In recent news, the Federal Economic Development Administration has awarded a $51 million grant to a tech innovation consortium in Tulsa. This funding will be used to develop new drone and related technologies, as well as train a workforce in this field. Tulsa Innovation Labs is leading the group, which includes universities, tribes, and individual recipients working on autonomous and AI-related projects.
The Atlas School, a software training program, intends to expand its offerings to assist the other recipients of the grant money. Libby Ediger from the Atlas School highlighted the importance of building physical infrastructure for testing drones to attract companies that can develop and test these systems, creating new job opportunities. The school aims to bridge the talent gap so that these new jobs can flourish in Tulsa.
Meanwhile, Tyrance Billingsly announced that his group Black Tech Street will be able to establish a storefront in Greenwood with support from the grant and an unspecified partner. They will be creating an AI center of excellence in Greenwood, meant to establish the area as a model for responsible AI use in the country. Last year, Tulsa was designated a “Tech Hub” by the Biden Administration, a recognition that contributed to securing the competitive grant award. Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, emphasized that the grant programming will build on Tulsa’s historical expertise in industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and energy.