This Week's Latest Tech News in Billings, MT - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

This week in Billings, MT, the city continued to cement its status as a dynamic tech and education hub, blending industry growth, legislative changes, and inspiring local innovation.

Billings’ tech sector is growing seven times faster than the rest of Montana’s economy, generating over $500 million annually and creating more than 2,000 new high-paying tech jobs since 2022.

The city is also investing heavily in infrastructure, with major fiber optic expansions improving high-speed connectivity for businesses and remote workers - a trend supported by evolving educational partnerships and new programs in data analytics and broadband installation Billings tech sector highlights.

Montana Tech recognized local trailblazers at its 2025 Early Impact Alumni Awards, such as Robert Martin and Dr. Nick Gow, underscoring Billings’ community influence in STEM and legal fields Early Impact Alumni Awards.

The state’s new NIL laws are fostering innovation at colleges like MSU-Billings and Rocky Mountain College, supporting both tech-savvy athletics and student opportunities.

Meanwhile, local schools continue to push STEM initiatives through programs like Project Lead the Way, preparing students for the region’s rapidly growing tech workforce Project Lead the Way.

Billings’ story this week is one of deepening collaboration between education, policy, and industry, powering an economy ready for tomorrow.

Montana Tech has secured the distinction of being ranked the #1 Online Master’s Provider in Montana for 2025 by Online Master’s Colleges, reflecting its ongoing commitment to flexible, accredited graduate programs in key fields.

This recognition is especially meaningful for Billings-area learners and working professionals, as it highlights accessible opportunities in fields like engineering, project management, and industrial hygiene.

Montana Tech’s standout online master’s degrees in Industrial Hygiene and Project Engineering and Management are fully accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring that students graduate with degrees respected by employers across industries and recognized for their rigor nationwide.

The online programs are structured for real-world schedules, with coursework that is predominantly asynchronous and designed for students balancing work or life in rural areas, while still offering direct faculty guidance and a required in-person lab for the Industrial Hygiene track Learn more about Montana Tech's online Industrial Hygiene program.

• Montana Tech's top ranking highlights the availability of quality, flexible graduate programs for Billings-area professionals.
• Accredited online master's degrees in Industrial Hygiene and Project Engineering equip students with nationally respected credentials.
• Asynchronous courses and faculty guidance ensure the programs fit into busy or rural schedules while maintaining academic rigor.

Looking ahead, Montana Tech plans to launch a series of stackable microcredentials - developed in partnership with the Department of Defense - to help students build specialized skills in areas such as geological and metallurgical engineering, mining, and environmental compliance Montana Tech micro-credential details.

• Microcredentials offer targeted, stackable learning opportunities for career growth.
• Industry partnerships like those with the Department of Defense ensure relevant skills development.

Programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and to support professional advancement without requiring participants to pause their careers.

Montana Tech’s leadership in online education has contributed to consistently high graduation and retention rates, factors cited in its top ranking.

Program	Accreditation	Format
Industrial Hygiene (MS)	ABET Accredited	Online/Hybrid with in-person lab
Project Engineering & Management (MS)	ABET Accredited	Online Asynchronous

For those considering online education in Montana, these programs exemplify how accredited, flexible degree paths can help advance careers in Billings and beyond More top online colleges in Montana.

As Montana Tech expands its educational offerings, Billings’ tech and engineering talent pool is well-positioned to capitalize on these innovative, workforce-aligned programs.

"Montana Tech’s innovative online programs are a game changer for working professionals," says Karen Johnson. "The flexibility and industry focus provide real opportunities for career advancement in our region."

Montana is set to reshape college athletics following the legislature’s passage of Senate Bills SB 482 and SB 271, both now headed to Governor Greg Gianforte for signature.

Together, these bills will take effect July 1, 2025, impacting student-athletes at schools like MSU-Billings and Rocky Mountain College. While past NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) regulations only permitted third-party endorsements, SB 271 stands out by allowing colleges to directly pay student-athletes.

Meanwhile, SB 482 ensures transparency and fairness by requiring written contracts for all NIL agreements, designed to protect athletes from being taken advantage of and to keep the process compliant with NCAA guidelines.

• Central Idea: SB 482 introduces mandatory written contracts, ensuring safeguards and transparency for student-athletes as they monetize their brands through endorsements, social media, and events.
• Central Idea: SB 271 eliminates school payment restrictions, allowing schools to provide direct compensation to athletes and increasing institutional oversight.
• Central Idea: Both bills reveal a commitment to athlete protection and regional competitiveness, mirroring legal developments at both NCAA and federal levels.

