryptography.
  • HID is also filed under Passwordless authentication and authenticators and Identity verification. SandboxAQ is also filed under Encryption, tokenization and key management.
  • HID lists HID Authentication Service, HID Approve, HID Amico, HID Signo Reader 40, HID Signo Reader 20 and 3 more. SandboxAQ lists AQtive Guard, Sandwich, Large Quantitative Models, AQCat Adsorption Spin, AQPotency and 2 more.
  • SandboxAQ is headquartered in Palo Alto, United States.
  • SandboxAQ is privately held.

What it sells: HID

What HID Authentication Service does[3]
HID Authentication Service supports CIAM use cases through customer enrollment, multi-factor authentication and identity management on a cloud-based platform. HID Authentication Service is designed to integrate with enterprise identity infrastructures, including Microsoft Entra ID.
What HID Approve does[3][4]
HID Approve is a mobile authentication solution that enables push notification authentication, QR code authentication and one-time password (OTP) generation for consumer and workforce use cases. HID Approve enables mobile transaction signing by allowing users to approve high-risk actions and transactions on their mobile device. HID Approve can be deployed as a customizable mobile authentication application or integrated into existing applications using an authentication SDK.
What HID Amico does[7]
HID Amico is for mid-sized organizations seeking a contactless reader. HID Amico supports five authentication methods: face, credential (HF/LF), HID Mobile Access and Wallets, QR code and PIN.
What HID Signo Reader 40 does[5]
HID Signo Reader 40 is a founding member of the Signo platform. HID Signo Reader 40 is for door applications requiring wall switch mounting and supports credential technologies in cards, fobs and mobile devices.
What HID VAL100 does[10]
HID VAL100 Onboard Validator combines barcode and NFC/RFID reading functionality to provide a single point of presentation for tickets and travel passes. HID designed the VAL100 bus ticket validator to integrate with Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems.
What HID DigitalPersona 5300 does[8]
HID DigitalPersona 5300 is a FIPS 201/PIV and FBI Mobile ID FAP 30 fingerprint reader. HID DigitalPersona 5300 can be used with any standards-compatible fingerprint template extractor or matcher, including the DigitalPersona FingerJet Biometric Engine.
What EikonTouch TC510 does[9]
EikonTouch TC510 is a USB capacitive silicon fingerprint reader for high traffic environments such as point-of-sale and multi-user applications. EikonTouch TC510 is designed for use with the DigitalPersona Software Developer Kit (SDK).

What it sells: SandboxAQ

What AQtive Guard does[1][5]
AQtive Guard gives security teams insight into cryptographic assets and NHIs, then automates remediation. AQtive Guard discovers and monitors cryptographic assets and NHIs across hybrid environments. AQtive Guard automates lifecycle management including credential rotation and certificate renewal.
What Sandwich does[7]
Sandwich is an open source, unified API for cryptographic libraries, built for developers. Sandwich supports the languages C++, Rust, Python, and Go and the cryptographic libraries OpenSSL, BoringSSL, and libOQS, to enable post-quantum as well as classical cryptography. Sandwich composes the chosen protocol and implementation into a Sandwich object, such as a secure tunnel. Sandwich gives developers the ability to change configurations without having to re-compile their code.
What Large Quantitative Models does[4][5][11]
SandboxAQ offers three ways to access and deploy its LQMs. One way connects SandboxAQ's LQMs to an existing chat LLM or cloud environment via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Customers can deploy SandboxAQ LQMs within their own operational environment and fine-tune models on their proprietary data. SandboxAQ provides pay-as-you-go access options for individuals and enterprises.
What AQCat Adsorption Spin does[8]
AQCat Adsorption Spin predicts spin-polarized adsorption energies and converged geometries on catalytic surfaces. AQCat Adsorption Spin is available via LLM integration and can be accessed via any MCP client.
What CardiAQ does[11]
CardiAQ combines advanced magnetic sensing, AI-powered Large Quantitative Models (LQMs), and electromagnetic interference rejection. CardiAQ is an investigational device.

Questions about HID and SandboxAQ

What do HID and SandboxAQ sell?
HID sells HID Authentication Service, HID Approve, HID Amico, HID Signo Reader 40, HID Signo Reader 20 and 3 more. SandboxAQ sells AQtive Guard, Sandwich, Large Quantitative Models, AQCat Adsorption Spin, AQPotency and 2 more.
Are HID and SandboxAQ in the same category?
They share Machine identity and PKI. HID's primary category is Workforce IAM and SSO and SandboxAQ's is Post-quantum cryptography.
Where are HID and SandboxAQ headquartered?
SandboxAQ is headquartered in Palo Alto, United States.
Who owns HID and SandboxAQ?
SandboxAQ is privately held.
Who are HID and SandboxAQ sold to?
HID names government agencies, financial services organizations and healthcare providers that secure access to online services for citizens, customers and patients. From its own pages, SandboxAQ sells to organizations across pharma, energy, defense, and other markets.
What have HID and SandboxAQ announced recently?
November 3, 2026: HID announced it has acquired inepro ID, a provider of contactless authentication solutions for secure print release and identity management.

