Sponsor - West Virginia

West Virginia provides extensive support to the biometrics industry. West Virginia University’s Center for Identification Technology Research (CITeR) is the first National Science Foundation Industry/University Cooperative Research Center focused on advancing the technology and performance of biometric systems. CITeR’s multi-university organization maintains a diverse and interdisciplinary portfolio of research consistent with its members’ needs. Marshall University is also a CITeR academic partner. West Virginia University offers the world’s first degree in forensic identification and biometrics. Marshall University’s Integrated Science and Technology degree program’s advisory board canvassed employers nationwide, resulting in graduates who are ready to work. Key organizations involved with biometrics have facilities in West Virginia. They include the Department of Defense Biometric Fusion Center in central West Virginia, a biometrics technology center of excellence, establishing standards and performance measures; and the FBI Criminal Justice Identification Services Division, which includes the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, the largest division within the FBI. The 500,000-square-foot complex is in Clarksburg, W.Va. West Virginia offers small business and R&D tax incentives uniquely suited to the needs of biometrics companies.

http://www.wvdo.org/