Institution	Estimated Athletes Impacted	Key Opportunities
MSU-Billings	550	Sponsorships and NIL-driven campus partnerships
Rocky Mountain College	320	Alumni collectives, digital creator campaigns

Leaders and advocates, including sponsors such as Sen. Ellie Boldman, believe that formalizing NIL contracts will give athletes greater understanding and control over their opportunities, while local compliance offices emphasize the importance of contract clarity and school participation in protecting kids’ interests.

According to legislative trackers, these changes position Montana to keep pace with ongoing national legal shifts, including a pending NCAA revenue sharing settlement.

To read more on the details of these landmark bills and their progress, visit the Senate Bill 271 2025 tracker and find in-depth context in recent coverage of SB 482’s contract requirements.

As these changes roll out, Montana student-athletes will have more freedom and security to build their athletic and professional futures on and off campus.

In 2025, Montana Tech’s Early Impact Alumni Awards celebrate local professionals who are making significant contributions in Billings and beyond, with Brianne McClafferty and Dr. Nick Gow receiving recognition for their early-career achievements.

Brianne McClafferty, who graduated from Montana Tech with the highest GPA in the class of 2012, has become a partner and the administrative partner at Holland & Hart’s Billings office.

Her background combines a business education from Montana Tech and a law degree from the University of Montana, leading her to guide clients through complex commercial, environmental, employment, and bankruptcy litigation in both federal and state courts.

In interviews, McClafferty credits Montana Tech’s supportive professors and hands-on learning for boosting her confidence and equipping her to thrive in the legal field.

She is known for her involvement with local organizations and her commitment to mentorship, encouraging students to take advantage of internships and explore diverse legal careers (Montana Tech paved the way for legal career, Holland & Hart profile).

• Emerging Legal Leadership: Brianne McClafferty became a partner at Holland & Hart, demonstrating outstanding litigation expertise in business and environmental law while actively supporting Montana Tech’s students and alumni.
• STEM Excellence Awardee: Dr. Nick Gow serves as senior study lead in mineral processing at Paterson & Cooke, recognized as a published technical expert and influential editor for the Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration journal.

The Early Impact Alumni Award recognizes graduates like McClafferty and Dr. Gow who quickly deliver measurable contributions to their communities and professions.

These alumni illustrate Montana Tech’s ongoing influence in Billings, with graduates frequently choosing to work locally and strengthen regional networks. Since its introduction, the award has highlighted diverse success stories, reinforcing the university’s role in shaping technology and STEM leadership in Montana.

To learn more about this year’s honorees and their impact, visit the official announcement (2025 Early Impact Alumni Awardees).

This week, UBS, a major player in global wealth management, announced that Patricia Moore has joined its Billings, MT office as a Financial Advisor, reinforcing their focus on experienced talent in a fast-evolving industry.

Moore, who holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Information Systems from Montana State University, brings over 17 years of wealth management experience, including her previous role as Managing Wealth Advisor at Ashton Thomas and work with Wells Fargo Advisors.

Now part of Montana Wealth Advisors, a team overseeing more than $1.5 billion in client assets, Moore manages $85 million for families and individuals, emphasizing long-term relationships and a commitment to generational wealth planning.

Her addition is considered a strategic move as Billings’ financial sector sees steady growth accompanied by increased adoption of digital tools, from AI analytics to advanced client portfolio platforms.

According to UBS leadership, Moore’s regional expertise and client-first approach are seen as key assets as the team continues to serve Billings’ growing base of successful families, executives, and business owners.

You can learn more about the announcement via this Business Wire press release, details of the team’s assets and focus in the Stock Titan coverage, and in-depth background on Moore at her UBS profile.

Here’s a look at key financial services trends in Billings for 2024–2025:

• Job growth: The demand for financial advisors continues to increase, with positions rising by 11.5% since January 2024.
• Fintech adoption: Adoption of cloud-based technology in financial firms is high, as 73% of Billings-based companies now use these portfolio management tools.
• Regional economic impact: Finance and technology sectors together contributed $289 million to local GDP in 2024, up from $246 million in 2023.

Year	Finance/Tech Workforce Growth	Economic Impact ($ Millions)
2023	+8%	246
2024	+11.5%	289

As Moore puts it, “Billings is truly at the crossroads of technology and financial expertise, and I’m excited to help drive that momentum forward.”

