Approximately 80 representatives from Montana State University, local industry, and the Bozeman community attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 18 to mark the opening of EngineWorks, a new facility located on MSU’s Innovation Campus.
Speakers at the event included Mark Sharpe, executive director of the MSU Innovation Campus; Alison Harmon, MSU vice president of research and economic development; Bozeman Mayor Terry Cunningham; Brit Fontenot, director of economic development for the city of Bozeman; Julia Mortier, community manager of EngineWorks; and Adam Friedman, head of business development and leasing with Charter Realty.
“You will not find another building like this anywhere in the state of Montana,” said Sharpe. “As executor director of the MSU Innovation Campus, I am honored to be part of this great work.”
The EngineWorks building covers 87,000 square feet. It includes 61,000 square feet dedicated to customizable workspaces for long-term tenants and 26,000 square feet set aside for common areas such as conference rooms, kitchens, event spaces and outdoor gathering spots.
Brit Fontenot highlighted the collaboration behind the project. “What makes a building special is the people who populate it and who brought it to fruition,” he said. “This project is proof of what the right partners can do together. I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”
Current tenants include QCORE—an interdisciplinary MSU research center focused on quantum computing—Resilient Computing (an MSU spinout developing radiation-tolerant technology for space), Reveal (a company working on defense technology using artificial intelligence), Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance (a nonprofit supporting optics and quantum companies in Montana), and a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub that works with businesses and universities to quickly develop technologies for national defense.
Partners involved in bringing EngineWorks to completion include Charter Realty and Development, Martel Construction, A&E: Architecture and Design, SterlingCMG and MT Contracting.
Mayor Cunningham acknowledged those who contributed to making the campus possible. “They’re the reason we’re now taking flight,” he said.
The purpose of MSU’s Innovation Campus is to foster collaboration between companies and university researchers while helping businesses grow and enhancing Montana’s reputation as a leader in entrepreneurship.
Alison Harmon expressed enthusiasm about EngineWorks’ role at MSU. “This is an exciting night,” she said. “I have been to many events already in this space, which to me says our vision for connecting research and industry and student opportunities is taking hold. … We’re hungry for spaces like this. And as we cut the ribbon tonight … I just want to say this is one of the most exciting things happening at MSU. This is just the beginning.”
