ED25HDQ0G0010
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Purpose: The purpose of the grant program is to develop a comprehensive photonic sensor system training and testing laboratory at Montana State University to enhance education and industry skills in photonic remote sensors.
This includes establishing training facilities, hiring experts, developing core photonic sensors, and providing training to both students and industry professionals.
The program aims to support long-term photonic sensor characterization and facilitate the commercialization of photonics technology through hands-on training and collaborative industry projects.
Activities to be performed:
Procure equipment and supplies and create four training test stations.
Collaborate with the Headwaters Tech Hub-Advanced Sensor System Integration and Support Technology (HTH-ASSIST) project to develop a system for photonic sensor users and manufacturers to provide ongoing input regarding training needs.
Coordinate with global photonics organizations to define the position and identify recruiting methods.
Recruit nationally for integrated photonics faculty, preferably with experience collaborating with or working in industry.
Ruggedize LIDAR for airborne field testing at Headwaters Tech Hub (HTH) testbeds.
Conduct airborne LIDAR test flights at HTH-ASSIST testbeds.
Integrate a smart hyperspectral imager onto an aerial drone for test flights in collaboration with industry.
Incorporate new HTH core sensor systems into existing "Remote Sensing Systems," "Optical Design," and "Electro-Optical Systems" courses at Montana State University.
Coordinate with the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance (MPQA) and HTH to conduct industry training sessions.
Collaborate with tribal and community colleges and other Montana universities to conduct photonic remote sensor training for students.
Expected outcomes: Establishment of four operational training test stations and hire of an integrated photonics expert.
Train at least 100 Montana State University students and 200 non-MSU students and industry professionals.
Conduct testbed deployments at three different locations, and produce functional airborne LIDAR and hyperspectral imaging systems.
Gather industry feedback through surveys and maintain an online portal for ongoing training input.
Intended beneficiaries:
Beneficiaries include Montana State University students who will gain hands-on experience and training in photonic sensor systems, as well as industry professionals who will receive specialized training and support in photonics technology.
Industry partners and organizations involved in photonics will benefit through enhanced collaboration, feedback mechanisms, and the development of advanced sensor technologies.
Community colleges and other Montana universities will also benefit from collaborative training opportunities.
The local workforce will benefit from increased employment through the hiring of expert faculty and experts in related testing systems.
This includes establishing training facilities, hiring experts, developing core photonic sensors, and providing training to both students and industry professionals.
The program aims to support long-term photonic sensor characterization and facilitate the commercialization of photonics technology through hands-on training and collaborative industry projects.
Activities to be performed:
Procure equipment and supplies and create four training test stations.
Collaborate with the Headwaters Tech Hub-Advanced Sensor System Integration and Support Technology (HTH-ASSIST) project to develop a system for photonic sensor users and manufacturers to provide ongoing input regarding training needs.
Coordinate with global photonics organizations to define the position and identify recruiting methods.
Recruit nationally for integrated photonics faculty, preferably with experience collaborating with or working in industry.
Ruggedize LIDAR for airborne field testing at Headwaters Tech Hub (HTH) testbeds.
Conduct airborne LIDAR test flights at HTH-ASSIST testbeds.
Integrate a smart hyperspectral imager onto an aerial drone for test flights in collaboration with industry.
Incorporate new HTH core sensor systems into existing "Remote Sensing Systems," "Optical Design," and "Electro-Optical Systems" courses at Montana State University.
Coordinate with the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance (MPQA) and HTH to conduct industry training sessions.
Collaborate with tribal and community colleges and other Montana universities to conduct photonic remote sensor training for students.
Expected outcomes: Establishment of four operational training test stations and hire of an integrated photonics expert.
Train at least 100 Montana State University students and 200 non-MSU students and industry professionals.
Conduct testbed deployments at three different locations, and produce functional airborne LIDAR and hyperspectral imaging systems.
Gather industry feedback through surveys and maintain an online portal for ongoing training input.
Intended beneficiaries:
Beneficiaries include Montana State University students who will gain hands-on experience and training in photonic sensor systems, as well as industry professionals who will receive specialized training and support in photonics technology.
Industry partners and organizations involved in photonics will benefit through enhanced collaboration, feedback mechanisms, and the development of advanced sensor technologies.
Community colleges and other Montana universities will also benefit from collaborative training opportunities.
The local workforce will benefit from increased employment through the hiring of expert faculty and experts in related testing systems.
Awardee
Funding Goals
NON-CONSTRUCTION - FY23 REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION HUB PROGRAM PHASE 2
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Bozeman,
Montana
59717-2470
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Montana State University was awarded
Photonics Sensor System Training Lab Grant at Montana State University
Project Grant ED25HDQ0G0010
worth $3,100,000
from Economic Development Administration in December 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Bozeman Montana United States.
The grant
has a duration of 5 years and
was awarded through assistance program 11.039 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs.
$520,750 (14.0%) of this Project Grant was funded by non-federal sources.
The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity FY 2023 Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program Phase 2 Notice of Funding Opportunity.
Status
(Ongoing)
Last Modified 8/29/25
Period of Performance
12/1/24
Start Date
11/30/29
End Date
Funding Split
$3.1M
Federal Obligation
$520.8K
Non-Federal Obligation
$3.6M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
ED25HDQ0G0010
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
None
Awardee Classifications
Nonprofit With 501(c)(3) IRS Status (Other Than An Institution Of Higher Education)
Awarding Office
1331K5 DEPT OF COMMERCE EDA
Funding Office
1331K5 DEPT OF COMMERCE EDA
Awardee UEI
EJ3UF7TK8RT5
Awardee CAGE
1KQE9
Performance District
MT-01
Senators
Jon Tester
Steve Daines
Steve Daines
Modified: 8/29/25