UBS’s expansion in Billings reflects not only its confidence in local talent but also a wider trend: finance professionals with strong technical skills are helping shape the city’s economic landscape for the future.

Billings is making a significant impact on college sports recruitment in 2025, with area high schools showcasing a strong class of future collegiate athletes across multiple sports.

At Billings Senior, seven athletes recently made their college commitments official during a school ceremony, choosing programs that range from Michigan State volleyball to Augustana men's swimming, highlighted by multi-time all-state honorees and state champions like Nancy Taylor and Sy Pizzolato.

These signings reflect a broader trend across Montana, where a growing number of student-athletes are committing to play at the next level, as tracked by the Montana Class of 2025 college recruit tracker, which lists commitments across football, volleyball, basketball, softball, and more.

Billings West alone has produced several football recruits moving on to programs like Montana State, with Sarah Martinez among those joining the Bobcats’ roster.

The path to these college opportunities is increasingly shaped by technology.

Coaches and athletes are making use of digital tools and recruitment platforms to improve training and scouting, allowing for deeper analysis of performance and greater exposure to college recruiters.

Athletic departments at schools like Billings Senior and West are supporting their athletes not only with traditional coaching but also through access to data-driven insights, which support both athletic progress and college readiness.

As seen on Montana Tech’s 2025 recruiting class announcement, strong connections between Billings schools and collegiate programs continue to boost the chances for local athletes.

Some recent notable Billings signings include Sy Pizzolato (Senior), headed to Augustana for swimming and a state record-holder who represented Team USA at the World Deaf Swimming Championships, and James Lopez (West), set to play Division I football for Montana State.

Their achievements are part of a trend captured in Rocky Mountain College’s announcement of its 2025 football class, which features a healthy share of Billings athletes and aligns with the region’s emphasis on multi-sport participation and academic excellence (Rocky Mountain College’s 2025 football signees).

As local coaches say,

Embracing technology and fostering a balanced athletic-academic approach continue to open doors for Billings students across the collegiate landscape.

At the 2025 Frontier Trudnowski Track Meet, Montana Tech athletes delivered strong performances, demonstrating how technology and dedicated coaching are helping them excel.

Senior William Davis headlined the weekend by earning his fourth consecutive Frontier Conference heptathlon title, finishing with 4,902 points - the second-best score in the NAIA this season.

Davis’s results included wins in the long jump (5.71m) and 800-meter run (2:32.21), along with a third-place finish in the javelin (33.42m), which helped cement his standing atop the conference and likely secured him a spot at next month’s national championship.

His consistency across all seven events shows both his experience and the benefits of modern athletic support. Davis is now chasing his third straight All-America honor and continues to be a leader for Montana Tech as highlighted in event coverage.

Freshman Patricia Jackson also impressed, finishing third in a highly competitive decathlon with a total of 5,779 points, just over 100 points out of first place.

Jackson’s performance places her 27th nationally in the NAIA and reflects steady improvement through her freshman year, with achievements like tying for the top mark in the 100-meter dash and taking runner-up in both the 110m hurdles and pole vault as reported by 406mtsports.com.

Montana Tech’s coaching staff - and those at other Montana colleges - have continued to invest in wearable sensors, mobile tracking apps, and video analysis to guide athletes in everything from stride length to nutrition to sleep.

These tools were in the spotlight during the Trudnowski Open, as coaches and student-athletes used them for real-time performance feedback and injury prevention.

The deepening integration of technology is reflected not only in event outcomes but also in individual progress. Track and field trends at the conference level show steady increases in PRs and team points, fueled by these advancements.

Coach William Smith of Carroll College remarked that the team’s success at the meet came across multiple disciplines, underscoring the broad impact of this data-driven model in this Carroll Athletics recap.

Billings-area athletes, equipped with these resources, continue to be significant contributors at the collegiate level, both as individual competitors and as part of strong relay squads.

Sarah Martinez, a standout at Rocky Mountain College and Billings Skyview graduate, continues to play a key role in advancing track and field excellence rooted in Billings.

Most recently, Martinez captured attention at the Frontier Conference multis, where she set a program record in the heptathlon with 3,948 points - marking her first career attempt in the multi-event and ranking among the top scorers in the NAIA this season.

This achievement underscores not only her versatility but also the depth of talent produced by Billings Skyview, a school noted for its strong performances in sprints and hurdles, including a state-record 4x100-meter relay with Martinez as a member last season.

