Montana State University alumnus Quinn Holland has launched a new startup, Nutrax, after completing both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the university. Holland’s business aims to connect large food companies with agricultural producers who use sustainable practices, helping corporations meet their nutrition and sustainability goals.
Holland explained his approach to pursuing interests: “Relentlessly chase what excites you in life. If there is something that you are curious about, chase it until the end of the earth and until you’re satisfied with the answer. If you’re not satisfied with the answer, keep chasing it. Lean into what sparks your curiosity about the world.”
Nutrax was co-founded by Holland in February. The company helps firms such as PepsiCo find farmers using regenerative agriculture methods like planting drought-tolerant crops or reducing tillage. According to Holland, while government programs exist to support these farming practices, private investment can lower costs for everyone involved and make sustainable solutions more viable for producers.
The startup reflects the mission of Montana State’s master’s in innovation and management (MSIM) program at the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Launched in 2021, this program is designed to help students develop technical ideas and bring them to market through direct collaboration with researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals.
“An entrepreneurial mindset is a key value that we instill in our students, and the MSIM program helps students use their technical backgrounds to fine-tune novel business ideas,” said Brian Gillespie, dean of the business college.
Michelle Haught, director of the MSIM program, added: “The MSIM degree doesn’t limit students to one passion or area of expertise. We teach students that combining all their strengths and skillsets is what makes the greatest impact. For example, just because you studied computer science doesn’t mean you can’t also succeed in business.”
Originally from Asheville, North Carolina, Holland earned his bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering from Montana State University in 2021 before joining the first class of MSIM students. A $3 million donation from Norm Asbjornson helped launch this interdisciplinary program by supporting tuition and administrative costs for students with science or technology backgrounds.
“Quinn is an amazing snapshot of what MSIM alumni are doing, and how the MSIM program brings together technical and business expertise to help graduates launch truly innovative business solutions to address complex challenges,” said Brooke Lahneman, assistant professor of management at Montana State.
Holland described how coursework—such as solving real-world problems presented by partner companies—helped him develop practical skills needed for entrepreneurship: marketing techniques; understanding market demand; sales; execution; administration; and evaluating which products are viable based on customer willingness to pay.
“In business, you’re taking solutions that exist and adapting them to meet a unique need, or you’re building brand new solutions. These are the basics — understanding what problems people face and how we solve those problems better,” Holland said. “And then there’s marketing, sales, execution, administrative work, all skills we learned in the program.”
Looking ahead as he builds Nutrax further, Holland plans ongoing engagement with Montana State University resources such as LaunchPad grants or potential collaborations with future MSIM cohorts.
He credited several professors—including Ara Megerdichian from business management and Tony Hartshorn from environmental sciences—for inspiring him during his studies: “I think MSU professors really help students find their interests and spark curiosity in the subject they’re teaching,” Holland said. “They really helped encourage me to identify my goals and keep chasing them to make a difference.”
