Montana will receive $41 million in federal funding for a technology hub aimed at developing “smart optical sensing technologies,” as announced by Sen. Jon Tester.
Tester revealed that the Headwaters Tech Hub in Montana is among the 12 Regional Tech Hubs nationwide selected to receive Phase 2 investment under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This legislation seeks to incentivize certain industries, like chip-making, to return to the U.S. instead of relying on China. The “smart optical sensing technologies” developed in Montana will focus on areas such as autonomous systems, national defense, precision agriculture, and critical resource management.
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U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, second from right, listens to University of Montana President Seth Bodnar during a roundtable discussion in February 2023 with higher education and technology leaders on how Montana could secure funding through the federal CHIPS and Science Act to become an innovation hub.
Details on how the funds will be allocated and the types of jobs created in Montana are still unclear. However, the University of Montana, Montana State University, Salish Kootenai College, and the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance are set to benefit from the funding.
Even though Bozeman and Montana State University are likely to receive a significant portion of the funding due to existing photonics companies in the area, Accelerate Montana, headquartered on the University of Montana campus in Missoula, will lead the tech hub.
“Montana is a big state that can do big things, and we’ve proven that we have what it takes to lead the nation in technological innovation that will ensure America can continue to outcompete countries like China,” Tester said in a statement.
Tester hosted a conference at Missoula College last February to discuss the benefits of the program for Montana, emphasizing innovation and economic growth.
“Bringing good-paying jobs back to the United States, securing our domestic supply chains, and developing next-generation technology starts with investments right here in the Treasure State,” Tester emphasized.
Montana was chosen as one of 31 locations out of 198 applicants for the “tech hub” designation, with U.S. Sen. Steve Daines also supporting the state’s bid.
“Today’s announcement is another milestone for Montana, speaks volumes about the quality of our workforce, and further cements our position as a leading hub for cutting-edge technology and research in the country,” said Daines following Montana’s selection.
David Erickson is the business reporter for the Missoulian.
