Embedded security solutions provider Oberthur Technologies (OT) has teamed up with a French R&D lab to develop more innovative technologies, the company has announced.

The lab in question is Leti, a branch of CEA Tech. Leti claims a portfolio of 2800 patents, has a staff of over 1900, and has launched 59 startups. As such, it could prove to be a useful ally in helping OT to innovate.

In a statement announcing the partnership, the companies asserted that they have signed a letter of intent expressing their commitment to collaborate in the areas of “biometrics, component and systems security, electronics, low-power architecture, IoT and connectivity.”

Leti CEO Marie Semeria added that “Leti and OT share common goals and complementary strengths for combining hardware and software to make digital technologies more secure.”

With mobile payments starting to take off and a range of potential applications for OT’s embedded secure element technology emerging with the Internet of Things, it’s a heady time for the company to invest in R&D. Leti’s track record suggests there could be significant dividends to come from this new partnership.