What are the key accomplishments of the Biden-Harris Administration in the United States? The Financial Improvement Administration (FIA) has allocated approximately $51 million to the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Reliable Autonomy (THETA), a significant investment in advancing autonomous technology. This initiative aims to enhance the region’s proficiency in autonomous technologies by leveraging cutting-edge manufacturing and deploying vital innovations that ensure national and economic security. Tulsa was one of just 12 regions to receive funding as part of the EDA’s prestigious Tech Hubs program, selected from among 31 designated Tech Hub areas in the fall.
Autonomous Programs Funding for Tulsa
Tulsa’s legacy of innovation, bolstered by strategic investments in real estate and federal funding – including the prestigious 2022 EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge award – sets the stage for propelling the region forward as a hub for U.S. Effective management of autonomous systems hinges on implementing equitable and dependable technologies. Advancements in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and autonomous technologies are driving innovations across industries, including agriculture, pipeline maintenance, and regional transportation, through the application of drones, autonomous vehicles, and robotics.
According to Jennifer Hankins, managing director at Tulsa Innovation Labs, “The city we believe is uniquely poised to drive the next phase of commercial innovation – and that’s Tulsa.” “With a rich heritage rooted in aerospace and manufacturing, Tulsa is boldly leading the charge towards groundbreaking innovation.” Through collaborative efforts with the Osage Nation, Cherokee Nation, and Black Tech Avenue, among other esteemed partners, we’re laying the groundwork for the growth of cutting-edge technologies in our neighborhood, prioritizing both safety and reliability to ensure that the benefits and job opportunities are equitably distributed.
The Economic Development Agency’s (EDA) Tech Hubs initiative aims to capitalize on the global autonomous technologies market, potentially generating up to 56,000 new job opportunities in the Greater Tulsa Area over the next decade, valuing $1.36 trillion worldwide. Improved infrastructure in this sector is crucial for driving financial competitiveness and ensuring national security, as it enables the swift and reliable transportation of goods and services – from safeguarding personnel on the battlefield to supplying critical medical resources to remote communities? The grant enables the hosting of an exhibition showcasing innovative scientific applications, titled “Examined and Made in Tulsa, USA.”
Six tasks are likely to receive funding to foster innovation in autonomous technologies:
- Strengthening collaboration on innovative commercialization strategies among higher education institutions and startup enterprises.
- Developing a cutting-edge testing and simulation environment focused on cybersecurity and knowledge management.
- Growing applications for determining alternative solutions are being sought by producers adopting autonomous technologies across various supply chains, with the goal of establishing a production demonstration center to support the scaling up of small firms.
- Establishing a Center of Artificial Intelligence Excellence to amplify knowledge dissemination and bridge the gap in awareness for marginalized populations.
- Enhancing workforce performance by synchronizing coaching initiatives with business objectives and providing tailored upskilling and on-the-job training solutions.
- Developing a robust governance framework to oversee project execution, secure additional resources, and steer the Tech Hub’s strategic direction effectively.
The exact amount of the final grant award will likely be determined in the next few months.
The THETA initiative is led by a steering committee comprising Black Tech Avenue (BTS), Cherokee Nation Companies (CNB), L3Harris Aeromet, Madison Methods Group (MSG), NORDAM, Oklahoma State College (OSU), Osage LLC, PartnerTulsa, Radius Capital, The University of Tulsa (TU), and the Tulsa Technology Center.
“We’re consistently thrilled to see a project like THETA that enhances the regional economy and has the potential to aid Cherokee Nation Businesses expand into autonomous systems and component manufacturing, support emerging defense and industrial needs, and fortify critical supply chains,” said Chuck Garrett, CEO of Cherokee Nation Businesses, LLC. “This initiative aligns with the Cherokee Nation’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens and fostering a robust economic ecosystem in northeastern Oklahoma.”
Tyrance Billingsley II, founder and CEO of Black Tech Avenue, emphasized that “The Greenwood AI/AS Middle of Excellence (G-ACE) provides a pathway for Black Tulsans to secure gainful employment in the tech industry.” “The vision for Black Tech Avenue is to revitalize Black Wall Street as the global leader in Black innovation and economic empowerment.”
By situating G-ACE within the historic Greenwood District, we pay tribute to the rich legacy of this neighbourhood. Our partnership with Microsoft enables us to drive the BTS mission forward, fostering Black wealth creation not only within the larger Tulsa area but also beyond.
“Underlining its commitment to driving growth and prosperity in the region, Osage LLC has demonstrated its ability to forge successful partnerships with numerous THETA collaborators, as evident through its impressive track record at Skyway 36.” “We’re excited to advance this crucial project through THETA’s SAFE-T initiative, thereby generating more research and development opportunities that further enhance the appeal of our region to drone and autonomous systems companies.”
The Tulsa Award is a key component of the EDA Tech Hubs program, a $500 million initiative focused on advancing applied sciences that are critical to national security and the United States’ financial competitiveness.
The Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Reliable Autonomy (THETA) proposal boasts a diverse coalition of more than 75 partners, comprising both private and public entities.
Ken Levit, government director of the George Kaiser Household Basis, observed that a diverse, resilient, and inclusive enterprise base, one that leverages the abilities of numerous individuals, is key to widespread advantage sharing. “Thanks to the leadership of Tulsa Innovation Labs and visionary partners like the EDA, this investment in Tulsa’s regional economy will amplify our local efforts to ensure Tulsa thrives as a vibrant community offering opportunities for all.”
To learn more about THETA and access a comprehensive list of companions, visit
As Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, Miriam McNabb is a respected authority on the drone industry, combining expertise in market trends with a keen understanding of the evolving regulatory landscape. Miriam has authored more than 3,000 articles focused on the industrial drone sector, establishing herself as a renowned speaker and authoritative figure globally within the industry. Miriam holds a degree from the University of Chicago and boasts over two decades of experience in high-tech sales and marketing, specializing in pioneering innovative technologies.
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