The federal government has designated Tulsa as a “Tech Hub,” unlocking the potential for up to $75 million in federal funding for a local consortium focused on establishing the region as a global leader in advanced autonomous technologies.
Tulsa was chosen as one of the 31 Tech Hubs by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. This initiative is part of a $500 million investment aimed at strengthening the country’s economic and national security.
The Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA) will concentrate on advanced technologies like unmanned aerial systems, drones, cybersecurity, and generative artificial intelligence.
In a press release issued by the Tulsa Innovation Labs, they announced the designation of Tulsa as a Tech Hub. The THETA initiative is led by Tulsa Innovation Labs and various local partners.
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“The autonomous systems revolution is underway, and Tulsa’s recognition as a Tech Hub by the EDA demonstrates our region’s unique potential to lead innovation in these critical technologies,” said Jennifer Hankins, managing director of Tulsa Innovation Labs. “This designation also validates TIL’s tech-led economic development strategy for the region, known as ‘Tulsa’s Tech Niche.’
“This moment solidifies Tulsa’s position as a national leader in uncrewed aerial systems, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and other related industries.”
The eligible $75 million in federal funding will be utilized to implement Tulsa’s proposal. As stated in the press release, THETA aims to transform the Tulsa region into the top source of innovations and talent in autonomous systems, ensuring equitable economic opportunities for all residents.
The potential impact on economic development and job creation is significant. Tulsa’s goal is to secure $4 billion of the $1.36 trillion global autonomous systems market, generating nearly 200,000 new jobs over the next decade.
In terms of equity, Tulsa aims to include 66,000 women and approximately 40,000 Black, Latino, and Native American workers in the local autonomous technologies industry.
“The THETA proposal strongly reflects the vision of Black Tech Street to revive and establish a prominent Black Innovation Economy, while incorporating the legacy of Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District,” said Tyrance Billingsley II, executive director of Black Tech Street. “By centering Black Tulsans in this effort, we can catalyze Black wealth creation not only in our region but across the entire country.”
The consortium behind the THETA proposal consists of 50 public- and private-sector partners, including the George Kaiser Family Foundation, which spearheaded the establishment of Tulsa Innovation Labs.
“We believe this designation is a defining moment for Tulsa,” said Ken Levit, executive director of GKFF. “The collaborative efforts of Tulsa’s private and public sector partners in recent years have paved the way for new opportunities for all residents.
“Our aim is to build a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive economy in Tulsa that serves as a model for the nation. Being designated as a Tech Hub conveys the message that something remarkable is happening here.”
The Tech Hubs program was established as part of the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.
In a press release issued by the EDA, Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized that this program aligns with President Biden’s mission to out-innovate and out-compete other nations in technological advancements.
“Our Tech Hubs Program is fundamental to that mission and will drive innovation nationwide by promoting cutting-edge technological investments and creating 21st-century job opportunities,” Raimondo said. “Each consortium will help ensure that the industries of the future, along with their well-paying jobs, thrive within the United States.”
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