Governor Gianforte Highlights Montana Quantum, Photonics Partnerships at Indian Institute of Science

Governor's Office

BENGALURU, India - Continuing Montana's trade mission to India, Governor Greg Gianforte today visited the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru to strengthen ties between higher education, Montana's quantum and photonics ecosystem, and India's research community.

"The State of Montana has emerged as a growing center for quantum and photonics research, development, and commercialization and is ready to partner with world-class institutions like the Indian Institute of Science to expand opportunity," Gov. Gianforte said. "By connecting Montana researchers with some of the brightest minds in India, we can accelerate discovery, develop new technologies, and create greater opportunities for students, researchers, and innovators in Montana."

Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Gianforte visiting the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru

Gov. Gianforte, Dr. Krishna Rupavatharam of Montana State University (MSU), and other members of the Montana delegation met with lead quantum technology researchers at IISc to discuss opportunities for collaboration in quantum computing, quantum communications, networking, sensing, photonics, and other emerging technologies.

Founded in 1909, IISc is one of India's leading research institutions, with programs spanning science, engineering, computing, materials, and emerging technologies.

The visit to the institute in Bengaluru brought together IISc researchers with representatives from MSU's QCORE and the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance to explore potential joint research, academic exchanges, technology development, and commercialization opportunities.

QCORE is an initiative at MSU that offers collaborators world-class facilities, top-tier talent, and a dynamic environment for researchers and industry partners access to both photonic and superconducting quantum computing systems, along with quantum networking capabilities and supporting test infrastructure. Montana is also home to one of only five quantum network testbeds worldwide.

Federal investment is accelerating this work. The federally designated Headwaters Tech Hub received approximately $41 million to strengthen a regional photonics product-development supply chain, supporting work in areas including design, packaging, testing, manufacturing, commercialization, and workforce development. QCORE also received a $31.5 million contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory to expand sponsored research and quantum test-bed capabilities at MSU.

Together, those investments are helping Montana build an applied quantum and photonics ecosystem that connects university research with companies working in optics, lasers, sensing, cryogenics, precision instrumentation, communications, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

During the visit, the delegation also toured IISc's National Nano Fabrication Centre, where the cleanrooms are used to fabricate high-fidelity quantum components that support the multidisciplinary research groups working on quantum hardware, materials, and sensors.

"Quantum technologies are at a transformative stage, and advancing them will require international collaborations that provide a strong foundation for cutting-edge research," said Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc. "Our partnership with researchers in Montana and Montana State University will bring together expertise across quantum computing, communications, sensing, and photonics, and strengthen ongoing efforts at IISc's Quantum Technology Initiative and Quantum Research Park. We are excited about the joint research, academic exchanges, technology development, and training opportunities that will emerge from this partnership."

Montana's established optics and photonics cluster further strengthens that ecosystem. Technologies developed in Montana are used around the world, aboard satellites, and on the surface of Mars.

"Montana isn't just investing in research, we're building the infrastructure to turn research into products, companies, and good-paying jobs in Montana," Gov. Gianforte said. "With more than $70 million in recent federal investment supporting our photonics and quantum ecosystem, Montana has the tools to compete, and partnerships like this can help us take the next step."

The visit was part of Montana's first trade mission to India, which includes more than 30 representatives from business, industry, agriculture, higher education, and government. The delegation is working to strengthen commercial ties, attract investment, and expand research and academic partnerships between Montana and India.

The governor's strategic mission continues tomorrow in Sri Lanka.

###