Regional Tech Hub Designation in Montana
U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester announced today that Montana’s Headwaters Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Headwaters Hub) has been selected as a Regional Tech Hub by the Economic Development Administration. As a Regional Tech Hub, Headwaters Hub will receive funds to invest in Montana’s technology sector by leveraging “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.”
“Today’s 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.
“Innovation can happen in any corner of America, which is why I’ve led the push to bring a Regional Tech Hub to Montana,” said Tester. “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.”
Montana business, technology, and university leaders praised Montana’s senators’ efforts to secure Montana’s Tech Hub designation, allowing the state to advance to the next phase of the Tech Hub process:
"Montana's designation as a tech hub has the potential to bring millions of dollars in investment and hundreds of high-paying manufacturing and technology jobs into our state. This award is the result of long-term, collaborative efforts by Senator Daines, Senator Tester, and leaders in industry, education, and government to compete for economic opportunities that will allow future generations to thrive in Montana. We thank Senator Daines for continuing the work he began in the private sector as a champion for Montana's growing innovation economy." –Christina Quick Henderson, Executive Director, Montana High Tech Business Alliance
“Montana’s designation as a regional Tech Hub under the Chips and Science Act of 2022 is a game changer for Montana’s economy. This federal designation puts business and research and development together in unprecedented ways to ensure the United States remains a leader in technology well into the future. Our strength as a top ranked entrepreneurial state and globally recognized position in sensors, photonics and quantum, will see increased investment as a result of this designation. Senator Daines has been a longtime leader in promoting Montana’s technology opportunity and this designation speaks to his vision. 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. We (althank Senator Jon Tester for his leadership in delivering this win for our Treasure State and Region.” –Todd O’Hair, President/CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), this is the first phase of the new Tech Hubs program, which is an economic development initiative designed to drive regional innovation and job creation by strengthening a region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize, and deploy technology that will advance American competitiveness. The program invests directly in burgeoning, high-potential U.S. regions and aims to transform them into globally competitive innovation centers.
Daines and Tester worked hard to ensure this bill would help Montana and programs like the MonArk Quantum Foundry at Montana State University. To learn more about how this bill will help Montana, watch the video below.