Tulsa's Strategic Tech Evolution
Traditionally recognized for its oil heritage, Tulsa is undergoing a significant transformation into a flourishing tech hub. This evolution is driven by strategic initiatives aimed at attracting talent, fostering innovation, and investing in education. But what exactly is fueling this change, and how is Tulsa positioning itself for sustained growth in the tech industry?
Attracting Talent: Beyond Financial Incentives
Tulsa has implemented innovative programs to draw skilled professionals and remote workers, focusing on community building and support:
- Tulsa Remote: This program offers $10,000 to remote workers who relocate to Tulsa. Beyond the financial incentive, participants gain access to a vibrant community and networking opportunities, making the city an attractive place to live and work.
- InTulsa: Serving as a talent-matching platform, InTulsa connects professionals with local companies, ensuring a steady influx of skilled workers into the city’s tech ecosystem.
- Build in Tulsa: A bold initiative dedicated to building Black wealth through entrepreneurship, this program provides funding, mentorship, and support to underrepresented founders.
- Experience Tulsa: A program designed to showcase Tulsa’s vibrant culture, lifestyle, and economic opportunities, making it easier for talent to envision a future in the city.
"The city is undergoing rapid growth and has become a hub for those seeking an affordable yet vibrant community. With a thriving downtown, fun entertainment venues, and an incredible food scene, Tulsa offers something for everyone."
Building Infrastructure: Innovation Spaces and Investment
Tulsa is cultivating a robust environment for startups and entrepreneurs through significant investments and the development of dedicated innovation spaces:
- Gradient: Previously operating as 36 Degrees North, Gradient has rebranded and is relocating to a new 112,000-square-foot facility in Tulsa’s Arts District. This space is designed to support entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers with state-of-the-art amenities. Know more about Gradient.
- Atento Capital: This venture capital firm is actively investing in early-stage startups, contributing to Tulsa’s growing reputation as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship.
- 19 Days: 19days is a venture studio that rapidly moves from identifying high-impact opportunities to launching validated startups. By providing a full in-house innovation team from the start, they reduce startup costs, de-risk ideas, and attract talented co-founders to scale funded companies.
- ACT Tulsa: Focused on supporting minority-led startups, ACT House prioritizes a human-first approach, focusing on founders’ growth and collaboration to drive innovation beyond just the idea.
- TEDC (Tulsa Economic Development Corporation): With a mission to empower local businesses, TEDC offers financial resources and support to entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures in Tulsa.
- Tulsa Innovation Labs: A forward-thinking initiative designed to establish Tulsa as a leader in advanced industries, focusing on areas like Virtual Health, Energy Tech, Drones, Cybersecurity, Analytics, Advanced Air Mobility, and Economic Development
- Rose Rock Bridge: A nonprofit venture studio uniting top energy corporations, government agencies, and research institutions to develop and commercialize breakthrough technologies tackling the world’s biggest energy challenges.
"I help see our student’s journey from the start, all the way through graduation and job placement. I love working in the Tulsa tech ecosystem because it's incredibly collaborative "
Education and Workforce Development: Preparing for the Future
Investing in education is central to Tulsa’s strategy for sustaining its tech industry growth:
- Atlas School: Transitioning from its former identity as Holberton School Tulsa, provides hands-on software development training, combining rigorous academics with professional development to prepare students for Tulsa’s growing tech industry
- Local Universities: Institutions like Oklahoma State University-Tulsa and the University of Tulsa are expanding their STEM programs and forming partnerships with tech companies to provide students with real-world experience.
- Tulsa Tech: Offering a range of programs in technology and related fields, Tulsa Tech is instrumental in developing a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the evolving tech landscape.
"I think Tulsa’s slogan should be “Where mission matters.” It’s a very mission-driven place. People move here with purpose. They want to make the city better, they want to engage, they want to be on nonprofit boards, they want to contribute."
Tulsa’s Future as a Tech Powerhouse
With its commitment to talent attraction, infrastructure development, education, and a thriving entrepreneurial community, Tulsa is well on its way to becoming a top-tier tech hub. The city’s unique blend of resources, support systems, and passionate local leadership is fueling an unprecedented transformation.
Could Tulsa be the next major innovation powerhouse? The momentum is certainly there.