BOZEMAN\u2014Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Montana Chamber of Commerce will host the third annual Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit on Oct. 15 in Bozeman, with this year\u2019s event focused on technology and innovation in Montana.<\/p>\n
The summit will bring together business leaders, policymakers and technology executives to discuss artificial intelligence, national security, precision agriculture, photonics, data centers and online safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cMontana\u2019s technology sector is helping drive our state\u2019s economic future,\u201d Gianforte said. \u201cFrom advancing precision agriculture and strengthening national security to opportunities in artificial intelligence and photonics, Montana\u2019s innovators are creating good-paying jobs.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Montana Chamber said the state\u2019s tech sector is the fastest-growing business sector in Montana and represents about 5% of the state\u2019s gross domestic product.<\/p>\n
Todd O\u2019Hair, president and chief executive of the Montana Chamber, said Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte were among the early entrepreneurs who helped fuel the sector\u2019s growth through RightNow Technologies.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs entrepreneurs starting RightNow Technologies, Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte were some of the original sparks that led to the rapid growth we see today,\u201d O\u2019Hair said.<\/p>\n
Scheduled speakers include U.S. Rep. Troy Downing, Montana State University President Brock Tessman, state Sen. Daniel Zolnikov of Billings and members of Gianforte\u2019s cabinet.<\/p>\n
The summit is expected to focus on Montana\u2019s role in emerging technologies and the ways those industries could shape the state\u2019s economy in the years ahead.<\/p>\n