Board of Research & Commercialization Technology
Company Collaborators
Billings
All American Pharmaceutical is conducting clinical field trials on a new anti-inflammatory, Kre-Celazine, designed to avoid the side effects of the most common anti-inflammatories and to better address chronic inflammation.
Deaconess Billings Clinic Research Center is investigating the potential of using fiber from sugar beets to reduce cholesterol and slow the uptake of carbohydrates in the body. Positive results could impact the management of persons with high levels of cholesterol or diabetes.
The Arbuckle Ranch Inc., in collaboration with Montana State University, developed a specialized harvester for difficult-to-harvest seed. The research facilitated the ability to maximize Seedster operational parameters for optimal harvests of grass varieties and resulted in a spin-off company, Native Seedsters, Inc., which is continuing research on native grass seed morphology to guide the development of core technologies of the seedster.
Malta
Peaks and Prairies, Inc. is working with Montana State University, the Montana Manufacturing Extension Center and Montana farmers on a project to support development of a biolubricant industry in Central Montana. This industry will produce high-value, high-performance motor oils with increasing market potential throughout the United States and global markets, create higher paying manufacturing jobs, and create demand for value-added oilseed crops.
Missoula
Bee Alert Technology, Inc., a company affiliated with the University of Montana, is conducting research on sonographic analysis for rapid detection of varroa mites and other pathologies associated with bee hives.
Investigators at the Montana Neuroscience Institute will work closely with the COBRE-Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience (CSFN) at the University of Montana on preclinical development of low dose desoxyn as a neuroprotective agent.
TerraEchoes Inc. is working with two other Montana companies (GCS Research and S&K Electronics ) to develop the components necessary to further the commercialization objectives for the Adelos, a proprietary covert intelligence and surveillance fiber optic sensor system.
Sunburst Sensors, LLC received recent funding to develop a simple, inexpensive colorimetric sensor. This product will utilize chemical sensor technology licensed from the University of Montana and is expected to significantly broaden the company's current market.
AquilaVision is collaborating with the University of Montana, S&K Electronics (Ronan) and Silver State Helicopters (Butte) to create the next generation hyperspectral imaging sensor system, called CHRYSATOS. This system will provide accurate, cost-effective data that improves resource management decision-making throughout the traditional and emerging industries of the geospatial workforce in Montana.
EndoBiologics, Inc. tested the new Shigella vaccine in a preclinical animal model. These studies were performed in collaboration with scientists at the University of Montana and provided key information for designing clinical trials for testing the vaccine in humans.
The International Heart Institute of Montana is collaborating with the University of Montana and Montana Tech to test a specialized tissue process that will allow treatment of donor homograft valves in a completely different way.
Sustainable Systems is collaborating with TechLink, MSU Northern and MSU Bozeman to scale up processing capabilities to produce proprietary hydraulic fluid based on high quality vegetable oils.
Montana Microbial Products, LLC engaged in collaboration with Montana State University, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, USDA and TechRanch on a project to develop an enhanced plant protein to replace fishmeal now used in diets of farmed fish.
Purity Systems, Inc. is supporting SBIR Phase II research at the University of Montana to synthesize new materials and procedures for the recovery of metals from ore leaches and industrial waste sites. Purity Systems has a fully equipped pilot scale production facility research laboratory at Montana Technology Enterprise Center (MonTEC) in Missoula. In addition, knowledge from a recently funded MBRCT project will be used to develop a line of commercial products capable of delivering substantially improved performance for use in fixed-bed columns and other stationary phase-reactor systems.
Montana Microbial Products, LLC collaborated with Montana State University to bring a new class of biological disease control agents to production agriculture. The goals of the projects include developing systemic disease resistance in sugar beets, establishing the basis for expanding into the global fungicide market and conducting continued research to expand potential markets.
Garden City Fungi collaborated with researchers at Montana State University to discover and test new strains of local fungi for commercialization and marketing purposes.
In partnership with St. Patrick Hospital, the University of Montana is developing new technologies, processes and products from applied biomedical research that have considerable potential to enhance the biotechnology/biomedical industry in Montana. Collaborative "seed projects" with BioPred Inc. and ATERIS Inc. in Bozeman; and, Big Sky Biotech Inc. and Transynaptic Inc. in Missoula have already matured to the point where these companies are attracting independent funding (e.g. SBIR, STTR, MBRCT awards, private investors).
Sunburst Sensors, LLC manufactures and sells Submersible Autonomous Moored Instruments (SAMI) used to measure CO2 in freshwater and seawater. The company collaborated with the University of Montana to improve and refine the SAMI, which has resulted in increasing sales.
Bozeman
Fluorescence Innovations, Inc. is developing an advanced screening technology that will aid in the discovery of drugs against the kinase family of proteins. Specifically, this funding will further support NIH Phase I SBIR funding to develop a fluorescence lifetime-based kinase assay for high-throughput screening in drug discovery.
Research being conducted through the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Montana State University will take advantage of a working relationship with Bozeman-based Resonon to develop an unmanned aerial vehicle deployment of hyperspectral imaging spectrometers for noxious weed mapping and carbon sequestration site monitoring.
