Initiatives

Real World Testbeds

Market impact depends on technologies performing in the harsh environments of the real world. We make testing and demonstration in those environments possible, with testbeds in mountain forests, underground mines, farms, and rangeland. 

Supporting Tribal Education Pathways

Growing a stronger STEM workforce requires multiple onramps accessible across geographies and backgrounds. We are advancing the current and future rural and indigenous STEM workforce with competitive skills for community and national security support. 

Integrated Photonics Ecosystem

Next generation sensors will be smaller, lighter, lower power, and cheaper, all via Photonics Integrated Circuit (PIC) technology. We are building a PIC product development pipeline in Montana, keeping our industry at the forefront. 

Advanced Test and Calibration Education

As Montana’s photonics industry evolves, our university-based training must as well. We are building a photonic sensor systems training facility at MSU, as a stepping stone toward an undergraduate photonics engineering degree program.