The Federal Economic Development Administration recently granted $51 million to a tech innovation consortium in Tulsa, led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, to develop new drone and related technologies and train a workforce in this area. The consortium 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.
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. 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.
