TULSA, Okla. (OBV) – Gov. Kevin Stitt is feeling good about a massive, multimillion dollar investment in Tulsa’s Tech Hub for secure autonomous systems.
The federal government is investing $51 million in the Tech Hub, which is dedicated to developing autonomous technologies such as drones.
The contribution is expected to help the Tulsa Tech Hub become a leading global destination for innovation, talent and investment in drone technology.
The Tech Hub will find uses from a wide range of industries, including agriculture, defense, energy, health care, manufacturing and beyond, according to officials from Stitt’s office.
“Oklahoma has a long legacy of excellence in aviation, defense and manufacturing, which makes our great state the ideal location to lead the development of the next generation of autonomous technologies,” Stitt said. “The future of autonomous systems is right here in Oklahoma, and I am thrilled to see the innovations Oklahoma companies are generating as we continue to become a top 10 state.”
The Tech Hub is led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, which is an initiative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated Tulsa a “Tech Hub” in October 2023 in recognition of northeastern Oklahoma’s potential to become globally competitive in the development of autonomous systems, such as drones.
The designation enabled the Tulsa region to apply for implementation funding as part of EDA’s Tech Hubs Program, which seeks to enhance U.S. economic and national security. THETA will create nearly 60,000 good jobs with wages higher than the current regional average through various projects and initiatives.
“I’m grateful to organizations like Tulsa Innovation Labs, the George Kaiser Family Foundation and their partners for all their hard work to drive innovation to make Oklahoma a leader in secure autonomous systems,” Stitt said. “These groups and their partners are working with us to secure our state’s economic future while simultaneously contributing to our national security and elevating Oklahoma’s international competitive standing.”
Stitt and the Oklahoma Legislature sent letters of commitment for Tulsa’s Tech Hub and Tulsa Innovation Labs during the application process. The state legislature committed to seeking $15 million in appropriations over a five-year period through the legislative budget process to bolster the Tech Hub’s efforts to grow our state’s autonomous systems workforce, enhance manufacturing and supply chain capabilities and support the expansion of research and 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 America,” said Jennifer Hankins, managing director of Tulsa Innovation Labs. “We are excited to partner with the governor and state of Oklahoma to usher in the future of innovation. We look forward to the day when autonomous vehicles, drones and robotics in use worldwide – whether protecting Americans on the battlefield or delivering medicine to the Heartland’s rural communities – bear the moniker ‘Tested and Made in Tulsa, USA’.”