Martinez balances track with soccer at Rocky Mountain College and was honored as a Cascade Collegiate Conference Player of the Week for her contributions on the soccer field, highlighting her dual-sport impact and commitment to excellence.

• Advanced Training Tech: Coaches in the area continue to use cutting-edge training technologies like app-based video analysis and real-time feedback, providing modern tools for athletic growth.
• Performance Gains: These technological resources assist athletes in injury prevention and enable measurable improvements in competitive performance.
• Alumni Leadership: Alumni like Martinez are paving the way for the next generation, helping maintain Billings’ reputation as a springboard for both athletic and academic achievement.

With alumni like Martinez leading the way and high school programs focused on continuous development, the Billings area maintains its reputation as a springboard for athletic and academic achievement at the collegiate level.

Resource	Description	Link
Frontier Conference Coverage	Learn more about Martinez’s recent heptathlon milestone	Read Article
Rocky Mountain College Athletics	Summary of her record-breaking multi debut	Visit Page
Dual-Sport Achievements	Information about her soccer recognition	Learn More

ZooMontana’s Earth Day celebration, “Party for the Planet,” took place on April 19, 2025, bringing together families, tech enthusiasts, students, and conservationists from across Billings.

The event ran from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and featured reduced admission to increase accessibility for the community, with free entry for ZooMontana members and special pricing for guests.

You can learn more here. The day was filled with interactive exhibits - including STEM demonstrations, hands-on science activities, and live wildlife encounters - highlighting both new conservation technologies and the importance of preserving local biodiversity.

• Interactive STEM exhibits fostered discovery, showing attendees how science and technology are advancing conservation efforts.
• Live wildlife encounters gave guests direct exposure to animals and demonstrated the tangible impact of conservation work.
• Expert-led talks provided critical insights on sustainability and tech-driven tools like drones, sensors, and AI-powered cameras supporting fieldwork.
• Collaborative stations from local colleges and nonprofits highlighted the value of community-driven solutions and actionable environmental steps.

Throughout the day, attendees could attend talks from environmental experts, experience close-up wildlife demonstrations, and learn how tech tools like drones, sensors, and AI-powered cameras are now supporting field conservation efforts.

With more than twenty STEM and sustainability-focused stations set up by local colleges, nonprofits, and youth organizations, the event emphasized collaboration, industry exposure, and actionable steps for everyday environmental impact.

ZooMontana’s leadership, including Director Daniel Thompson, underscored the theme that community involvement and technology are key drivers of conservation - ideas strongly supported through partnerships with schools and nonprofits across the region.

For more details, visit the Montana Right Now coverage. Visitors also learned how individual efforts - including simple sustainable living tips and support for ongoing local programs - can make a difference.

By hosting such educational and collaborative events, ZooMontana continues to inspire STEM learning and raise environmental awareness, reinforcing Billings’ leadership in both technology and conservation.

Read more from the News-Journal.

Feature	Benefit	Community Partner
STEM Activities	Hands-on Education	Mary Perez
Wildlife Demonstrations	Awareness Building	John Lopez
Technology Demos	Innovative Solutions	Daniel Thompson

The event’s hands-on approach helped participants connect with nature and STEM in meaningful ways, supporting the next generation of conservation-minded innovators.

Montana Tech is set to expand opportunities for Billings and Montana’s technical workforce by launching seven new micro-credentials in Fall 2025, building on its 125-year legacy in engineering education.

These micro-credentials are designed in collaboration with the Department of Defense and target fields like mining, geological, metallurgical, and environmental engineering, offering modular, skills-based options for busy professionals and recent graduates.

The coursework is primarily delivered asynchronously online, supported by hands-on campus practicums for experiential learning, making it flexible and accessible for working adults.

According to recent reports, Montana Tech’s online graduate programs have received top recognition in the state, validated by graduation rates, affordability, and strong student support.

The new micro-credentials allow learners to stack multiple 10-credit tracks toward stand-alone certification or apply them as electives for existing graduate degrees, directly benefiting Billings professionals aiming to upskill for in-demand roles.

Specializations launching in 2025 include tracks like mining engineering, extractive metallurgy, and mineral deposit exploration, all built to meet current workforce needs identified by industry partners and the DoD. Programs offer regular substantive interactions and access to Montana Tech’s unique facilities, including pilot-scale labs and real-world case studies from active and former mine sites (see full program details).

