Tulsa Innovation Labs, which leads a technology innovation consortium in Tulsa, has received a $51 million grant from the Federal Economic Development Administration. The grant will be used to develop new drone and related technologies while also training a workforce in these areas.
Tyrance Billingsly, who heads Black Tech Street, mentioned that his group will use the grant funds to establish an AI center of excellence in Greenwood. This center will serve as a blueprint for responsible AI practices in the country and will be established through a collaboration with an undisclosed partner.
Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, highlighted that the grant programming will leverage the historical expertise of the Tulsa workforce in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and energy. The Atlas School, a software training program, plans to expand its offerings to support other grant recipients and bridge the talent gap in order to ensure that these new jobs thrive in Tulsa.