Governor Gianforte Highlights Montana High-Tech, Bioscience Economy in Bengaluru

Governor's Office

BENGALURU, India - Governor Greg Gianforte today continued Montana's trade mission to India, meeting with business, technology, biotechnology, and government leaders in Bengaluru to attract new investment, expand commercial partnerships, and promote Montana as a place to innovate and invest to create jobs for Montanans.

"Montana is open for business, and we're ready to showcase that our strengths extend further than our agricultural roots," Gov. Gianforte said. "With the fifth-fastest growing economy in the United States and a well-established, high-tech ecosystem, Montana is the perfect place for innovation to thrive."

Gov. Gianforte speaking during a meeting with the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in Bengaluru

Starting the day, Governor Gianforte visited a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) office in Bengaluru to engage with the global technology and consulting company that operates in industries spanning artificial intelligence, data analytics, healthcare and life sciences, digital engineering, manufacturing, and agricultural technology.

Meeting with TCS representatives, the governor and Montana delegation discussed opportunities for collaboration in healthcare, aerospace, and agri-tech, highlighting areas where TCS's global research and technology capabilities intersect with Montana's growing high-tech ecosystem. Montana is home to one of the largest optics and photonics clusters in the United States and one of only five quantum network testbeds worldwide. Montana State University also recorded nearly $289 million in research expenditures in fiscal year 2025, supporting research across agriculture, engineering, health sciences, defense, and emerging technologies.

"Montana has the research and the talent. What we want are more partners ready to put that innovation to work," Gov. Gianforte said. "Whether it's new technology helping a farmer use fewer inputs or improving health care, we see tremendous opportunity to turn research into solutions and jobs for Montanans."

Continuing the day, the governor joined the Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) for a roundtable discussion with biotechnology companies exploring opportunities to expand in the United States. The discussion focused on Montana's growing biotechnology and life-sciences ecosystem, opportunities for research and investment, and the state's expanded Right to Try framework.

"Biotech companies need more than laboratory space. They need researchers, partners, and a place willing to let innovation thrive, all three of which Montana has," Gov. Gianforte said. "We want Indian life-sciences companies looking at Big Sky Country when they make their next move in America to get pharmaceuticals to market to deliver live-saving care and lower costs for Americans."

Later, Gov. Gianforte and the delegation joined the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) for a business roundtable with companies and industry leaders focused on investment opportunities in bioscience, critical minerals, advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, quantum and photonics, energy, and agricultural technology.

Established in 1968, the IACC promotes trade and commerce between India and the United States by connecting India companies looking to expand to the United States and American companies looking to engage in India.

Montana's traditional industries and emerging sectors create opportunities across many of the areas represented at the roundtable. Montana is the nation's leading producer of peas, lentils, and chickpeas and has a long history in mining and natural-resource development. At the same time, the state is attracting major investments in advanced manufacturing and building nationally significant capabilities in photonics, quantum technology, aerospace, and defense. Montana also offers critical-mineral resources important to technology, manufacturing, energy, and national security, including copper, palladium, platinum, and antimony.

The governor encouraged IACC members with existing or planned U.S. expansion to continue discussions with the Montana delegation and visit the state to explore potential investments firsthand.

Montana's first trade mission to India includes more than 30 representatives from agriculture, business, industry, higher education, and government. The delegation is working to strengthen existing trade relationships while expanding opportunities in advanced manufacturing, bioscience, photonics, quantum technology, critical minerals, agriculture, and higher education.

The governor will continue his trade mission tomorrow in Bengaluru.

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