UK fingerprint technology firm wins £2m funding

Intelligent Fingerprinting won the fund following the recent development of a prototype drug testing device – the first of its kind in the world. The investment will allow the product, which detects illegal drugs from the sweat in fingerprints, to be marketed worldwide. According to the Norwich based company, highly specific antibodies are used to detect the metabolites of drugs in situ in less than 10 minutes. Heroin, cocaine and cannabis use can be detected, along with other substances such as nicotine. Intelligent Fingerprinting is a spin out company from the University of East Anglia (UEA), where the technique was developed. Initial funding came from the Iceni Seedcorn fund and Porton Capital, enabling a working prototype to be launched in November and demonstrated to potential customers and investors. Professor David Russell, UEA School of Chemistry, who led the research, said: "This investment comes at a crucial time for the company as our groundbreaking technology enters the next commercial phase. This is particularly important given the response by potential customers to our technology." Intelligent Fingerprinting chief executive Dr Jerry Walker added: "We have been overwhelmed by the market response to our innovative technology. This investment will enable us to accelerate its introduction." The handheld device uses disposable cartridges and samples are quick and easy to collect. According to Intelligent Fingerprinting, it requires no specialist handling or biohazard precautions, has in built chain of evidence continuity and is almost impossible to cheat.