Tulsa Innovation Labs and Black Tech Street Collaborate on AI Center of Excellence in Greenwood

The Federal Economic Development Administration recently awarded a $51 million grant to a technology innovation consortium in Tulsa. Tulsa Innovation Labs, which leads the consortium, plans to use the funds to develop new drone and related technologies while also training a workforce in these areas. The consortium includes universities, tribes, and individual recipients working on autonomous and AI-related projects.

Meanwhile, Tyrance Billingsly from Black Tech Street mentioned that his group will use the grant funds to establish a storefront in Greenwood in collaboration with an undisclosed partner. The goal is to create an AI center of excellence in Greenwood that will serve as a blueprint for responsible AI practices in the country.

Tulsa was designated a “Tech Hub” by the Biden Administration last year, which contributed to the city receiving the competitive grant award. Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs, highlighted that the grant programming will leverage the historical expertise of the Tulsa workforce in industries like aerospace, manufacturing, defense, and energy.

The Atlas School, a software training program, intends to expand its offerings to support other grant recipients. Libby Ediger from the Atlas School noted that the grant will help build physical infrastructure for testing drones and attracting companies to create new jobs in the city. The school’s role is to bridge the talent gap and ensure that these new jobs thrive in Tulsa.