Rochester Institute of Technology

BlackBox Biometrics, Inc., founded in 2011 by Dr. David Borkholder, is a pioneering technology company focused on developing advanced sensor technologies to monitor and assess concussive forces that can lead to traumatic brain injuries. The company originated from research conducted at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where Dr. David Borkholder, a professor in the College of Engineering, and his team created the Blast Gauge® System. This innovative device is designed to measure the impact of explosive blasts on military personnel and has been widely used by U.S. and international military forces and law enforcement agencies.

The initial development of the Blast Gauge® System was funded by a grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 2010. This federal support enabled Dr. Borkholder and his team to rapidly design, develop, test, and deploy 1,000 units to DARPA within just one year. Federal funding continued to play an important role in the company’s growth and product development activities, with BlackBox partnering with DoD stakeholders to develop multiple iterations of next generation Blast Gauge® Systems.

BlackBox Biometrics was formed out of a research project originating at RIT’s Venture Creations business incubator, where young companies can advance their concepts to become profitable, viable businesses by using resources such as coaching, networking and connections to potential investors.

The company graduated from RIT’s incubator in 2014.