Montana’s Headwaters Tech Hub Awarded $41M by EDA to Advance Smart Sensing Industry
July 31, 2024
With $41 million in funding granted by the EDA, Montana's Headwaters Tech Hub will be a multi-year effort that will engage sectors and entities across the state including industry, the Montana University System, tribal colleges, economic and workforce development organizations, state and local government entities, and venture capital. Pictured: Elizabeth Noonan, director of Gallatin College MSU’s photonics and laser technology program, works with a student in the lab. MSU photo by Kelly Gorham.
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the U.S. Economic Development Administration announced $41 million in funding for Montana’s Headwaters Tech Hub. The Headwaters Tech Hub, led by Accelerate Montana and the Montana Technology Enterprise Center (MonTEC), is one of twelve ecosystems across the U.S. receiving implementation grants to scale up critical technology production, create long-term jobs in innovative industries, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
The Headwaters Tech Hub aims to be a global leader in autonomous, photonic sensing technologies by leveraging regional assets across western Montana. This consortium will advance smart sensing systems that address critical needs in defense, resource management, precision agriculture, transportation, and many others. The Headwaters Tech Hub will be a multi-year effort that will engage sectors and entities across the state including industry, the Montana University System, tribal colleges, economic and workforce development organizations, state and local government entities, and venture capital.
“We’re thrilled that the decision-makers in DC have recognized the strength of what Montana’s tech industry has to offer,” said Tim VanReken, executive director of the Headwaters Tech Hub. “This incredible win is the result of more than 18 months of focused effort from an outstanding and deeply committed team.”
The Headwaters Tech Hub award paves the way for rapid commercialization of photonics technology into sectors crucial to the state’s economy.
“This investment by the US Economic Development Administration will be a catalyst for economic and job growth, and will fuel the generational impact to industries across our state and region," expressed Todd O'Hair, president & CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce.
Developed by Montana with partners in North Dakota, the Headwaters Hub aims to accelerate the pipeline from product introduction to wide market adoption, grow businesses that can compete and thrive in the global marketplace, and strengthen pathways for Montanans to enter and thrive in the region’s expanding tech-focused workforce.
“The $41 million the state received today demonstrates that a rural state like Montana, and our region, can lead the nation on innovation and collaboration,” said Paul Green, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “This award recognizes our competitive advantage in sensor technology advancements that will significantly impact the way that the world does business.”
The $41 million in funding will be spread across five component projects:
$13.7 million for integrated photonics hardware capabilities and infrastructure (HTH-IPE), led by the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance (MPQA)
$13.3 million for the Autonomous Smart Systems and Integrated Sensor Testbeds (HTH-ASSIST), led by the University of Montana
$8.0 million for rapid training in photonics and optics (HTH-STEP), led by Salish Kootenai College
$4.0 million for a rescoped HTH office for managing and supporting the five component projects, led by Accelerate Montana
$3.1 million for the development of critical technologies for U.S. security (HTH-SPEED), led by Montana State University
The Headwaters Tech Hub consists of a 27-member consortium supported by hundreds of partner organizations across the state and region. Consortium members include:
U.S. Senators Jon Tester and Steve Daines have played a pivotal, bipartisan effort in ensuring Montana is at the forefront of this landmark achievement for the region.
“Securing this targeted investment for our state's Tech Hub proves what we already know: Montana has what it takes to lead the nation in technologies of the future,” said Senator Jon Tester (D). “But these new resources will take us that much further. They'll bring good-paying jobs back to Big Sky Country, boost our domestic supply chains, and help develop next-generation technologies.”
Senator Steve Daines (R) said in a statement, “From optics and photonics to quantum computing, I am grateful to help advance Montana’s ability to contribute even further to the important research, development, and jobs that will help strengthen our national security and help the country stay competitive globally.”
Jason Yager, executive director of the MPQA, expressed his excitement for the announcement and MPQA’s role moving forward, “This EDA funding will transform the landscape of Montana’s thriving photonics and quantum communities, generating thousands of high-paying jobs, advancing cutting-edge photonic technologies, and establishing career paths for Montana’s most valuable resource, our children. Montana’s future looks brighter than ever.”
Stay tuned for continued coverage of this exciting development in Montana’s photonics and optics industry.
