Montana's Research and Commercialization Board has awarded $4.1 million in projects for research into agriculture production, biotech, optics and science partnerships research. The agricultural research includes high-value crop research, pulp paper production from agricultural waste, weed resistant grain, improving wheat production and mushroom farming. Other studies include metal mining processes, optics and a biomedical research center specializing in neuroscience and the treatment of strokes, brain tumors or spine injuries. The Center, located at the University of Montana-Missoula, will partner with the National Institute for Health. Grant funds will pay for recruitment of staffers, equipment and high-tech facilities, and researcher training in technology commercialization.
        Gov. Judy Martz has embarked on a series of meetings throughout the state to advance a new economic development plan. On the board for discussion are such issues as taxes, energy, work force development and the state's lagging infrastructure. Business leaders hope the statewide installation of broadband will aid economic development.
        "Once you add data connectivity to a rural area, you can transform the local economy," says John Haugan of OptiSteams, a company that connects schools in Montana. Haugan's firm is investigating broadband partnerships with Hughes Network Systems in Billings and other areas across the state. Civic leaders agree that high-speed access could indeed renovate Montana's economy and spur economic growth in the tech sectors. "We are well connected in Billings," says Joe McClure, executive director of the Big Sky Economic Development Authority in Billings. "We have the opportunity to become a flagship for Montana in terms of attracting and growing technology companies."

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