Last Updated: May 2026
Competition Resource Links:
1. Introduction
Forward Edge-AI, Inc. (“Forward Edge-AI”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) operates the Blaise™ xTech iOS mobile application (the “App”), which serves as a companion application for the Blaise™ handheld Raman spectrometer hardware.
This Privacy Policy describes how we handle information in connection with your use of the App. We are committed to protecting your privacy and have designed the App to minimize data collection.
SCOPE OF THIS PRIVACY POLICY: This Privacy Policy describes how the Blaise™ xTech iOS App handles data on your device during normal end-user operation. It addresses two distinct data contexts: (1) on-device data generated by everyday users of the App, which stays on your device and is not automatically transmitted to Forward Edge-AI; and (2) Competition Data that Blaise XTECH Competition participants deliberately collect and submit to Forward Edge-AI for AI training and platform development purposes, which is separately governed by the Blaise XTECH Competition Licensing Agreement.
Competition participants in the Blaise XTECH Competition are expected and required to collect spectroscopic data using the App and submit that data to Forward Edge-AI for AI model training and platform generalization. That intentional submission — including all Competition Data such as spectral measurements, calibration records, and training datasets — is not automatic background transmission from user devices. It is a deliberate participant action governed exclusively by the Blaise XTECH Competition Licensing Agreement, specifically Section 2.4 (Unlimited Data License). Competition participants should review the Licensing Agreement for the complete terms governing their data submission obligations and rights. |
U.S. ONLY: This Privacy Policy covers U.S. availability only. Sections covering California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) rights, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) obligations, cookie policies, and Data Protection Officer designations are intentionally omitted from this version. These sections will be added when the App expands to EU markets or when California-specific compliance requirements apply. |
2. Information We Do Not Collect
The App is designed to operate without collecting personal information. Specifically, we do not:
Require you to create an account or sign in
Collect your name, email address, phone number, or any other personally identifiable information
Track your location or movement
Access your contacts, calendar, photos, or other personal data on your device
Collect device identifiers for advertising purposes
Use third-party analytics, crash reporting, tracking, or advertising services
3. Information Stored Locally on Your Device
The App stores the following information locally on your device, under your control:
Scan history: results of material identification tests performed with the connected Blaise™ spectrometer, including timestamps, sample identifiers, identified substances, confidence scores, and Raman spectrum data
App preferences and settings: For everyday end-users, this information remains on your device and is not automatically transmitted to Forward Edge-AI or any third party. You can delete this data at any time by deleting individual reports within the App, or by uninstalling the App. Competition participants who deliberately submit scan data and datasets to Forward Edge-AI as part of the Blaise XTECH Competition do so under a separate workflow governed by the Licensing Agreement, not by automatic background transmission from the App.
Note for Competition Participants: The App does not automatically transmit your scan data to Forward Edge-AI in the background. As a competition participant, you are expected to deliberately collect spectroscopic data using the App and submit it to Forward Edge-AI for AI training and platform development — this is a core requirement of the competition. That intentional submission is governed by the Blaise XTECH Competition Licensing Agreement (Section 2.4), not by this Privacy Policy. |
4. Bluetooth Connectivity
The App uses Bluetooth Low Energy to communicate with the Blaise™ handheld Raman spectrometer. This connection is used solely to:
Discover and pair with the spectrometer hardware
Send scan commands to the spectrometer
Receive spectrum data from the spectrometer
Bluetooth is not used to collect, transmit, or share any information about you or your device with any third party. The App requests the Bluetooth permission (NSBluetoothAlwaysUsageDescription) for these purposes only.
5. Children’s Privacy
The App is intended for use by professionals in laboratory, industrial, and field analysis settings. It is not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.
6. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do, we will revise the “Last Updated” date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically.
7. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the App’s privacy practices, please contact us:
Forward Edge-AI, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://forwardedge.ai
8. Trademark Notice
Blaise™ is a trademark of Forward Edge-AI, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks referenced in this Privacy Policy are the property of their respective owners.
9. Jurisdiction
This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Forward Edge-AI, Inc. is incorporated in the United States with its principal place of business in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.
Any disputes relating to this Privacy Policy shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts of Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas, consistent with the governing law and jurisdiction provisions of the Blaise XTECH Competition Licensing Agreement.