Quantum connections at Montana State University

Quantum Singularity is a startup that came out of the University of Toronto and is a developer of quantum-powered medical imaging platforms intended for rapid, non-invasive, and precise cardiovascular diagnostics. The company recently achieved remarkable success at the inaugural Mountain West Pitch Event hosted by Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance in Bozeman, Montana in fall 2025. Competing against an impressive array of innovative startups, Quantum Singularity secured first place, earning a substantial funding award of $100,000 from Qubit Ventures. This victory not only underscores the company’s potential but also reflects the strength of the photonics research ecosystem at Montana State University. The event showcased the advanced capabilities and collaborative spirit of this network, presenting significant opportunities for partnerships between Canadian quantum and photonics companies and their counterparts in Montana, fostering innovation and advancement in these cutting-edge fields.

Strengthening U.S. wildfire response

Bridger Aerospace, an American-owned, Montana-based aerial firefighting company, is enhancing wildfire suppression efforts across the U.S. With a specialized fleet, including the Canadian-built CL-415EAF “Super Scooper” aircraft and fixed-wing planes, the company provides rapid response and advanced firefighting capabilities to protect communities in high-risk areas like California and Alaska.

Bridger Aerospace’s commitment to U.S. wildfire management was reinforced in January 2025 when it secured a $20.1 million, five-year contract with the U.S. Department of the Interior. The contract includes deploying air attack and surveillance aircraft for the Bureau of Land Management Alaska Fire Service, ensuring faster, more effective emergency response. Bridger Aerospace’s focus in Canada has primarily been on supporting wildfires in remote, forested areas, particularly in British Columbia and Quebec during the 2023 fires.

Many of Bridger’s pilots and mechanics are Canadian, having spent much of their careers supporting the Canadian aerial firefighting operations before joining Bridger to assist with both U.S. and Canadian wildfire seasons.

Montana exports $1.0 billion in goods to Canada annually
Montana exports to Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 42%
• Chemicals: 3%
• Energy: 17%
• Equipment & machinery: 5%
• Minerals & metals: 26%
• Transportation: 5%
• Other: 2%

Top Montana goods exports to Canada

• Live animals: $274 million
• Ores, slag & ash: $172 million
• Fuel oil: $154 million
• Cereals: $46 million
• Salt, sulfur, earth & stone, lime & cement: $44 million
• Vegetables: $39 million
• Stone & cement products, abrasives: $20 million
• Agricultural machinery: $17 million
• Animal feed & food industry residues: $12 million
• Oil seeds: $11 million

Montana exports $249 million in services to Canada annually
Top Montana services exports to Canada

• Transport: $92 million
• Travel (including for education): $83 million
• Business services: $28 million
• Financial services: $24 million
• Charges for the use of intellectual property: $14 million

Montana imports $5.8 billion in goods from Canada annually
Montana imports from Canada by industry

• Agriculture: 4%
• Chemicals: 3%
• Energy: 77%
• Equipment & machinery: 3%
• Other: 13%

Top Montana goods imports from Canada

• Crude petroleum: $4.3 billion
• Animal or vegetable fats, oils & waxes: $129 million
• Natural gas & other gases: $117 million
• Fertilizers: $102 million
• Softwood lumber: $81 million
• Agricultural machinery: $51 million
• Pearls, gems, precious metals & jewelry: $48 million
• Wood & semi-finished wood products: $47 million
• Aircraft & parts: $36 million
• Cereals: $34 million