BOZEMAN — A major milestone was reached on Thursday as the Montana State University (MSU) Innovation Campus welcomed the official opening of Aurora Innovation's new research facility. The new building, which spans 78,000 square feet, is set to play a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge technology aimed at transforming the future of mobility.
The ceremony, attended by several dignitaries, marked the fruition of plans announced two years earlier when Pittsburgh-based Aurora decided to make Bozeman its next home for innovation. Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora Innovation, emphasized the unique positioning of Montana for tech advancements: "We're on the brink of a new era of mobility, and Montana is going to be helping lead the way forthat".
Governor Greg Gianforte graced the event with his presence, exemplifying the state's commitment to fostering technological growth. He highlighted the impressive expansion of the tech sector across Montana, noting, "According to the High Tech Business Alliance, the technology sector is Montana's fastest-growing industry sector. With about 3 billion dollars in revenue today growing very quickly." Gianforte's remarks reflect the broader economic climate, where technology has risen to prominence within the state.
The Aurora facility will primarily focus on the research and development of LiDAR technology—a sophisticated system employing laser radar to determine the distance and velocity of objects surrounding a vehicle. This advancement stands to significantly advance autonomous vehicle tech, with potential applications stretching far beyond just automotive purposes.
"Our economic development administration maps innovation across the country; Gallatin County is in the top three of innovation for the entire United States," Governor Gianforte added, illustrating the strategic advantages of establishing such facilities within Montana.
Montana State University's Vice President of Research and Economic Development, Dr. Alison Harmon, shared her excitement over the new addition to the Innovation Campus. "It's a place where our graduates want to work," Dr. Harmon stated, reflecting the mutual benefits for both the university and potential employees. "Researchers had students; those students were innovative. They spun out company after company, and it's created this amazing innovation ecosystem".
Dr. Harmon expressed her aspirations for the facility, hoping it would advance local economies through innovative research. "To really share our discoveries, to translate them... have a positive impact on our communities," she remarked, reinforcing the collaborative vision for leveraging research for tangible community benefits.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony also emphasized community engagement and the intersection of education and innovation. The unique environment created by the MSU Innovation Campus is reportedly attracting talent and stimulating job growth, fueling the state's objective of nurturing leaders within high-tech industries.
With the growth of the tech sector and the establishment of substantial research facilities like Aurora's, Montana is poised to be at the forefront of mobility and technology advancements. The implication for local communities is significant, as it nurtures educational ties, spurs job creation, and increases the overall economic viability of the region.
Meanwhile, as stated by Urmson, the investment made by Aurora is also indicative of the company's vision: creating collaborative spaces where innovation can thrive. This ethos aligns neatly with the goals laid out by MSU and local authorities to transform Montana's tech narrative.
Looking forward, stakeholders from both Aurora and MSU express optimism about future research endeavors. The potential for breakthroughs not only within the automotive scene but across diverse sectors positions the new facility as not just another building, but as part of a larger story of growth and innovation.
Overall, the opening of the Aurora Innovation facility symbolizes more than just physical establishment; it marks the beginning of collaborative pathways between technology and education, setting the stage for Montana to emerge as a key player on the national innovation front.