The Federal Economic Development Administration recently granted a $51 million award to a tech innovation consortium in Tulsa to develop new drone and related technologies and train a workforce in this area. Tulsa Innovation Labs is leading the consortium, which includes universities, tribes, and individual recipients working on autonomous and AI-related projects.
Tyrance Billingsly, who leads Black Tech Street, stated that his group will establish a storefront in Greenwood using the grant and support from an undisclosed partner. The goal is to create an AI center of excellence in Greenwood that will serve as a model for responsible AI development in the country.
Last year, Tulsa was recognized as a “Tech Hub” by the Biden Administration, contributing to its success in securing the competitive grant. Tulsa is one of twelve cities that received funding through this program. Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, emphasized that the grant will leverage Tulsa’s expertise in aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and energy to drive innovation in these industries.
The Atlas School, a software training program, plans to expand its offerings to support other grant recipients in utilizing the grant funds effectively. Libby Ediger from the Atlas School highlighted the importance of building physical infrastructure for testing drones, attracting companies, and filling the talent gap to create new job opportunities in Tulsa.