An Update
Just a few days ago, I wrote an entry on DNA Recognition, and the great potential that it has. I talked more from a protocol approach, and today, I bring you some more developments with regards to it. A Biometrics Vendor known as “IntegenX Inc.” has just announced that it has secured some very serious funding from outside investors in order to advance its current product line, and research and development into DNA Recognition. Here are some details of this great news: “IntegenX Inc., the leading developer of rapid human DNA identification technology and DNA sequencing library preparation systems, has secured $40 Million in Series C funding to accelerate development of the company's product pipeline and the commercialization of its RapidHIT 200 Human Identification System into domestic and international markets. Industry observers expect this product to be disruptive and that it will create a new market for rapid analysis of human DNA for real-time biometric identification . . . The RapidHIT 200 is a breakthrough sample-to-profile biometric system that will enable law enforcement, government agencies, and forensic laboratories worldwide to reliably and accurately provide real-time human DNA analysis. The system is the first fully automated DNA identification technology capable of producing DNA profiles from buccal swabs or other human samples in less than 90 minutes. The RapidHIT 200 will allow DNA analysis at the point of collection, such as an arrest or detention, setting a new standard in the usage of DNA profiles as an actionable biometric. By contrast, human DNA samples currently must be transported or shipped to laboratories that rely on highly trained technicians using multiple instruments for analyses taking 10 to 14 hours, with access to results delayed up to 30 days or more.” (SOURCE: http://www.findbiometrics.com/industry-news/i/9431/).
My Take
After reading upon this, first I have to say, my hats off and huge applause for this vendor to achieve such a large amount of financing. Believe me, trying to secure any kind of funding can be a rather arduous task, as even I have tried this path many years ago for my first Biometrics based business. Of course, back then, times were different, so securing investors and their money was a bit easier than it is now (probably the late 90’s were the best days to get investors very quickly with their money). But in today’s times, it can be very close to impossible, heck even when banks are reluctant to give out loans to small business. So this is big news, given today’s harsh economic climate.
And, $40 Million is nothing to sneer at. It is a huge chunk of change to have in your bank account. But even more impressive, take a look at their product line. Heck, a solution which can analyze in just 90 minutes or less? Now that is quite fast. But remember, as I have said before, in order for DNA Recognition to be a viable Biometric technology, identification and/or verification has to come down to just seconds. But, hey given how long DNA analysis has usually taken, this is still a huge breakthrough. So, this brings up another point. As you can see from the above quote, this solution is primarily meant for identification. Meaning, it will work great for such applications as law enforcement, forensics, where real time analysis is greatly needed in order to apprehend a potential suspect.
Plus also, by having DNA analysis done in real time, this means hopefully that the court backlog of cases will move down the pipeline quicker, as evidence can now be collected and presented to the judge and jury in a shorter amount of time. And also, this is good news for the defense, as they will have hands now on the best form of evidence possible – DNA. Who knows, hearsay evidence and interviewing witnesses maybe a thing of the past. But, here is where the line needs to be drawn. While Biometrics is also concerned with identification, the real meat of the industry lies in the verification component.
So while this is all great (I am not knocking it by any means what so ever), work also needs to be done on DNA Recognition with respects to verification, and bringing the times down as much as possible (although a matter of seconds might still be a dream, it is possible further down the road). If work research and development is done more in this area, then the viability of DNA Recognition will be further recognized by the Biometrics Industry, and in turn, by customers. Once proven and accepted, DNA Recognition will prove to be the ultimate security technology of all time.
Comments