ABOUT US

Rooted in the Gallatin Valley’s innovation ecosystem, with global visibility shaped by Montana State University and regional tech leadership, QCORE is building the quantum networking infrastructure that powers the next generation of computing, sensing, and secure communication.

Why QCORE Exists

icons_mission

Mission Statement

QCORE expands access to cutting-edge infrastructure, foster the translation of quantum and adjacent innovations to societal impact, and develop a quantum workforce.

purpose

Purpose Statement

QCORE exists to steward the development of transformative quantum technologies in service to the common good.

vision

Vision Statement

Leading Montana’s research, technology development, education, and cross-sector partnerships into a sustainable quantum ecosystem.

The future of quantum technology isn’t just about building perfect quantum computers — it’s about demonstrating their performance and creating the technology to connect and network them. QCORE drives innovation by developing practical benchmarks and scalable solutions, translating the potential of quantum systems into real-world technologies.

From Montana's Innovation Ecosystem to Global Impact

QCORE builds on Montana’s thriving innovation ecosystem, where photonics, materials research, and decades of technical expertise in cryogenics fuel the quantum supply chain—bridging academic insight with real-world impact.

Bridging Research and Impact

What began as a research initiative has evolved into a dynamic quantum networking platform. QCORE connects systems, researchers, industry leaders, and emerging talent to accelerate the development of regional—and broader—quantum capabilities.

A Legacy of Innovation

Montana State University’s long history of investment in photonics and cryogenics has helped create one of the largest photonics clusters in the United States. QCORE extends this strength, building the infrastructure needed to support the next era of quantum systems.

Regional Strength, Global Reach

Montana is uniquely positioned to deliver the photonic interfaces, integrated systems, and supply chain solutions 
that will accelerate quantum deployment worldwide. From our base in Bozeman, we’re building networks that will connect 
the world.

Rooted in Academic Excellence

QCORE is a new initiative at Montana State University that offers collaborators world-class facilities, top-tier talent, and a dynamic environment that combines technical rigor with agile innovation to solve real-world quantum challenges.

MSU Core Facilities

Direct access to quantum computing testbed with multiple modalities and advanced fabrication and testing equipment

Student Pathways

Training the next generation of quantum ready technicians and professionals

Faculty Collaboration

Partnership with leading researchers in quantum and quantum adjacent science, technology and innovation

Translational Partnerships

Seamless connection between academic research and commercial application

The People Powering QCORE Collaboration

QCORE brings together experts across disciplines who share a common vision: making quantum technology practical and accessible.

Corporate & Government Partners

Access quantum computing time, test components across modalities, leverage technical expertise, and tap the quantum talent pipeline. 

Public Sector & Defense Agencies

Collaborate on dual-use technology with access to quantum resources and specialized expertise.

Building on Proven Foundations, Delivering Results

QCORE builds on decades of regional expertise—from quantum breakthroughs at Montana State University to advanced infrastructure across the Gallatin Valley. This foundation supports a robust platform for quantum networking, emphasizing measurement confidence and product validation.

As global benchmarks evolve, QCORE helps shape the future by providing environments to test, demonstrate, and refine quantum technologies in alignment with international standards bodies like ISO/IEC JTC1, QED-C, and IEEE.

Vibrant Local Ecosystem

Montana Optics and Photonics Companies

This timeline highlights key moments in the evolution of the regional quantum and photonics ecosystem.

  1. 1980 - 1985

    Orionics

  2. 1981

    Big Sky Laser Technologies / Quantel USA / Lumibird

  3. 1984 - 1995

    TMA Technologies

  4. 1986

    ILX Lightwave / Newport / MKS

  5. 1989

    Scientific Materials / FLIR / Teledyne

  6. 1992

    Wavelength Electronics

  7. 1993

    Image Labs Int'l

  8. 1993

    Quantum Composers

  9. 1995

    Altos Photonics

  10. 1995

    OPTEC

  11. 1995 - 1999

    Scatterworks

  12. 1998

    AdvR

  13. 1998

    New Wave Research / ESI

  14. 1999

    Spectrum Lab

  15. 2000 - 2015

    Chronochrome

  16. 2001 - 2018

    MPA Technologies

  17. 2002

    Resonon

  18. 2002 - 2007

    PDI Bozeman

  19. 2003

    Sensopath

  20. 2003

    Sensory Labs

  21. 2003 - 2008

    Rasiris

  22. 2004 - 2012

    Zdye

  23. 2005

    S2 Corp.

