MSU Spectrum Lab Awarded $2.1M to Establish Regional Hub for Next-Generation Photonic Chip Design

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana State University’s Spectrum Lab has been awarded a $2.1 million subaward from the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance (MPQA) to accelerate the region’s impact in advanced photonics. The funding, part of the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs program, will launch a “fabless” design and test facility for Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) as part of the Headwaters Tech Hub’s Integrated Photonics Ecosystem (IPE) project.

Since 1999, MSU’s Spectrum Lab has bridged the gap between academic research and private-sector application. This new investment allows the lab to address a critical industry shift: the miniaturization of photonics. By providing the infrastructure to design and test PICs—powerful, highly-integrated systems—MSU will help companies bring advanced sensors to market faster and at a lower cost.

“PICs are the leading edge of photonics technology development and are crucial to get the latest best sensors into the market at cost and at scale,” said Tim VanReken, Regional Innovation Officer and Executive Director of the Headwaters Tech Hub. “The IPE team is building a pipeline to empower innovators navigating the complexities of PIC development, and thus shortening timelines and reducing project risk. I’m excited about the partnership between MPQA and MSU and what their work together will mean for the Montana photonics ecosystem.”

This portion of the IPE project establishes a sustainable user facility designed to serve the evolving needs of both academia and industry. Beyond hardware, the initiative supplements workforce development by training the next generation of talent in photonic innovation, positioning the Mountain West as a global hub for advanced manufacturing.

“The IPE project leverages the strong foundational Optics and Photonics Ecosystem in the region. It is aimed at accelerating photonic chip application and commercialization, which align well with the mission objectives of MSU’s Spectrum Lab,” said Dr.Krishna Rupavatharam, director of MSU’s Spectrum Lab. “This investment is critical to the expansion of the integrated photonics infrastructure and the strategic autonomy of the region, and is expected to provide key technological solutions for diverse applications such as communications, LIDAR, sensing and 3D imaging.”

About the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance: The Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance is a 501c(6) non-profit organization serving as the representative for Montana’s photonics, quantum, and advanced manufacturing industry. MPQA supports entrepreneurs, laboratories, and universities in commercializing and sustaining world-class organizations to drive regional economic prosperity.

About the Headwaters Tech Hub: The Headwaters Tech Hub, established in 2023, is dedicated to fostering Montana-based technology, spurring entrepreneurship, and expanding equitable access to high-quality jobs. By supporting industry development and workforce training, the Hub aims to cement the Mountain West’s status as a global leader in photonics. Led by the MPQA, the IPE project continues to build a regional ecosystem that supports advanced photonic sensors for critical global markets through targeted investment.