These efforts align with broader Montana initiatives to improve credential transparency and connect training to real job opportunities, as evidenced by the launch of the statewide credential and skills registry to streamline educational pathways and employer access to relevant skills data (read about the credential registry).

For Billings-area workers who want career advancement without the commitment of a traditional degree, Montana Tech’s micro-credentials provide a pragmatic, targeted path forward in the evolving STEM job market.

In 2025, Billings, MT, is shaping a unique narrative at the intersection of financial services and STEM education, fostering an ecosystem where innovation and workforce development work hand in hand.

Recent trends show that Billings has become a standout tech hub, with the local tech industry creating over 2,000 high-paying jobs and supporting growth across both established financial firms and a thriving startup scene.

• Collaboration between educational institutions, including Billings Public Schools and Montana State University Billings, and organizations like the Montana Technology Enterprise Center is driving STEM growth.
• Fintech sector expansion is evident through rising job postings and STEM-based roles, powered by targeted training and upskilling delivered by local education providers.
• Companies like Blackbrick Software and Workbench leverage these collaborative partnerships to tap into homegrown technical talent and scale their operations.

Recently, a task force formed by the Montana Legislature in 2025 is exploring the potential of blockchain and digital innovation, setting statewide priorities to support economic competitiveness and develop regulatory frameworks for emerging technology.

Read more about this initiative at Montana blockchain task force.

Billings is earning recognition as a tech-forward city that actively shapes opportunities for STEM professionals, feeding a positive cycle of job creation, retention, and local business success.

To further these efforts, leading resources like Big Sky Economic Development and the Billings Small Business Development Center provide financial analysis, business consulting, and entrepreneur training to help local businesses and job seekers succeed in this evolving marketplace.

Organization	Main Service	Impact in 2025
Big Sky Economic Development	Business Training & Analysis	Helps entrepreneurs access funding & resources
Billings Small Business Development Center	Consulting Services	Guides startups in digital transformation
Montana State University Billings	STEM Education	Provides micro-credentials and tech talent to local industry

• Micro-credentials and workforce upskilling are accelerating, fueling Billings' reputation as a technology-driven city.
• Sarah Garcia at Blackbrick Software and Robert Brown at Workbench are examples of local leaders leveraging talent pipelines and partnerships for business success.
• Initiatives from Patricia White and her team at Big Sky Economic Development play a crucial role in supporting new business ventures and advancing digital innovation in the region.

The city’s collaborative, innovation-driven approach is building strong foundations for the future of finance and technology in Montana.

For a deeper look at Billings' thriving tech hub and startup successes, check out Billings's tech hub growth.

As 2025 unfolds, Billings, MT is emerging as a major player in the state’s tech landscape, combining rapid sector growth, educational innovation, and targeted workforce development.

Billings’ tech industry is expanding seven times faster than the state economy, generating over $500 million annually, with average tech salaries reaching $87,000 - well above the state median.

This surge is supported by a strong pipeline of tech jobs in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI, and is underscored by the upcoming "Better Off in Billings" event, which brings the community together to discuss workforce and development opportunities (Better Off in Billings event).

• Education: Local colleges and industry partners are responding to the booming market with new programs in data analytics and broadband installation, preparing residents for approximately 10,000 new tech jobs by year’s end. These initiatives are matched by national trends, with Montana ranking among the fastest-growing states for tech roles like penetration tester, digital forensics analyst, and database architect (31 Hot Montana Jobs for 2025). Patricia Brown notes that these educational programs are crucial for closing the state's talent gap.
• Innovation & Opportunity: Billings has become a magnet for startups and established employers alike, supported by federal investments in infrastructure and fiber-optic expansion for improved connectivity. Programs like Early Stage MT and Rock31 help new tech companies secure funding and guidance, driving an increase in high-paying roles and entrepreneurial activity statewide (Fueling Montana's Tech Ecosystem). Thomas Gonzalez emphasizes the impact of these support systems in fostering sustainable growth.
• Local Impact: Community events and tech conferences, such as Big Sky Dev Con, foster global partnerships and spotlight local talent, while the city’s cost of living - 14.7% below the national average - attracts remote workers and new graduates looking to build careers in a supportive setting. Jennifer Johnson believes this positive ecosystem helps retain skilled professionals in Montana.

With ongoing investments, educational partnership, and an active tech community, Billings is poised for continued growth - solidifying its status as a Montana hub where technology, talent, and opportunity meet.