  24. 2005

    Phenix Fiber Optics

  25. 2006

    Bridger Photonics

  26. 2006 - 2012

    Fluorescence Innovations

  27. 2007

    Litron Lasers N. Am.

  28. 2007

    New Gate Technologies

  29. 2008

    NWB Sensors

  30. 2008

    Photon Machines / Teledyne

  31. 2009 - 2011

    Pinyon Photonics

  32. 2009

    Montana Instruments

  33. 2009 - 2020

    Yellowstone Scientific Instruments

  34. 2011

    MicroLab

  35. 2012

    Neuralynx, Inc.

  36. 2013

    MT Photonics Industry Alliance / MPQA

  37. 2013

    Vision Aerial

  38. 2013

    Ascent Vision Technologies / CACI

  39. 2014

    Laser Lab Source

  40. 2015 - 2022

    Revibro Optics

  41. 2015 - 2017

    Advanced Microcavity Sensors

  42. 2016

    Agile Focus Designs

  43. 2016

    Blackmore Sensors & Analytics / Aurora

  44. 2017

    US Optics

  45. 2018

    Elemental Scientific Lasers

  46. 2018

    Reveal Technology

  47. 2019 - 2020

    Nanobrokers

  48. 2020

    Silixa

  49. 2020

    AgriTech America

  50. 2022 - 2023

    532 Engineering

  51. 2022

    Volair Technologies / VTI Aerospace

  52. 2022

    Maztech Industries

  53. 2023

    Headwaters Tech Hub

  54. 2024

    Blue Data Technologies

  55. 2024

    Vacom

  56. 2024

    Gallatin AMO

  57. 2024

    Revelyst

  58. 2024

    Linq Photonics

  59. 2024

    Phix

  60. 2025

    Hall Lidar, Inc.

Where Innovation Meets Infrastructure

Quantum Testbed with Multiple Computing Modalities

A flexible environment for testing entanglement distribution, multiple quantum computing modalities including photonic and superconducting systems, and quantum-classical integration—one of only seven worldwide and the first in our region. 

Materials & Device Prototyping Lab

Device prototyping, development and fabrication, cryogenic testing, and photonics integration capabilities to support novel technology innovations and network-ready device development.

Cryogenics Facility

Advanced cooling systems that enable quantum operations at the temperatures required for optimal performance.

Hybrid Networking Infrastructure

Hybrid Networking Infrastructure

Systems that connect different quantum computing modalities and enable hybrid quantum-classical applications.

Quantum Simulators

Cloud-enabled simulation environments for modeling hybrid quantum systems and validating performance before deployment.

Building a Network of Collaborators 
around the world

QCORE drives progress through partnerships across government, academia, industry, and innovation—accelerating quantum discovery, commercialization, and real-world impact.

Government & Defense

Academic Institutions

  • Collaborations with leading universities and national laboratories worldwide
  • Supported by Montana State University faculty, research staff, post-docs, graduate and undergraduate researchers

Industry Leaders

  • Strategic relationships with quantum hardware manufacturers, software companies, and system integrators
  • Partnerships with global and national leaders driving quantum innovation

Regional & Local Collaborators

  • Regional and local partners across industry, academia, and government
  • Local innovators and ecosystem builders supporting research and commercialization

From Research to Real-World Results

QCORE’s work extends beyond our facilities to create a lasting impact across industries and communities:

Technology Advancement

Accelerating the development of quantum networks that make quantum computing more accessible and practical

Economic Growth

Attracting quantum companies and investment to Montana while supporting local economic development

Workforce Development

Training the next generation of quantum professionals through internships, fellowships, and educational programs

National Security

Contributing to America's quantum competitiveness through partnerships with defense agencies and national laboratories

The Future We're Building

QCORE is more than a research facility—we’re building the foundation for a quantum-enabled future. Our vision extends beyond today’s limitations to a world where quantum information, computing and networks seamlessly integrate with classical systems, enabling breakthrough applications we’re only beginning to imagine.

The future of quantum technology starts with trusted networks. From Montana’s innovation ecosystem, we’re developing the frameworks, standards and systems needed to connect quantum technologies worldwide. Future Initiatives:

  • Advancing quantum networking protocols and standards
  • Developing quantum-classical hybrid systems
  • Creating industry-specific quantum applications
  • Building the quantum workforce of tomorrow

Explore Our Network

Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, student, or industry professional, there’s a place for you in QCORE’s network. We’re building the future of quantum technology, and we need diverse perspectives and expertise to make it happen.

Ready to learn more about QCORE?

Get in touch to explore research partnerships, facility access, or workforce programs.

In Their Words: The QCORE Experience

QCORE in Action

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