Tulsa, Oklahoma, is rapidly emerging as a leading tech hub in 2025, proving to be much more than just an oil town. With groundbreaking initiatives, a booming startup ecosystem, and a thriving real estate market, Tulsa is attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and remote workers. The city’s forward-thinking policies, tech innovation, and investment-friendly environment are making it a top destination for startups and high-paying tech jobs.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s fueling Tulsa’s economic growth, startup scene, and tech industry expansion.
Tulsa’s Future Initiative: Driving Economic Growth & Tech Jobs in 2025
At the heart of Tulsa’s transformation is Tulsa’s Future, an ambitious economic development plan led by the Tulsa Regional Chamber. Backed by both public and private investors, this initiative focuses on attracting businesses, expanding the workforce, and building thriving communities.
Achievements & Economic Growth
- Job Creation: Between 2016 and 2020, Tulsa’s Future helped create 16,704 jobs and brought in $1.9 billion in capital investment.
- Investment Growth: According to the Tulsa’s Future 2023 Annual Report, the initiative generated $1.6 billion in new capital investment for Northeast Oklahoma in just the first 10 months of 2023.
- High-Paying Jobs: Created 3,234 new jobs with an average salary exceeding $95,000.
What’s Next?
- More High-Paying Jobs: Aiming for 22,500 jobs, with at least 12,500 paying above $50,000 annually.
- Workforce Development: By 2026, Tulsa aims to increase the percentage of adults with an Associate’s Degree or higher from 34.8% to 40%, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.
Tulsa Innovation Labs: Fueling Tulsa’s Startup Ecosystem
Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) is at the core of Tulsa’s growing tech and investment scene, creating opportunities for startups, talent, and venture capital firms. In a game-changing moment, TIL secured a $51 million federal grant, making Tulsa one of only 12 officially designated Tech Hubs in the U.S.
This funding is fueling innovation in autonomous technology, AI, and drone systems, expected to create nearly 60,000 high-paying tech jobs.
THETA: Tulsa’s Leadership in Autonomous Systems
One of the most exciting initiatives is THETA (Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy), positioning Tulsa as a global leader in drone technology and AI-driven autonomous systems.
Beyond innovation, THETA is prioritizing diversity in tech, with a mission to bring:
- 66,000 women into the industry
- 40,000 Black, Latino, and Native American workers into tech roles
Build in Tulsa: Strengthening Tulsa’s Startup Scene
Build in Tulsa is a powerhouse initiative supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses. It offers mentorship, venture funding, and accelerator programs, helping Tulsa’s growing startup ecosystem compete on a national level.
Tulsa’s Startup Boom: Innovation Across Industries
By 2025, Tulsa has over 60 thriving startups, particularly in:
- Energy & Sustainability
- Healthtech & Biotech
- Autonomous & AI Technology
Notable startups making waves in Tulsa’s growing tech industry:
- Tenstreet (HR & Compliance Software)
- Sway Medical (Healthtech & Sports Science)
- Boddle Learning (Educational Technology)
- AppSwarm (Mobile Application Innovation)
- GitWit (Shaping Brands with Strategic Digital Storytelling)
These startups receive key backing from venture capital firms like 46VC, Atento Capital, and Cortado Ventures, making Tulsa a growing hub for tech investment in 2025.
Gradient Tulsa: A Premier Coworking Hub for Startups & Remote Workers
A strong startup ecosystem thrives on collaboration, and Gradient Tulsa has become a major catalyst for innovation. As one of Tulsa’s premier coworking spaces, Gradient offers entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small businesses the perfect environment to network, build, and grow their ventures.
📌 Why Gradient Tulsa Stands Out:
- Flexible Workspaces – Ideal for startups, solopreneurs, and tech teams.
- High-Speed Internet & Tech Amenities – Supporting Tulsa’s remote work and digital economy.
- Vibrant Community & Events – Connecting founders, investors, and venture capitalists.
- Strategic Location – Situated in the heart of Tulsa’s growing tech district.
With the rise of remote work and startup culture, Gradient Tulsa is a crucial part of the city’s tech-driven transformation, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and investment opportunities.
💡 How It Ties In:
- Supports Tulsa Remote participants, providing them with a productive and community-driven workspace.
- Acts as an incubator for early-stage startups, helping them scale efficiently.
- Hosts networking events and tech meetups, fueling Tulsa’s innovation ecosystem.
Tulsa Remote 2025: Attracting Top Talent & Remote Workers
As part of Tulsa’s vision for workforce expansion, the Tulsa Remote program is bringing in skilled professionals from across the country. This initiative offers financial incentives, relocation benefits, and a vibrant professional community to remote workers looking to settle in Tulsa.
📌 Over 1,200 professionals have already joined, fueling Tulsa’s real estate and local economy.
ACT Tulsa: Building an Inclusive Tech & Startup Ecosystem
Diversity in business is a priority, and ACT Tulsa is leading the way by offering non-dilutive capital and business support to minority-led startups. Programs like ACT Tulsa ensure that Tulsa’s tech boom is inclusive and accessible to Black, Latino, and underrepresented entrepreneurs.
Tulsa’s Tech Growth & Job Market Expansion
With an 18% projected growth in the tech industry by 2026, Tulsa is solidifying itself as a top destination for startups, tech companies, and investors. Key initiatives supporting this expansion include:
- Tech Education & Workforce Training – Ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals.
- Venture Capital Investment Growth – Funding rounds for AI, fintech, and healthtech startups.
- Public-Private Partnerships – Strengthening infrastructure and innovation hubs.
Arts, Culture, and Community: The Soul of Tulsa
Beyond business and tech, Tulsa boasts a vibrant arts and culture scene, making it one of the best places to live and work in 2025.
🎭 Cultural Highlights:
- Philbrook Museum of Art
- Tulsa Ballet & Performing Arts Center
- Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street Center
🎉 Festivals & Events:
Tulsa hosts major tech summits, entrepreneurship events, and networking conferences, further fueling its startup and investment appeal.
Conclusion: Why Tulsa is America’s Next Big Tech City
With its thriving startup ecosystem, booming real estate market, cutting-edge innovation labs, and inclusive workforce programs, Tulsa is emerging as one of the most dynamic U.S. cities in 2025.
💡 Key Takeaways:
- Massive job creation & economic growth
- Growing tech industry & venture capital funding
- Booming real estate market & affordable investment opportunities
- Incentives for entrepreneurs, investors, and remote workers
Whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, startup founder, remote worker, or real estate investor, Tulsa is the place to be in 2025.
Explore Opportunities Today:
- Apply for Tulsa Remote 2025
- Invest in Tulsa Startups & VC-backed companies
- Find the perfect coworking space at Gradient Tulsa
🚀 Join Tulsa’s Tech Boom & Be Part of the Future! 🚀
Unbreakable Oklahoma: America's Proving Ground for the Startup Economy
[…] 2025, Tulsa secured a $51 million federal grant through Tulsa Innovation Labs, making it one of only 12 designated Tech Hubs nationwide. The […]