Montana receives Regional Tech Hub designation
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News from the office of Senator Daines and Senator Tester
U.S. SENATE — Montana was selected out of 198 applicants to receive one of 31 new Tech Hub designations. The Headwaters Regional Technology and Innovation Hub will leverage existing companies and infrastructure in Missoula, Bozeman, and surrounding areas to develop and deploy smart photonic sensing systems and autonomous systems to address critical defense, resource management, and disaster prevention needs. Montana is already home of a leading photonics companies, and this designation will further spur economic development and leading-edge technologies. A rural Tech Hub in Montana opens the door for the state to compete for millions of dollars in new private and federal investment. Along with the crucial Tech Hub designation, Montana was also awarded $500,000 in Strategy Development funding for immediate use to help launch the Hub’s activities
U.S. Senator Steve Daines said, “(This) announcement is another milestone for Montana, speaks volumes about the quality of our workforce and further solidifies our standing as a leading hub for cutting edge technology and research in the country. From optics and photonics to quantum computing, I am grateful help advance Montana’s ability to contribute even further to the important research and development that will help strengthen our national security and help us stay competitive against China,” Daines said.
“Thanks to our pro-business policies and the unparalleled work ethic of Montanans, Montana is a growing hub for innovative, job-creating businesses in photonics, optics, and quantum,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “I thank Senator Daines for his leadership to secure the Headwaters Technology Hub designation and appreciate the hard work of our state agencies and industry and academic partners to develop Montana’s successful proposal.”
Senator Tester said, “Today’s designation affirms what Montanans across our state already know to be true: there is untapped potential in rural America, and the Treasure State is ready to lead the nation in strengthening American security through domestic manufacturing and innovation. I’m proud to have led the charge to secure this competitive designation that will unlock new private and federal investments to turbocharge Montana’s economy, small businesses, and academic institutions.”
“In Montana, our ability to adapt, innovate, and educate makes us uniquely positioned to house a tech hub,” said Seth Bodnar, President of the University of Montana. “With UM’s record research growth and Accelerate Montana’s innovative programs for workforce development in a rural setting, we are as prepared as any place in the U.S. to conduct the research, development, and manufacturing needed to ensure international dominance in the critical technology fields in our proposal. Senator Tester and his relentless push to deliver a Tech Hub to our state will bring tremendous opportunities for Montanans for years to come.”
“This designation for a technology hub in Montana gives us another opportunity to punch above our weight for our national competitiveness and securing our supply chains for technological innovations. Industries such as mining, agriculture, construction, and infrastructure development, will greatly benefit from this program. Designating Montana as a Tech Hub under the CHIPs legislation passed in 2022, has the potential to supercharge Montana’s economy, while ensuring the United States is a global leader in technology,” said Todd O’Hair, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “We thank Senator Jon Tester for his leadership in delivering this win for our Treasure State and Region.”
