ED25HDQ0G0015
Project Grant
Overview
Grant Description
Purpose: The purpose of the grant program is to support the development and expansion of the Headwaters Tech Hub's integrated photonics ecosystem (HTH-IPE) over a three-year period.
This will enhance regional infrastructure for integrated photonics technologies, including photonics-based sensing and imaging systems.
This grant seeks to foster innovation, commercialize advanced photonics applications, and build a robust technology ecosystem that strengthens global competitiveness and creates a skilled workforce.
Activities to be performed: Increase the existing ecosystem footprint in the Headwaters Tech Hub corridor.
Bring together commercialization partners and an advisory board to guide expansion.
Develop a market-driven roadmap and specifications for standardized photonic integrated circuit (PIC) enabled remote photonic sensing.
Create and qualify new applications, testing technology against partner needs.
Introduce technology and packaging standards for PIC architecture.
Procure, receive, and install PIC equipment.
Boost PIC design capabilities with hiring and training.
Establish initial production standard operating procedures.
Begin planning for integrated photonics ecosystem (IPE) facility expansion.
Maintain and upgrade the Headwaters Tech Hub - Integrated Photonics Ecosystem (HTH-IPE) advisory board.
Conduct early outreach to end users and integrated system suppliers.
Develop market outreach plans and target customers for commercialization and industry adaptation for each technology.
Solidify contractual relationships with partners.
Develop commercialization activities with leading PIC foundries, such as AIM Photonics.
Expand commercialization efforts for other smart photonic sensor applications.
Accelerate outreach to end users and integrated system suppliers.
Address management and legal challenges related to pre-existing data and other intellectual property (IP).
Expand IP and data-sharing agreements for commercial partners as technology is innovated.
Continue to expand IP and data sharing.
Deliver an HTH-IPE data sharing membership agreement that outlines the critical elements of IPE.
Expected outcomes: Expand of the photonics ecosystem within the Headwaters Tech Hub corridor to increase the number of photonics companies employing a more skilled workforce.
Create a functional PIC design and fabrication facility.
Establish commercialization pathways, enhance intellectual property management, and foster strong industry partnerships to contribute to global competitiveness in photonics.
Intended beneficiaries: Intended beneficiaries are technology companies, academic institutions, and government agencies involved in the photonics.
This includes companies seeking to innovate and commercialize advanced photonics technologies, researchers at institutions like Michigan State University, and governmental entities supporting technological advancement and workforce development.
The broader community will benefit from the creation of high-tech jobs and the growth of a skilled workforce in the region.
This will enhance regional infrastructure for integrated photonics technologies, including photonics-based sensing and imaging systems.
This grant seeks to foster innovation, commercialize advanced photonics applications, and build a robust technology ecosystem that strengthens global competitiveness and creates a skilled workforce.
Activities to be performed: Increase the existing ecosystem footprint in the Headwaters Tech Hub corridor.
Bring together commercialization partners and an advisory board to guide expansion.
Develop a market-driven roadmap and specifications for standardized photonic integrated circuit (PIC) enabled remote photonic sensing.
Create and qualify new applications, testing technology against partner needs.
Introduce technology and packaging standards for PIC architecture.
Procure, receive, and install PIC equipment.
Boost PIC design capabilities with hiring and training.
Establish initial production standard operating procedures.
Begin planning for integrated photonics ecosystem (IPE) facility expansion.
Maintain and upgrade the Headwaters Tech Hub - Integrated Photonics Ecosystem (HTH-IPE) advisory board.
Conduct early outreach to end users and integrated system suppliers.
Develop market outreach plans and target customers for commercialization and industry adaptation for each technology.
Solidify contractual relationships with partners.
Develop commercialization activities with leading PIC foundries, such as AIM Photonics.
Expand commercialization efforts for other smart photonic sensor applications.
Accelerate outreach to end users and integrated system suppliers.
Address management and legal challenges related to pre-existing data and other intellectual property (IP).
Expand IP and data-sharing agreements for commercial partners as technology is innovated.
Continue to expand IP and data sharing.
Deliver an HTH-IPE data sharing membership agreement that outlines the critical elements of IPE.
Expected outcomes: Expand of the photonics ecosystem within the Headwaters Tech Hub corridor to increase the number of photonics companies employing a more skilled workforce.
Create a functional PIC design and fabrication facility.
Establish commercialization pathways, enhance intellectual property management, and foster strong industry partnerships to contribute to global competitiveness in photonics.
Intended beneficiaries: Intended beneficiaries are technology companies, academic institutions, and government agencies involved in the photonics.
This includes companies seeking to innovate and commercialize advanced photonics technologies, researchers at institutions like Michigan State University, and governmental entities supporting technological advancement and workforce development.
The broader community will benefit from the creation of high-tech jobs and the growth of a skilled workforce in the region.
Funding Goals
NON-CONSTRUCTION - FY23 REGIONAL TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION HUB PROGRAM PHASE 2
Grant Program (CFDA)
Awarding / Funding Agency
Place of Performance
Belgrade,
Montana
59714-0000
United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Montana Photonics Industry Alliance was awarded
Photonics Ecosystem Development Grant for HTH-IPE
Project Grant ED25HDQ0G0015
worth $13,674,692
from Economic Development Administration in November 2024 with work to be completed primarily in Belgrade Montana United States.
The grant
has a duration of 3 years and
was awarded through assistance program 11.039 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs.
$1,003,862 (7.0%) 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
11/1/24
Start Date
10/31/27
End Date
Funding Split
$13.7M
Federal Obligation
$1.0M
Non-Federal Obligation
$14.7M
Total Obligated
Activity Timeline
Additional Detail
Award ID FAIN
ED25HDQ0G0015
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
None
Awardee Classifications
Nonprofit Without 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
XC4BYKY2M6V3
Awardee CAGE
None
Performance District
MT-01
Senators
Jon Tester
Steve Daines
Steve Daines
Modified: 8/29/25