The CSFN is dedicated to serving as a hub to help promote economic development in Montana, especially as related to the fields of Biomedicine and Biotechnology. Toward this goal, the CSFN is collaborating with and has received funding from the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology (MBRTC). The long-range goal of the MBRTC grant is to develop an Applied Research Program in Biomedicine within the CSFN that not only adds research strength in the neurosciences, but does so in such a manner as to enhance commercialization and technology transfer to the private sector to the benefit of economic development in Montana. The CSFN is also partnering with the Montana Neuroscience Institute, the International Heart Institute of Montana, and St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center in these efforts. The CSFN plans on contributing to economic development by:

• Increasing the critical mass of competitive neuroscientists and projects within Montana that are actively engaged in applied and translational research related to the development of novel diagnostics, devices, processes, and/or therapeutic agents related to the treatment of neurological disorders such as stroke, brain tumors, and spine injury.
• Enhancing the ability of applied, translational, and basic researchers on and off campus to access needed high-cost, high-tech shared instrumentation facilities.
• Enhancing "hands-on" technical training for undergraduate and graduate students in applied, translational, and basic research.
• Increasing training opportunities in technology transfer and commercialization for neuroscience researchers within the CSFN.
• Strengthening ties with emerging Biomed/Biotech companies in Montana with the goal of collaborations, SBIR/STTR grant development, and the commercialization technology emerging from the CSFN.

Companies or individuals within the Biomed/Biotech field who are interested in any of the above goals are encouraged to contact the CSFN.