University of Montana & Montana State University Tech Transfer

"Obviously, these technologies, inventions, have the possibility of solving valuable problems in our society, so we typically try to engage some external business or business entity to take that patented technology … to the marketplace as a product or service," Fanguy said.

Research spending at Montana State University slowed slightly in the past year to $106.9 million, yet, at the same time, MSU scientists kicked their grant searches into high gear, putting the Bozeman campus in a strong position for next year.

"While the dollars for student support is impressive, more important is the experience our students are having with hands-on opportunities to participate in research, and also learning from faculty who are pushing the boundaries of discovery," said Renee Reijo Pera, MSU’s vice president for research and economic development.

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) works to commercialize the inventions of MSU faculty, spur entrepreneurship based on MSU technology and provide a gateway for industry looking to utilize MSU resources.

Montana State University researchers have produced a new variety of grain sorghum, a warm season crop adapted to arid climates. This technology – Line 13sorg23 – is now available for licensing. Bid submission forms are due Oct. 30.

Across the U.S., nearly 43 percent of all honeybees died from 2014-2015.

Currently, MSU has 257 licenses from technologies developed by faculty and researchers. Of those, 75 licenses are with Montana companies.

The UM team’s patented research shows promise for treating various disorders of the brain. Equipped with expertise and resources not available at UM, Promentis Pharmaceuticals will advance the patented research to a clinical setting.

The technology capabilities of a small Bozeman company have been compared to Superman’s X-ray vision, while at Montana State University it is also the millions of dollars the company has invested in research that places it in the superhero category.

‘The financial resources and expertise venture firms bring to bear are critical.’
–Andrew Nelson, assistant professor of management at the University of Oregon