Idaho Network Visionary Honored: Building a Digital Future for Research & Innovation

Boise, ID – November 7, 2025 – Brent J. Stacey, founder and Past Chair of the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON), has been inducted into the Idaho Technology Council’s Hall of Fame, a testament to his decades-long dedication to building a robust digital infrastructure for the state. The award recognizes Stacey’s pivotal role in connecting Idaho’s research institutions and fostering a climate of innovation, a vision that extends far beyond simply providing faster internet speeds.

Stacey’s journey began at Idaho National Laboratory (INL), where a critical need for high-bandwidth connectivity drove the initial concept for what would become IRON. “Initially, it was a solution for INL’s internal demands,” explains a source familiar with the network’s origins. “But Brent quickly recognized the broader potential—the possibility of extending this capability to universities and research facilities across the state.”

That vision quickly evolved from an internal lab project into a statewide network that now connects Idaho’s higher education institutions, providing access to advanced computing resources and a gateway to national research networks like Internet2. “The genesis of IRON wasn’t just about speed; it was about equity,” notes a university administrator who benefited from the network’s expansion. “It leveled the playing field, allowing institutions of all sizes to participate in cutting-edge research without being hampered by bandwidth limitations.”

From Lab Solution to Statewide Asset

The early days weren’t without challenges. Building a high-speed optical network across a geographically diverse state like Idaho required overcoming logistical hurdles and securing financial support. Stacey’s ability to bridge the gap between technical expertise and stakeholder needs proved crucial. “He wasn’t just a technologist; he was a communicator,” says a source involved in the network’s funding. “He could articulate the value proposition of IRON to policymakers, researchers, and private investors, building a broad coalition of support.”

IRON’s impact extends beyond academic research. The network has become a magnet for investment, attracting companies in high-tech sectors who require reliable, high-bandwidth connectivity. “The availability of a robust network infrastructure is a key factor in attracting companies to Idaho,” explains an economic development professional. “It sends a clear signal that we’re serious about innovation and that we have the infrastructure to support it.”

A Catalyst for Collaboration and Innovation

The network’s architecture, built around high-speed optical fiber, facilitates data-intensive research in areas like cybersecurity, advanced materials, and renewable energy. “Being connected to IRON allows our researchers to collaborate with colleagues across the country and around the world,” says a researcher at a state university. “We can share data, access computing resources, and accelerate the pace of discovery.”

The benefits aren't limited to large research institutions. The network provides critical connectivity for smaller colleges and universities, enabling them to offer advanced programs and participate in collaborative research projects. “For a school our size, access to a network like IRON is a game-changer,” says a dean at a smaller institution. “It allows us to compete with larger schools and provide our students with the resources they need to succeed.”

Beyond Bandwidth: Fostering a Culture of Connectivity

Stacey’s induction into the Idaho Technology Council’s Hall of Fame is not just a recognition of his technical achievements; it's a celebration of his vision for a connected Idaho. He understood that building a robust digital infrastructure was about more than just providing faster internet speeds. It was about fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and opportunity.

“He’s always been focused on the bigger picture,” says a colleague. “He saw that connectivity could be a powerful force for economic development, education, and social progress. His legacy isn’t just the network itself; it’s the impact it’s having on the people and communities of Idaho.”

While Stacey himself remains modest about his contributions, his impact is undeniable. IRON has become a critical component of Idaho’s innovation ecosystem, attracting investment, fostering collaboration, and positioning the state as a leader in the digital age. As Idaho continues to grow and evolve, the network he helped create will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping its future. “This isn't the end of the story,” says a source close to the project. “It's just the beginning.”

About the Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON)

The Idaho Regional Optical Network (IRON) is a high-speed optical network connecting Idaho’s higher education institutions and research facilities. The network provides access to advanced computing resources and a gateway to national research networks like Internet2. IRON is a critical component of Idaho’s innovation ecosystem, attracting investment and fostering collaboration.