Following work by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT), Montana was selected as a Regional Tech Hub by the Economic Development Administration, a coveted designation that will lead to funding that bolsters the state’s technological industries to create jobs and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.
“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,” Sen. Daines said on Oct. 23.
The good news for Montana’s economy follows the passage of the bipartisan Endless Frontier Act, legislation that Sen. Daines helped introduce. Signed into law as part of the Chips and Science Act of 2022, the Endless Frontier Act calls for promoting high-paying American technology and manufacturing jobs and investments in U.S. innovation and research and development in the race against China.
“From optics and photonics to quantum computing, I am grateful to 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,” the senator said.
Sen. Daines also led support for Montana’s Tech Hub designation by sending a letter to the Economic Development Administration to encourage the agency to select Montana and its rural location for the Headwaters Regional Technology and Innovation Hub. The Headwaters Hub aims to become a global leader in smart, autonomous, photonic remote sensing technologies.
“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,” said Todd O’Hair, president and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. “Senator Daines has been a longtime leader in promoting Montana’s technology opportunity, and this designation speaks to his vision.”