While Montana has long been recognized for its startup activity, a few recent developments have increased the opportunities for Big Sky entrepreneurs.In July, Montana State University received a $750,000 federal grant to promote high-tech economic development statewide, some of which will go towards supporting high-tech startups.

The Montana High Tech Business Alliance, in conjunction with California-based TechCrunch and the Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development, is sending four Montana tech startups to San Francisco for the 2018 Disrupt Conference.

After seven years in the real estate data industry, Alosant co-founder Mike Swanson was ready for a change. He and his business partner, April LaMon, founded Alosant in Bozeman in 2017.

This year, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance is watching some promising tech and manufacturing startups in the Big Sky state. Experts at Next Frontier Capital, Frontier Angels, Montana Manufacturing Extension Center, MSU Blackstone LaunchPad, and UM Blackstone LaunchPad nominated early-stage companies they are excited about to help us create this list of eight startups to watch in 2018.

Hallway conversations and “accidental meetings” happen frequently at the Montana Technology Enterprise Center (MonTEC) in Missoula, and that is one of the best parts of being located at the business and technology incubator across from the University of Montana on the Clark Fork River, according to Elke Govertsen, founder and publisher of Mamalode.Bumping into her colleagues at MonTEC -- who are making impacts in renewable chemistry, oil and gas analytical services, big data/e-discovery, pharmaceuticals, health care data analytics, publishing, and online video delivery – always inspires Govertsen.

Two years ago, in July 2012, the Montana Programmers persuaded Brad Feld, a Boulder venture capitalist and author of the book Startup Communities, to give an inspiring talk to the Montana tech community. Rob Irizarry wrote up a great summary.