BOZEMAN, Mont. – Aurora, a self-driving trucking company, is making waves in Bozeman with its innovative technology and job creation. The company uses LIDAR, a tool that employs lasers and photonics to create a 3-D picture of the environment.
Montana State University and Gallatin College have developed programs to educate students in photonics, preparing them for real-world applications. Some students have already secured positions with Aurora.
Mayor Terry Cunningham of Bozeman emphasized the local impact, saying, “The genius folks who are creating those sparks and those innovations get to stay here in the place that they love, because of the innovations that they created. But also, for folks like Aurora who are creating businesses from that technology.”
Aurora has already introduced 70 tech jobs to the Bozeman area, with more on the horizon. Governor Greg Gianforte, who has a background in high tech, highlighted the state’s role in fostering industry growth. “We’ve been reducing regulations. We’ve been reducing the tax burden. We’ve been making IT investments in education. And this really creates an environment where entrepreneurs can succeed in the private sector,” he said.
The new Aurora Bozeman location will function as a LIDAR testing and research facility, further contributing to the area’s technological advancement.
