Programs & Competitions
Big Idea Challenge
Recent: Thursday, November 7, 2024
Students will submit their "Big Ideas" and the finalists will deliver a 3-5 minute pitch on their ideas to a panel of judges. $10,000 in prize money is given out each year.
For full event details, visit: https://www.montana.edu/launchpad/programs/big-idea-challenge.html
MSU $100K Venture Competition
Upcoming: Thursday, April 24, 2025
This unique event will feature $100,000 in prize money as well as access to established area entrepreneurs, investors, and numerous network resources.
For full event details, visit: https://www.montana.edu/business/venture-competition/
Questions? Contact the LaunchPad: info@msulaunchpad.org or 406-994-4383.
IDEATOR Labs
Interdisciplinary Design & Entrepreneurial Acceleration, Translation, and Optimization of Research.
IDEATOR Labs aims to empower students to use their individual skillset and passion to make the world a better place. We focus on helping students shape how they look at problems and build the necessary skills to turn those problems into solutions.
These events are open to all students and majors and are a great way to meet new people and learn tangible skills.
https://tto.montana.edu/nsf-art/design_academy.html
MSU's Technology Transfer Office
The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) works to commercialize the inventions of MSU faculty, spur entrepreneurship based on MSU technology, and provide a gateway for industry looking to utilize MSU resources. The benefits of technology transfer accrue to faculty, MSU centers, departments and colleges, as well as local and national corporations. https://tto.montana.edu/
NSF Accelerating Research Translation (ART)
Montana State University has been selected as one of eighteen academic institutions to receive funding through the National Science Foundation's Accelerating Research Translation, or ART, program. The ART program aims to strengthen and scale the translation of basic research outcomes into impactful solutions and practice by building capacity and infrastructure.
At Montana State University, the ART program drives increased researchtranslation and elevates native voices in the research generation and translation landscape. By improving the rate of research findings being translated into practice, the ART program ultimately improves the long-term health of all communities and enhances the economic competitiveness of the USA.
https://tto.montana.edu/nsf-art/