About HID

HID sells identity solutions that connect billions of people, places and things. HID offers access to physical spaces, networks and services using smart cards, mobile credentials or cloud-based solutions. HID provides biometric technologies to establish, verify and manage identity across diverse industries and applications. HID offers ID card printing through the cloud. HID offers solutions for the security of IT networks, systems and connected devices. HID offers cloud-based PKI for networks, IT systems and IoT devices.[1][2]

HID Authentication Service is a cloud-based authentication platform designed for identity verification and access control in regulated industries such as healthcare, financial services, government and critical infrastructure. HID Authentication Service supports CIAM use cases through customer enrollment, multi-factor authentication and identity management on a cloud-based platform. HID Authentication Service is designed to integrate with enterprise identity infrastructures, including Microsoft Entra ID, to extend multi-factor authentication across applications and access scenarios. HID Authentication Service supports end-to-end authentication across customer journeys and secure workforce access using a single cloud platform. HID Authentication Service supports mobile-based authentication, passkeys and one-time passwords. Users can enroll in multi-factor authentication through a mobile-based application with HID Approve. HID Authentication Service is available through HID Authentication Sales Team and authorized partners.[3]

HID Approve is a mobile authentication solution that enables push notification authentication, QR code authentication and one-time password (OTP) generation for consumer and workforce use cases. HID Approve supports push notification authentication with swipe-to-approve, QR code authentication for scan-to-approve workflows and OTP generation, including offline authentication scenarios. HID Approve enables mobile transaction signing by allowing users to approve high-risk actions and transactions on their mobile device. HID Approve can be deployed as a customizable mobile authentication application or integrated into existing applications using an authentication SDK. HID is extending the HID Approve SDK to support Apple Wallet Extension activation flows for banks and card issuers during Apple Pay provisioning. HID Approve is designed to support compliance with authentication regulations such as PSD2 and Open Banking for consumer use cases and EPCS requirements for workforce authentication.[4]

HID Signo Reader 40 is a founding member of the Signo platform. HID Signo Reader 40 is for door applications requiring wall switch mounting and supports credential technologies in cards, fobs and mobile devices. HID Signo Reader 20 is for door applications requiring a narrow card reader and supports credential technologies in cards, fobs and mobile devices. HID Amico provides facial recognition technology. HID Amico is for mid-sized organizations seeking a contactless reader. HID Amico supports five authentication methods: face, credential (HF/LF), HID Mobile Access and Wallets, QR code and PIN. HID Amico offers an optional Template on Card for storing biometric data.[1][5][6][7]

HID DigitalPersona 5300 is a FIPS 201/PIV and FBI Mobile ID FAP 30 fingerprint reader. HID DigitalPersona 5300 can be used with any standards-compatible fingerprint template extractor or matcher, including the DigitalPersona FingerJet Biometric Engine. EikonTouch TC510 is a USB capacitive silicon fingerprint reader for high traffic environments such as point-of-sale and multi-user applications. EikonTouch TC510 is designed for use with the DigitalPersona Software Developer Kit (SDK). HID VAL100 Onboard Validator combines barcode and NFC/RFID reading functionality to provide a single point of presentation for tickets and travel passes. HID designed the VAL100 bus ticket validator to integrate with Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) systems. VAL100 is for buses, trams and other public transit modes.[8][9]

HID Global asset tracking solutions use RFID tags in low frequency, high frequency or UHF for inventory tracking and management. HID offers Bluetooth Low Energy-based Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) for physical asset tracking. The zone-based approach from HID allows for knowing when a person or asset is in a specific area, with rules set by the customer. HID offers stock and custom RFID tags and readers. HID offers rugged RFID tags that withstand extreme temperatures, high-impact contact, natural elements and UV ray exposure.[11]

HID offers integrated identity solutions for government agencies. HID offers physical and digital security that includes biometrics, multi-factor authentication and secure credentialing. HID technologies help medical facilities protect sensitive information, track assets and authenticate identities. HID provides secure campus access and digital authentication to K-12 schools and universities. HID provides digital onboarding and instant card issuance to banks and fintechs. HID offers hospitality solutions for hotels and resorts, covering mobile access, RFID tracking and integrated building systems. HID offers rugged solutions with secure access control, real-time personnel tracking and equipment monitoring for onshore and offshore facilities.[1][2][3][4][11]

HID on the record

Sources

HID full record

  1. [1]hidglobal.comHID · hidglobal.com · undated page, accessed November 6, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Powering Trusted Identities of the World’s People, Places and Things | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  3. [3]HID Authentication ServiceHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]HID Approve | Mobile Authentication & Transaction SigningHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]HID Signo Reader 40 | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]HID Signo Reader 20 | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]HID® Amico™ Biometric Facial Recognition Reader | Buy NowHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]HID DigitalPersona 5300 Fingerprint Reader | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]HID EikonTouch TC510 Fingerprint Reader | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]HID VAL100 | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]RFID Asset Tracking & Inventory Management | HID GlobalHID Global · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]HID Acquires inepro ID, Expands Its Secure Print PortfolioHID · published November 3, 2026 · Tier A

SandboxAQ full record

  1. [1]Aqtive guardSandboxAQ · sandboxaq.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  2. [2]Sandboxaq closes 450m series e round with expanded investor baseSandboxAQ · sandboxaq.com · published April 4, 2025 · Tier A
  3. [3]What is sandboxaqSandboxAQ · sandboxaq.com · undated page, accessed September 27, 2026 · Tier A
  4. [4]Transforming the World with AI and Advanced Computing | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  5. [5]Large Quantitative Models | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  6. [6]Pricing | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  7. [7]Sandwich - Agile Cryptography for Developers | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  8. [8]Material Discovery | Turn complex materials discovery into faster decisions | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  9. [9]AQNav | Positional intelligence in GPS-denied environments | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed October 28, 2026 · Tier A
  10. [10]LQM Models | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  11. [11]AQMed | CardiAQ Magnetocardiography for Cardiac DiagnosticsSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A
  12. [12]AI Drug Discovery Platform | Computational Chemistry LQMs | SandboxAQSandboxAQ · undated page, accessed November 10, 2026 · Tier A

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