Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance

Wow, what a fun week is ahead as we celebrate #WorldQuantumDay across the community. Our team at MSU Science Math Resource Center is supported by MSU's QCORE to advance public understanding of quantum technologies and help build the workforce of tomorrow. We have already distributed kits to dozens of educators across Montana who will do hands-on quantum activities this week. Students can “Ask Me Anything” about Quantum in a livestream session. In addition we will: ·     host a table on the Montana State University-Bozeman Centennial Mall so anyone can stop by and learn more about Quantum at MSU and what careers are possible ·     be at the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance social Monday evening to share our work ·     host a dozen students from Stone Child and other colleges to learn about MSU and Gallatin College MSU and visit local businesses ·     Put on a free laser and science show for the entire community ·     Support Gallatin College's GC360 event to introduce young people to career opportunities. [And that's just THIS WEEK!] ----- I couldn't be more proud of my teammates Molly Iversen, Judi Haskins, Jeannie Chipps, Laura Seitz, Olivia Firth and Mark Craig Thank you to Jayne Morrow, Krishna Rupavatharam, and Yves Idzerda, who always support our work, and to amazing partners like Emily Edwards, Megan Ivory, Jason Yager, Carina Beck, Stephanie Gray, Tricia Seifert and so many others. ...and of course, gratitude to the Air Force Research Laboratory for their support of quantum research to generate new knowledge and applications that advance the United States’ capabilities in quantum technology. Happy World Quantum Day and Week!

The field of quantum computing, like qubits themselves, exists in a state of indeterminacy, with multiple companies making big claims about wildly different approaches. On Thursday, DARPA—the Defense Advanced Projects Research Agency—launched its latest effort to sort practical approaches from chimeras, handing contracts to 15 companies that will attempt to benchmark their work. https://lnkd.in/gnkkCQyf

Join us on April 16 at noon for the next #ScalingMontana Speaker Series, featuring Peter Roos, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of #Bridger Photonics, and the company's new CEO, Benjamin Little Little. This session will explore how and when a company should transition leadership during a scale-up phase, particularly in deep-tech and engineering-driven organizations. They will offer a first-hand account from a company who is actively undergoing the transition. Bridger Photonics has experienced record growth in the methane detection industry, prompting a strategic leadership shift to support its next stage of expansion. Pete and Ben will provide insights for technical founders and entrepreneurs on: *Why leadership transitions can be critical for scaling a technology company *How founders can decide when to bring in a new CEO *What skills are needed at different phases of growth Lessons learned from the early stages of Bridger Photonics leadership’ transition This discussion will be especially valuable for founders, technical leaders, and entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of scaling a company beyond its early stages.

🚀 We're excited to partner with QCORE for our Networking Social & World Quantum Day Celebration happening next Monday, April 14! 🎉 Even more exciting—this will be the very first event hosted at Engine Works, and we can't wait to welcome you to the space. ✅ Be sure to register by clicking the event link—nametags are in the works, and we’d love to have your name included. 📢 Please feel free to share this invitation with your colleagues or anyone who may be interested in joining us for a night of connection, conversation, and quantum inspiration. #Networking #QuantumDay #QCORE #EngineWorks #CommunityEvent #STEM https://lnkd.in/g2fRnQGP

Through our vision, grit, and self-driving technology, we’re building a safer future for freight—one mile at a time.

Excited to see Montana companies like Bridger Photonics continuing to have an impact not just nationally but globally. Optical gas mapping technologies like Bridger Photonics advanced lidar play a pivotal role in clean energy for the future.

We’re proud to share that we've been named CleanTech Breakthrough's Energy Technology Solution of the Year!   This recognition is a reflection of the trust our industry partners place in us and the impact we strive to make every day. At Bridger, we’re committed to delivering the reliable methane emissions data and insights operators need—at the scale and precision the industry demands. We're grateful to our team and customers who make this work possible.   Learn more in the full news release > https://lnkd.in/ggSF7r3M #emissionsreduction #natgas #methane

Join us this Thursday as we dive into OGMP 2.0 with experts from across the field in our latest webinar: OGMP 2.0 Explained. Whether you’re leading your company’s OGMP 2.0 strategy or just starting to evaluate the framework, this webinar will give you insight into what you need to approach OGMP 2.0 with confidence. We’ll walk through what to expect on the journey to Level 5 and leave time for a live Q&A to get your questions answered by the folks who know it best. Don't miss out! Register here > https://lnkd.in/g3m8qSGH #emissionsreduction #ogmp #natgas #methane

"Congratulations, Dr. Brock Tessman! We are thrilled that Montana State University has selected you as its new leader. Montana's future is looking bright!" said Jason Yager, Executive Director of the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance.

Looking to grow your photonics or quantum-tech business? Then you won’t want to miss the Rocky Mountain Summit & Expo on April 17, 2025! Connect with potential partners, suppliers, and collaborators from across the U.S. and beyond. With dozens of exhibitors, live demos, and strategic networking opportunities, this is the one-day event that brings our community—and our industry—together. 💡 Optics | Photonics | Quantum 🤝 Industry + Academia + Startups 📍 Westminster, CO 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gk3gMfpw This isn’t just an expo—it’s an ecosystem. #PhotonicsIndustry #QuantumInnovation #ColoradoEvents #TechNetworking #CPIA