Tech Ranch successes cause for celebration in Bozeman and throughout Montana

Something good is happening over in the Advanced Technology Park near Montana State University. Tech Ranch, a not-for-profit business incubator, has graduated its first three businesses this past year, three years after its own creation as an organization that nurtures technology-based business start-ups. The Tech Ranch’s mission, as described on its Web site, is to "provide the best environment for the rapid and successful development of technology-based companies." They do so through a screening of new business applicants, which may result in everything from good advice and high-tech help to financial backing.

By Chronicle editorial board

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2003/12/23/opinions/editbzopin.txt

New Gallatin Valley businesses Bacterin, HyPerspectives and MPA Technologies have moved on from the Tech Ranch to their own facilities and have created a combined 30 new high-tech jobs in landscape mapping, cancer research and the testing of medical devices for bacterial content. Three other businesses failed at the ranch, but several more have the potential of "hatching" in 2004. As Director John O’Donnell puts it, "this is an exciting part of (Bozeman’s) economic development." Indeed.

We would like to think that Mr. O’Donnell’s comment is an understatement of sorts; and that these types of clean, technology-proficient enterprises will become a major economic force in the years to come. Established tech firms such as RightNow and EDS have proven themselves as viable, healthy business additions which have a global reach. While not every "incubated" business will prove viable, the prospect of many more of these businesses maturing and expanding is an exciting prospect and could prove to be a boon for an economic diversity which has long eluded southwest Montana.

We should also mention that the most important connection for Tech Ranch is MSU, where the ever-increasing research dollars have created an environment which naturally generates new business ideas. In fact, all three of the new businesses have this tie to the MSU, and O’Donnell reminds us that "this is a great example of a return on that (MSU) investment through commercialization of that research."

This is a partnership worth watching, appreciating and supporting. We hope Tech Ranch continues to build on its success.