Researchers in the Department of Microbiology at Montana State University are working with Rasiris Inc., a Bozeman company, on a project to develop image-guided photodynamic therapy to sanitize breast cancer draining lymph nodes.
AdvR is proposing to develop a high-power, fiber coupled, electro-optic amplitude modulator and will take advantage of the services offered by the Montana Microfabrication Facility at Montana State University for this research.
A research project involving Fluorescence Innovations, Inc. and scientists at The University of Montana and Montana State University deals with prion proteins which are implicated in various diseases including chronic wasting disease. This project will further develop an instrument for academic use in looking at interactions between carbohydrate proteins and novel molecules.
The Montana State University Spectrum Lab is exploring a revolutionary means of digitizing broadband analog signals. The SSH material technology used in this research is Montana grown, developed in conjunction with Montana companies, Scientific Materials and S2 Corporation.
ILX Lightwave Corporation is collaborating with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Montana State University to develop a high efficiency current source targeted toward applications in the industrial and medical high power laser diode market.
S2 Corporation aims to commercialize its Spatial Spectral (S2) material-based Frequency Stable Laser (S2-FSL) technology for optical communications applications. The technology has emerged from several years of previously funded research and development in collaboration with Montana State University and takes good, commercial lasers and makes them better by locking them to tunable atomic transitions in the S2 crystals.
BioPred, LLC is collaborating with the NIH Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience (CSFN) at the University of Montana. The expertise of BioPred in computational applications and CSFN in neurochemistry and molecular modeling provides an ideal arrangement to link research with commercialization opportunities. This has resulted in a number of SBIR submissions.
The Center for Computational Biology at Montana State University is partnering with Bridger Informatics, Inc. (a commercial database company headquartered in Bozeman) to help bring the Hierlogic software to market. Successful release of this technology is expected to build a substantial technology company with excellent growth potential in Montana.
Montana State University is working with the Montana division of Advanced Acoustic Concepts Inc. (AAC), an industry leader that makes sensors and systems for government and commercial applications. The purpose of the project is to research and develop adaptive smart antennas that will be used to enable reliable high-speed wireless communications in sparsely populated and remote regions.
Floating Island International, LLC, in Bozeman has designed and brought to market the BioHaven Wild Floating Island and is collaborating with Shepherd Research Farm, Billings, Aquatic Design and Construction, Livingston, and Cynroc, Inc., Billings, to demonstrate with quantitative data that the islands provide a highly effective, long-term, affordable alternative to existing competitive products. This information will establish the islands in the water-treatment marketplace.
Montana State University is cooperating with AdvR Inc., Bozeman, and Resodyn, Inc., Butte, on a project to develop a novel acoustic-optic communication device.
AdvR Inc. and Scientific Materials Corporation have established relationships with the Spectrum Lab at Montana State University in the development of the S2 CHIP, a photonic device designed to serve as the foundation for new instruments and systems requiring intensive information processing capabilities. A recently funded MBRCT grant and matching funds will fund continued S2 research and the preparation and filing of patent applications.
Resonon, Inc., Bozeman, and Zdye, Inc., Bozeman, are collaborating with Montana State University to develop the foundation for commercialization of an innovative family of ultra-sensitive fluorescent detection dyes and a multiplex measurement system. Continuation projects funded by the Board will expand the capabilities of Zdye, Inc. to create a foundation for the development of a Montana presence in the new field of proteomic technology, including identification of candidate biomarkers for type 2 diabetes.
Montana State University collaborated with Scientific Materials Corporation to develop methods for obtaining advanced materials for optoelectronics and optical communication technologies using optical crystals such as lithium niobate and tantalate.
AdvR, Inc. worked closely with Montana State University to develop optical waveguide technology based on an electro-optical material called potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP). A continuation project will strive to produce lasers for commercial markets based on this core technology. Other collaborators include Wavelength Electronics, ILX Lightwave , Scientific Materials Corporation and Resonon, Inc., all of Bozeman.
A project to develop prototype computational software models to discover and accelerate commercialization of new pharmaceuticals is underway by BioPred - Computational Bioactivity Prediction Company (formerly MedIntel) in collaboration with scientists at Rocky Mountain Laboratory, a NIH research facility in Hamilton.
Specialty BioPolymers Corporation, Bozeman, is a result of a project in collaboration with Montana State University to evaluate adhesives derived from polymers synthesized by bacteria as an alternative to synthetic chemical adhesives used by the wood products industry. The company is producing a product called Tough-Bond , an environmentally friendly wood and paper adhesive.
NanoValent, LLC and the NIH Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience (CSFN) at the University of Montana in Missoula are collaborating on a project to advance the commercialization of research discoveries coming out of the CSFN. Potential products include therapeutic agents, vaccines and diagnostic kits.
MPA Technologies is collaborating with Montana State University on two projects to develop a drug for two-photon photodynamic therapy agents for the noninvasive treatment of breast cancer and lung cancer.
HyPerspectives partnered with Yellowstone Ecological Research Center and Montana State University to develop a graphical user interface to manage the workflow process for creating fuel maps from hyperspectral and synthetic aperture radar data. This project employed high-resolution, remotely sensed data to create fire fuel maps that show the location and character of combustible materials in wildlands and at the urban/wildland interface.
