Governor Kevin Stitt released a proclamation celebrating a $51 million federal investment in Tulsa’s tech hub. Focused on autonomous technologies such as drones, the tech hub will position Tulsa as a global leader in innovation, investment and talent in this technology, which will be utilized across a variety of industries, including agriculture, defense, energy, healthcare and manufacturing.
“Oklahoma’s long history of excellence in aviation, defense and manufacturing makes our great state an ideal place to lead the development of the next generation of autonomous technology,” said Governor Stitt. “The future of autonomous systems is right here in Oklahoma, and I’m excited to see the innovation Oklahoma companies will create as we continue to rank among the top 10 states.”
Led by the Tulsa Innovation Lab, an initiative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation, Tulsa received a “Tech Hub” designation from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) in October 2023, recognizing northeast Oklahoma’s potential to become globally competitive in the development of autonomous systems such as drones. The designation also allows the region to apply for implementation funding as part of EDA’s Tech Hub program, which aims to strengthen the U.S. economy and national security. Through a variety of projects and initiatives, THETA will create approximately 60,000 quality jobs with wages higher than the current regional average.
“I want to thank organizations like the Tulsa Innovation Lab and the George Kaiser Family Foundation and their partners for their extraordinary efforts in advancing innovation to make Oklahoma a leader in secure autonomous systems,” Gov. Stitt added. “These groups and their partners are working with us to ensure our state’s economic future, while also contributing to national security and enhancing Oklahoma’s global competitiveness.”
Governor Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature submitted a letter of commitment for the Tulsa Tech Hub and Tulsa Innovation Lab as part of the application process. The Legislature committed to seeking $15 million over five years through the legislative budget process to strengthen the Tech Hub’s efforts to help grow the state’s autonomous systems workforce, strengthen manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, and expand research, development and commercialization activities.
“This investment not only strengthens our state’s economic foundation, but positions the Greater Tulsa region as a global leader alongside other great tech hubs across the U.S.,” said Jennifer Hankins, managing director of the Tulsa Innovation Lab. “We’re excited to partner with the Governor and State of Oklahoma to pave the way for the future of innovation. Whether it’s protecting Americans on the battlefield or delivering medicine to rural communities in the Midwest, we look forward to the day when autonomous vehicles, drones and robots being used around the world will bear the title ‘Tested and Made in Tulsa, USA.'”