MISSOULA — Montana has been awarded $41 million in federal funding for a technology hub that will focus on developing “smart optical sensing technologies,” according to Sen. Jon Tester.
Tester recently announced that the Headwaters Tech Hub in Montana is among the 12 Regional Tech Hubs selected to receive Phase 2 investment under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. This legislation aims to incentivize certain industries to return to the U.S., such as chip-making, rather than relying on foreign sources. The “smart optical sensing technologies” developed in Montana will address key areas like autonomous systems, national defense, precision agriculture, and resource management.
The specific allocation of the funds and the types of jobs to be created in Montana are still unclear. While other states have named specific companies receiving CHIPS and Science Act funding, details for Montana remain more general.
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According to Tester’s office, the University of Montana, Montana State University, Salish Kootenai College, and the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance will all benefit from the funding.
Bozeman and Montana State University are likely to receive a significant portion of the funding due to the presence of several photonics companies in the area. However, the tech hub will be led by Accelerate Montana, based on the University of Montana campus in Missoula.
“Montana has the potential to lead the nation in technological innovation, ensuring America remains competitive with countries like China,” stated Tester. “That’s why I fought for this $41 million investment in the Headwaters Tech Hub and why I continue to advocate for rural America’s untapped potential.”
