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The West Virginia Jobs Investment Trust (WVJIT) is proud to announce the successful completion of a major milestone in its equity investment with GATC Health, a California-based technology company using artificial intelligence to accelerate drug development and address critical public health challenges, including the opioid crisis.
WVJIT initially invested $2 million in GATC West Virginia, with an additional $3 million reserved for future investment based on the company achieving defined hiring goals. As of June 1, 2025, GATC has met its first key milestone by hiring 10 full-time employees in the state, unlocking the next $1 million investment.
“This milestone with GATC Health represents exactly the kind of innovation and economic diversification we’re working to foster in West Virginia,” said Matt Herridge, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Commerce. “By investing in cutting-edge companies like GATC, we’re not only creating high-quality jobs, but we’re also positioning our state as a national leader in AI-driven drug development and life sciences.”
This initial $2 million investment was used to build-out approximately 7,500 square feet of laboratory and office space in the WVU Innovation Center in Morgantown, where GATC’s AI-powered lab is now developing new drugs that were discovered and tested using their proprietary Multiomics Advanced Technology™ (MAT) platform. In addition, GATC is constructing a state-of-the-art cGMP facility to manufacture drug candidates in preparation for FDA clinical trials. GATC’s labs set a new standard for AI-enabled drug development and serve as a collaborative hub for other innovative companies seeking to accelerate the translation of scientific breakthroughs into life-changing medicines.
“WVJIT is delighted to support GATC’s investment in West Virginia and their use of AI-driven technology in drug development and commercialization,” said Andy Zulauf, Executive Director of WVJIT. “We believe that this type of innovation has far-reaching potential and we are proud to help develop it in West Virginia.”
The equity investment structure ensures that WVJIT retains ownership interest in the company, aligning the state’s economic growth with GATC’s success. Additional milestone investments of up to $2 million are planned based on GATC’s continued expansion in West Virginia.
“West Virginia provides the perfect mix of purpose and partnership for GATC,” said Tyrone Lam, Chief Business Officer of GATC Health. “With our brilliant new team members in our advanced AI-powered lab in Morgantown, we’re tackling the opioid crisis and other pressing health challenges by developing safer, more effective medicines. The state’s commitment to innovation and taking the lead in new drug development has helped us attract top science and tech talent, all working together to improve lives in West Virginia and far beyond.”
Jayson Uffens, Chief Technology Officer of GATC added: “GATC Health is building a robust foundation for advanced drug development unique to the region. Through a collaboration with West Virginia University (WVU), GATC is poised to accelerate early-stage drug discovery efforts. The promise of GATC’s AI-powered discoveries are being realized in the fully operational lab within the WVU Innovation Corporation building. The West Virginia team is already synthesizing and testing new therapeutics targeting critical health challenges such as opioid use disorder, PTSD, black lung disease, and diabetes.”
WVJIT’s strategic investments continue to support the growth of high-tech, high-impact companies in West Virginia, driving innovation, job creation and long-term economic opportunity across the state.
