Montana State University (MSU) is set to host a new U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Community Engagement Office aimed at bolstering workforce development in advanced manufacturing and computing. This announcement follows the closure of the Rocky Mountain Regional Outreach Office in Denver, as the need for physical space has diminished. The decision to establish the office at MSU highlights the university’s strong research capabilities and its potential for tech commercialization. MSU President Brock Tessman emphasized the office’s role as a resource for entrepreneurs throughout the Rocky Mountain West.
The Bozeman office will join Dallas and San Francisco as key hubs west of the Mississippi, providing vital patent and trademark services. According to MSU spokesperson Mike Becker, while the exact opening date and campus location are still undetermined, the office is expected to be operational within a year. Gov. Greg Gianforte applauded the selection, noting it recognizes Montana’s growing tech and manufacturing sectors. He cited support from local senators and industry leaders in advocating for the office.
MSU’s research prowess is underscored by a record $288.7 million in research expenditures in 2025, primarily from federal funding. The university’s scientists engage in cutting-edge research across fields like engineering, bioscience, and quantum computing. Alison Harmon, MSU’s vice president of research, stated that the new office will enhance innovation and societal impact. The office will serve several states including Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming.
Research at MSU
MSU’s Accelerating Research Translation program, funded by the National Science Foundation, advances promising research for public benefit. Projects include a digital learning platform for students, a wearable medical device for rural clinical trials, and CRISPR gene-editing technology. MSU’s TechLink Center and MilTech provide industry partnerships for technology transfer and government innovation. In 2025, MSU was named a Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub, enhancing defense projects through collaboration with technology communities.
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