Nervonix, Inc. utilized Montana expertise and resources, including Montana State University, StrategixID, Bozeman, and S&K Electronics, Ronan, to pursue commercialization of its nerve stimulation system for use in regional anesthesia procedures.
Resonon, Inc. partnered with Montana Tech and Stillwater Mining Company, Nye, to deploy Resonon's imaging spectrometer in an industrial setting. The system provides real-time ore grading and quantifies the current technique to distinguish between ore and waste rock.
LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals Inc. collaborated with Montana State University in the development of a technology to enhance the human response to vaccines.
MPA Technologies is working with Montana State University on further development of a proprietary new class of two-photon absorbing chromophores, which will result in a novel optical information storage device.
SensoPath Technologies, Inc. collaborated with Montana State University in the development of a new type of biosensor for the field detection and identification of bioterror pathogenic agents.
LigoCyte Pharmaceuticals, Inc. collaborated with Montana State University on a project to develop new vaccines for scours and E. coli O157:H7. This project uses state-of-the-art technology to further work on new vaccines for scours and E. coli.
BioSurface Technologies Corporation is collaborating with Montana State University to produce unique, Montana-made biofilm reactors. The CDC Biofilm Reactor and the Drip Flow Reactor have been introduced into the marketplace and are generating sales. A new project is developing a Rapid Biofilm Analysis Test Kit.
Scientific Materials Corporation partnered with Montana State University in developing hole burning materials for a project designed to investigate a new spectral hole laser stabilization technology.
RF Electronics and AdvR Inc. collaborated with the Spectrum Lab at Montana State University to develop and commercialize a first-of-its-kind spectral-domain storage device.
Phillips Environmental Products, Inc. worked with Montana State University to utilize a novel fungus to kill dangerous germs like E. coli and cholera in its portable toilets and to expand its availability to recreation, agriculture and the military. The fungus is also being tested in animal waste remediation applications.
Scientific Materials Corporation is collaborating with Montana State University on a project involving the synthesis of new materials to protect sensors from hostile or inadvertent exposure to large amounts of laser irradiation at selected frequencies.
Butte
Resodyn, Inc. will utilize students from Montana Tech, Montana State University and the University of Montana to conduct and complete research and development of a novel and sustainable technology for making cellulosic biobutanol advanced biofuel from Montana wheat straw.
Research coordinated by the RAVE Technical Development Center at Montana Tech will utilize state-of-the-art analytical and fabriction tools to create a new prototype of an innovative water jet cutting pump designed by Apex Technologies, Bozeman. Also collaborating on this project is Anaconda Foundry Fabrication Company (AFFCO), Anaconda.
Montana Tech and MSE Technology Applications, Inc. worked to further develop and test a metallic filter to remove vapor in gas streams, such as coal-fired power plants, municipal and hazardous waste incinerators, and other industrial plumes. Initial tests were conducted in collaboration with PPL Montana at Colstrip.
MSE Technology Applications, Inc. and Golden Sunlight Mine (near Cardwell) collaborated with Montana State University Center for Biofilm Engineering to develop biofilm barrier technology, which will prevent the oxidation of pyrite minerals and the subsequent generation of Acid Rock Drainage resulting from mine waste. The biofilm barrier technology is being commercialized by a Butte Company, Center for Innovation, Inc. (CFI).
Resodyn, Inc. undertook a research and development program to design and demonstrate operation of a mobile prototype agri-pulp plant. Results of the project hold promise for a new, sustainable industry that will produce a high-value product (quality paper) from an agricultural waste (wheat straw) at locations throughout Montana. Montana State University collaborated on the marketing research for the project.
MSE Technology Applications, Inc. collaborated with Montana State University to explore the creation of subsurface biofilm barriers as an initial step toward remediation of groundwater.
MSE Technology Applications, Inc., in conjunction with Montana State University and Montana Tech, collaborated on a project designed to lead to commercialization of a promising technology for enhancing the production of oil during secondary waterflood operations.
MSE Technology Applications, Inc. has collaborated extensively with faculty at Montana State University concerning commercialization of the novel application of selective absorption technology to petroleum refining.
MSE Technology Applications, Inc. has conducted applied research to evaluate the commercial value of PCAP (Pressure Controlled Atomization Process) thermal spray process in sprayforming Invar as a material for use in industrial components requiring a high degree of thermal stability.
Ronan
Lake's Glacier View Farm, Inc. collaborated with Northwest Agricultural Research Center/ Montana State University in the development of synthetic seeds for the mint and potato industries of Montana.
Amazing Grains Grower Cooperative collaborated with Montana State University to expand markets for a value-added, gluten-free Indian ricegrass product, known as Montina. The seed was developed at MSU and, as a result of the project acreage planted in Montana has increased dramatically.
Sunburst
Great Northern Growers Cooperative , Sunburst, and Montana State University, are working together to scale-up production of Camelina Sativa in Montana and develop, process, and market high omega-3 culinary oils and animal feeds.
