In a major boost for Tulsa’s tech industry, the Federal Economic Development Administration has awarded a $51 million grant to a consortium led by Tulsa Innovation Labs. The funding will be used to develop new drone and related technologies, as well as train a workforce around them.
The grant is part of the Biden Administration’s “Tech Hub” program, which designated Tulsa as one of a dozen cities to receive funding. Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, emphasized that the grant programming will build on the historical expertise of the Tulsa workforce in areas such as aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and energy.
Meanwhile, Black Tech Street has announced plans to build an AI center of excellence in Greenwood with support from the grant and an unnamed partner. The center will have both physical space and programming aimed at making Greenwood a model for responsible AI in the country.
The Atlas School, a software training program, intends to expand its offerings to assist other recipients of the grant funds. Libby Ediger with the Atlas School highlighted the importance of building physical infrastructure for testing drones in order to attract companies to build and test these systems, leading to new job opportunities. She also emphasized that this expansion will help bridge the talent gap and ensure that these new jobs can thrive in the city.