West
Virginia provides extensive support to the biometrics industry.
West Virginia University’s Center for Identification Technology Research, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, advances the technology and performance of biometric systems. Partner institution Marshall University contributes the resources of its DNA Analysis Laboratory.
West Virginia University offers a bachelor’s degree in forensic identification and biometrics, the world's first. 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, which is a biometrics technology center of excellence, establishing standards and performance measures by testing and evaluating biometric technologies for the department’s use; 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.
Contact:
Jamie Gaucher
Technology and Innovation
West Virginia Development Office
Telephone: 304-558-2234
Email: jgaucher@wvdo.org
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