Montana State University has been selected by the U.S. Department of Defense as a Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) OnRamp Hub. This designation is intended to connect the university’s research facilities and experts with businesses to advance technologies for defense projects.
Leif Ibsen, managing director of MSU’s DIU OnRamp Hub, explained that the DIU collaborates with companies and universities to quickly develop technologies for national defense. He noted that this new status will benefit both MSU researchers and businesses throughout Montana.
“The DIU OnRamp Hub brings together Montana State University, researchers and the private sector to collaborate with commercial companies and the Department of Defense in ways that can drive innovation, economic growth and national impact,” Ibsen said. “The OnRamp will serve as the DIU open front door between dual-use commercial market technology and the DoD.”
MSU President Brock Tessman stated that this program aligns with the university’s mission as a land-grant institution. “The OnRamp program will connect the state-of-the-art facilities MSU has in place for classified defense research and our talented faculty and researchers with opportunities to strengthen America’s national security,” Tessman said. “It’s a great example of MSU contributing to the vitality of our state and nation through its research enterprise.”
Ibsen also mentioned that academic researchers and companies with technologies potentially useful to the Department of Defense can use the hub to move their proposals forward. “The hub at MSU would help identify what gaps their product or service might fill with the DoD,” he said. “We would put them in touch with the right people to get this technology in front of them for evaluation.”
Todd Daniels, associate director of MSU’s MilTech and adviser to the new DIU OnRamp Hub, pointed out that being named a DIU OnRamp Hub increases access to future funding opportunities. He referenced last year’s DIU budget in this area, which was about $983 million, stating: “The hub will help connect MSU and Montana’s business and tech communities with that funding. It opens doors directly to the activity that the DIU is doing for Montana to engage with the Department of Defense.”
Daniels credited several programs at MSU for contributing to its selection, including MilTech, which transfers technology research to military agencies; Montana Manufacturing Extension Center; TechLink; Institute for National Security Research and Education; and Applied Research Lab, which supports classified research.
He also highlighted EngineWorks Bozeman on MSU’s Innovation Campus as an asset because it allows access without security clearances. Mark Sharpe, executive director for Innovation Campus, added: “We’re going to support DIU by providing them a world-class facility and an ecosystem that can help support the mission of this organization in support of America’s national security needs.”
Alison Harmon, vice president for research and economic development at MSU, commented on how this initiative builds on years of work translating technology into national security applications across various sectors. “The DIU OnRamp can be a source of economic development for all of Montana, bringing together MSU researchers and students, Montana’s thriving tech sector, and businesses and higher education institutions throughout the region,” Harmon said.
In addition to Montana State University, institutions in Kentucky and Minnesota were also recently awarded DIU OnRamp Hub status. Other states already hosting hubs include Arizona, Hawaii, Kansas, Ohio, and Washington.
