QR codes are the future of the internet

Michael Bhaskar and Ben Murison (pictured left) are the brains behind the company.

Ben, 26, said: "QR codes are revolutionising the way we interact with the internet. They can be on posters, in newspapers, even on a T-shirt. Take a photo of the code on your mobile phone and you will be automatically transported to a website encoded in the QR code.

"Basically its like a door taking you through to a URL. The internet is becoming more and more mobile and this is the natural progression. It's really, really exciting."

QR codes were developed in Japan in the 1990s and have since become hugely popular over there. For example, they are used on vending machines where rather than pay for the product with cash, the purchaser uses the code to link to his bank account.

Their use in the West has been somewhat slower. Pepsi recently ran an advertising campaign using QR codes and, according to Michael, 24, they are the ideal marketing tool.

He said: "With the rapid evolution of mobile phone technology QR codes are just going to get more and more widely used. They can be used for anything. You might be a chef and want to get people to find out a new recipe. A code can take you to a website and people would be able to download a whole load of information.

"The beauty of them is the possibilities are endless and anyone can create their own. They can be used in nightclubs to get feedback from people about the music being played, or they can be used at conferences to replace traditional Q&A sessions. Using chatroom technology you can get instant feedback.

"We're trying to educate people in Britain about them and we genuinely believe they will prove to be a vital tool for small and medium sized businesses."

Both Michael and Ben are passionate about their product, which is currently available for free from their website. They have a business plan which will explore the commercial potential and they hope a wealthy Wharfer or two might consider investing in their company.

Ben said: "People had never heard of Twitter two years ago and now its everywhere. It grew 700 per cent in 2008 alone. I think the same thing will happen with QR codes. They are already massive in Japan and Spain and that will happen here.

"Ideally we would like an investor to get in touch with us to discuss how they can help us market the codes. This is something that we are certain will be the next big thing on the internet."

For more visit quikqr.com.

If you are interested to learn how QR codes work try the example on the right.

Make sure you have barcode reader software installed on your phone - for iPhone go to App store and download the app Barcodes for free or for other visit get.beetagg.com.

Then take a picture off the barcode using the reader and you will find out the secret message.