2026 Headwaters Tech Hub Summit
About this Event
2026 Headwaters Tech Hub Summit
We're convening leaders from industry, higher education, economic development, nonprofit and government sectors to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and strengthen Montana’s tech ecosystem.
September 9, 2026
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Meet for Lubrecht Forest Testbed Demo
Info: We will meet in the MonTec parking lot (1121 E Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802) to carpool to the Lubrecht Forest Testbed demo. Due to limited capacity, registration for the Lubrecht Forest Testbed Demo is required when purchasing your Summit ticket. Registration is free and first come first serve.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Lubrecht Forest Testbed Demo
Info: Join us at Lubrecht Experimental Forest where we will showcase testbed capabilities and demonstrate technologies in the rugged forest environment. Due to limited capacity, registration for the Lubrecht Forest Testbed Demo is required when purchasing your Summit ticket. Registration is free and first come first serve.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Welcome Reception
Info: Join us at the Stadium Club at the University of Montana for our opening reception. Beverages and appetizers will be provided. Registration for the Welcome Reception is required when purchasing Summit ticket. Registration is free.
September 10, 2026
🕑: 07:30 AM - 08:30 AM
HTH Consortium Meeting
Info: Closed meeting for HTH Consortium Members.
🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Event Check-In & Breakfast
Info: The 2026 HTH Summit will take place at the University Center on the third floor. Check-in will be in the lobby outside of the main ballroom.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
Welcome Remarks
Host: Tim VanReken, Headwaters Tech Hub
🕑: 09:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Industry Panel: Innovative Problems & Wicked Solutions
🕑: 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
HTH Project Spotlight: STEP
Host: Dr. Antony Berthelote, Salish Kootenai College
Info: Updates from the team behind the Supporting Tribal Education Pathways (STEP) initiative.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Keynote Speaker
Host: Matt Dunne, Founder & Executive Director, CORI
Info: Matt Dunne is the founder of the Center on Rural Innovation (CORI), a social enterprise dedicated to fostering economic prosperity in rural America by building inclusive tech ecosystems. CORI focuses on creating scalable startups and tech jobs, recognizing the vital role emerging technologies like AI can play in transforming rural economic opportunity.
A lifelong Vermonter, Matt previously served in the state legislature, ran marketing for a global SAAS software company, directed AmeriCorps VISTA, and built Google's Community Affairs division from rural Vermont. Through all of these roles, Matt has focused on empowering underserved communities through technology and innovation.
🕑: 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
Lunch
Info: Lunch will be provided.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
Remarks
Host: Dr. Jeremiah Shinn, President, University of Montana
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:15 PM
Breakout Sessions
Info: Attendees will have the option to join smaller discussion based breakout sessions on a variety of topics including workforce development, commercialization & entrepreneurship, and state policy. More details coming soon.
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:30 PM
Break
🕑: 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
HTH Project Spotlight: SPEED
Host: Dr. Joseph Shaw, Montana State University
Info: Updates from the team behind the Smart Photonic Sensor Education for Economic Development (SPEED) initiative.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Panel: Peer Ecosystems - Resilience & Natural Resources
Host: Dr. Tim VanReken, Headwaters Tech Hub
🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Break
🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
HTH Project Spotlight: IPE
Host: Dr. Jason Yager, Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance
Info: Updates from the team behind the Integrated Photonics Ecosystem (IPE) project.
🕑: 04:30 PM - 05:00 PM
Updates on the Federal Policy Landscape
Host: Jason Rittenberg, Excel Regional Solutions
🕑: 05:00 PM
Wrap Up Day 1
🕑: 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Small Group Dinners
Info: HTH has reserved tables at a variety of restaurants across Missoula to facilitate small-group networking opportunities. These informal gatherings are designed to help attendees connect over dinner in a relaxed setting. Each reservation will accommodate a small group, allowing for meaningful conversation and relationship building. Details about restaurant locations, times, and sign-up options will be shared during the Summit to help you choose a group that fits your interests and schedule.
*These dinners are not hosted, meaning participants will be responsible for covering their own costs.
September 11, 2026
🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:30 AM
Networking & Breakfast
Info: Breakfast will be provided.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome Remarks
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Panel
Info: Details coming soon.
🕑: 09:45 AM - 11:00 AM
Breakout Sessions
Info: Attendees will have the option to join smaller discussion based breakout sessions on a variety of topics including workforce development, commercialization & entrepreneurship, and state policy. More details coming soon.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:15 AM
Break
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Keynote Speaker
Info: Details coming soon.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
HTH Project Spotlight: ASSIST
Host: John Beltrone, Headwaters Tech Hub
Info: Updates from the team behind the Autonomous Smart Systems and Integrated Sensor Testbeds (ASSIST) initiative.
🕑: 12:30 PM
Wrap Up Day 2
🕑: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
HTH Board Meeting
Info: The HTH Board Meeting will take place in Room 225 on the second floor of the University Center. This meeting is closed to members only.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 225.00
