Montana State’s TechLink Center receives FAST Award to advance technology commercialization for Montana small businesses

BOZEMAN - Montana State University's TechLink Center has received the state's Federal and State Technology Partnership Program award, also called a FAST Award, that will help support the advancement of Montana's high-tech economy.

TechLink, a part of MSU's Office of Research and Economic Development, houses the Montana Innovation Partnership, a program that assists early stage tech business founders who are competing for federal Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Research programs. MTIP also collaborates with universities, accelerators, partners and others to offer a broad support network to founders.

The FAST program is a federal initiative from the U.S. Small Business Administration that aims to bolster the commercialization of technologies developed by small businesses and enhance their capacity to take part in federal research and development programs, specifically SBIR and STTR.

The FAST Award will enable TechLink to expand outreach efforts to Montana's early-stage technology innovators, especially women and other underrepresented technology founders, commented Ann Peterson, MTIP program director.

"Receiving the FAST award is a significant milestone for us," said Brett Cusker, executive director of TechLink. "This funding plays a crucial role in our mission to foster strong public-private partnerships and bolster Montana's high-tech economy. We are grateful for the support and excited about the opportunities this award will unlock."

The total amount awarded from the FAST program annually is $200,000. This funding will continue for MTIP's work through September 2029, contingent on annual performance renewals.

The Montana Department of Commerce provides matching funds for this program and director, Paul Green, applauded the award, stating, "Montana is at the forefront of entrepreneurial growth and our partnership with TechLink and the Montana Innovation Partnership plays an important role in our efforts to expand our tech-based economy across this state."

MTIP's 2025 program will include outreach, financial support, and technical and business assistance to increase participation from Montana's underrepresented tech founders. MTIP will offer in-person and virtual outreach, the Innovate Here Summit and training events at Montana universities, colleges and partner sites. It will also award microgrants of up to $3,000 to approved small businesses, provide no-cost consulting services and guide applicants through the process.

Montana ranks 13th in the nation for the number of SBIR/STTR program awards per capita. Since 2018, 34% of Montana SBIR/STTR awards went to women-owned businesses or other underrepresented founders. 2025 FAST programming is expected to reach more than 500 small businesses and partners nationwide, including more than 100 in Montana. In 2025, more than 22 MTIP clients are expected to submit proposals with the goal that at least 10 are first-time or underrepresented founders.

"This FAST award will enable Montana Innovation Partnership and TechLink to provide access, information and opportunity for Montana's early-stage innovators, especially those who haven't envisioned themselves as tech entrepreneurs yet," Peterson said.

For additional information about the FAST award and the Montana Innovation Partnership, please visit montanainnovationpartnership.org or contact Ann Peterson, program director, 406-994-7788 or [email protected].

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