UM launches research park
Plans to establish a business park that will enhance University of Montana research and spark development of new technologies is under way, thanks to a $500,000 federal appropriation.

Montana Congressman Rick Hill secured funding for the project in the Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development and Independent Agencies Appropriations bill in October. The money allows UM to begin planning and designing the Research Development Enterprise, which will be built off campus.

UM President George Dennison said RDE will provide a research development plaza for additional research and laboratory space for UM faculty and students. It also will include a research incubator that offers a relatively secure financial environment for spin-off companies to develop technologies and a research development park to house development firms, personal and professional services, light manufacturing offices and laboratories.

"It's not only incredibly important to UM, but also for the role campus can play in the Missoula community, as well as throughout the state," Dennison said.

UM will work on the project with Ron Klaphake of the Missoula Economic Development Corp.

Dennison said the collaboration among UM, the local business community and the federal government will accelerate the advancement and application of faculty and student research activities into commercial and job opportunities.

Hill said the entire project will require a federal investment of $4 million over the next several years, but the $500,000 already in place will support the project's planning and design phase.

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