Mountain West Photonics & Quantum:
An International Pitch Competition
Hosted and Sponsored By:
October 8th, 2025
EngineWorks
MSU Innovation Campus
Bozeman, Montana
The Mountain West Photonics and Quantum Pitch Event
Showcases the transformational potential of quantum technologies and photonic innovations. It highlights startups and entrepreneurs pioneering breakthroughs in quantum mechanics and photonics, with applications next-gen computing, defense, communications, healthcare, and environmental monitoring. You can expect a rigorously curated event, featuring top-tier presentations and a high-caliber audience of experts, investors, and industry leaders.
Quantum Computing
We are seeking brilliant minds and visionary thinkers who are shaping the next frontier in quantum computing and quantum technologies. This event showcased the very best technology and investment opportunities in the field, from breakthroughs in quantum algorithms to the development of practical quantum applications.
Photonics
We are seeking trailblazers and forward-thinkers who are advancing the future of photonics, from the development of cutting-edge optical systems to the nex-gen computing, communication, imaging, and sensing technologies, revolutionizing everything from healthcare to telecommunications.
We invite you to attend and participate in this prestigious event, held in the scenic setting of Bozeman, Montana. Competitors will have the opportunity to present their ventures and vie for a minimum of $100,000 in funding awards. Join us in celebrating innovation, entrepreneurship, and groundbreaking ideas.
Event Committee
Managing Partner
Qubits Ventures
Nardo is a visionary tech leader who’s shaping the future of computing! As Managing Partner at Qubits Ventures, Nardo is not just investing in quantum technology startups – he’s helping brilliant innovators turn their groundbreaking ideas into world-changing realities. Drawing from 25 years at the cutting edge of AI and emerging tech, Nardo has an extraordinary talent for spotting game-changing technologies and nurturing them from bold concepts to powerful solutions.
But what really drives Nardo isn’t just the technology – it’s the potential to transform lives. Through Qubits Ventures Fund II and venture studio, he’s laser-focused on Next Generation Computing that could revolutionize entire industries. As both a seasoned computer scientist and passionate entrepreneur, Nardo is on a mission to harness the incredible power of quantum technology to create a better world for everyone. His work isn’t just about advancing technology – it’s about advancing humanity itself!
Managing Partner
Batchery
Jeff Wallace is a long-time Bay Area resident who works with global startup ecosystems, including governments, corporations & startup accelerators/entrepreneurs, to help catalyze startup environments & create a bridge to Silicon Valley.
He is an Adjunct Instructor of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at UC Berkeley and is co-founder of Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, a global provider of innovation, acceleration and startup studio programs to governments, universities and corporations. He is also the co-founder & Managing Partner at Batchery, a Berkeley-based startup accelerator focused on AI strategy. Through these programs, Jeff and his team have supported thousands of companies across 40+ countries. Finally, Jeff is the founder & President of Global Kinetics Inc., an innovation catalyst helping companies “Move Innovation Forward” be it for early stage startup companies innovating new solutions or large corporations seeking to generate new business models that add value for their customers.
Jeff is an active angel investor with equity positions in 250+ companies, a Limited Partner in multiple early-stage venture funds, and an active advisor & investor at Berkeley SkyDeck. Jeff is a frequent international keynote speaker at global tech & startup events and has worked with entrepreneurs at global incubators and accelerators across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australasia, and the Americas.
He is an Executive Board Member for the Rutgers Business School Road to Silicon Valley Program (RSVP). Prior to his entrepreneurial career, he worked at Cognizant & Brillio as founder & Global Head for Mobility & UX practices, CSC Index and Merrill Lynch. He holds a BA in Economics/Finance from Rutgers College & an MBA from UC Berkeley.
Partner
Silicon Valley in Your Pocket
Paul Kallmes is a highly experienced provider of essential services in the Silicon Valley tech ecosystem.
He is a partner at Silicon Valley in Your Pocket, a high-end investor readiness training program, and is the partner for startup operations at Kingson Ventures in San Jose. He is a highly experienced mentor who has worked with companies from around the world.
He has developed and presented bootcamps and training programs to thousands of companies in virtually every technology sector. He has run two manufacturing companies and is a very experienced management executive.
He is currently active with venture fund and family office advisory, incubator and accelerator programs, content development and mentoring activities around the world. As the former general manager of a co-working space in San Francisco, he has seen all there is to see in the start-up world and he is always eager to share his depth and breadth of experience.
An electrical engineer by training and an internationally recognized authority on intellectual property issues, he brings an eminently practical mindset to helping companies achieve and exceed their growth ambitions.
Executive Director
Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance
Jason Yager is a seasoned leader with a diverse industry, academia, and nonprofits background. He holds a master’s degree in physics from Montana State University.
Currently, he serves as the executive director of the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, an industry association focused on developing the advanced manufacturing and computing ecosystem in Montana. With 30 years of experience in Montana’s high-tech community, Jason is committed to giving back.
He also serves on several boards, including the Montana State Workforce Advisory Board, where he advises the Governor on statewide workforce development strategies.
