Montana State University Optical Technology Center (OpTeC) In 1995 MSU established a center of excellence, the Optical Technology Center (OpTeC). Bozeman had a very fledgling high-tech community and the university’s vision was to create and collaborate with technology-based businesses by integrating faculty in several disciplines, resulting in technologies that could spin out companies and an educated workforce to populate and collaborate with the private sector. The Center now boasts more than 20 faculty members and has helped establish more than 30 optics-related companies in Bozeman. Fifteen of those were started by MSU graduates, many based on technologies transferred from the university. Bozeman has about six optical companies per 10,000 population, compared with three per 10,000 in Tucson, Arizona, one of the most widely recognized centers of optics activity in the United States. OpTeC faculty members have received international, national, and regional recognition for their work in the areas of optics research and education. OpTeC has developed and attracted talent, it is on the cutting-edge of photonics innovation, and works closely with companies, receiving contracts that help sustain the research efforts. By moving talent into positions much more lucrative than the average salaried positions in the area, it has helped transform Bozeman into a recognized optics and photonics center. Joe Shaw, Director, Optical Technology Center, Montana State University

1. Montana State University’s
Optical Technology Center (OpTeC)
Joseph Shaw, Ph.D.
Director, Optical Technology Center
Montana State University
Bozeman, Montana USA

2. The Montana brain drain in 1990
=+

3. The solution emerged through partnerships
+
=
+
+ +
EPSCoR

4. The roots of OpTeC
Faculty in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering
TMA &
Associates
Fledgling companies

5. OpTeC faculty and staff – 2015

7. Important elements of success
• Annual meeting with everyone
• Ongoing refinement of classes & degrees
• > $63M SBIR, STTR funds
• > 66 patents (most licensed, all in MT)
• Montana Photonics Industry Alliance
• Trained > 200 graduate & 300
undergraduate students
• “Gentle transition” to companies
• Continued investment

8. Brain drain reversal
2011 Inc. 500 fastest growing companies

9. Dr. Pete Roos - Bridger Photonics CEO

10. Conclusion
Desirable location
+ Research-active university
+ Strategic investment of funds & resources
+ People willing to take a chance
+ University-industry partnerships
+ Personal relationships (!!!)
= success
But it takes time!

12. Why Montana?
… it sort of started with the invention of the laser in 1960