This Week's Latest Tech News in Tulsa, OK - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Tulsa's recent designation as a Tech Hub by the U.S. Economic Development Administration marks a transformative milestone, with projections indicating 56,000 new tech jobs over the next decade.

The city's average tech salary of $88,448 demonstrates its competitive edge in attracting talent.

• The Technology Council's initiatives, including partnerships with OCAST for startup funding and collaboration with educational institutions, are strengthening the local ecosystem.
• Major developments include a $24 million investment in the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute and the launch of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, supporting 100 new companies.
• Tulsa's reinvention efforts extend to smart city initiatives, with a $79.7 million IoT renovation project reducing congestion by 30%.
• The tech landscape is further enhanced by expanded 5G coverage offering speeds up to 10 Gbps, while companies like PwC, Accenture, and Deloitte drive industry growth.

These developments, coupled with inclusive initiatives from organizations like Urban Coders Guild and Black Tech Street, are establishing Tulsa as a major tech hub in the heartland.

Tulsa's tech ecosystem is experiencing unprecedented growth, with 56,000 new tech jobs projected over the next decade and average salaries reaching $88,448.

The city's transformation is particularly evident in the startup scene, where Techstars' Spring 2025 cohort has launched 12 innovative companies focused on health equity and workforce development.

The tech expansion has gained additional momentum through a $51 million federal investment in the Tulsa Tech Hub, which is dedicated to developing autonomous technologies and is expected to boost tech jobs by 18% by 2026.

Local organizations like Black Tech Street and Urban Coders Guild are making tech education more accessible, while major employers including PwC, Accenture, and Deloitte continue expanding their presence.

The University of Tulsa has responded to this growth with a $24 million investment in the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, achieving a 92% employment rate for tech graduates within six months.

The city's commitment to tech advancement is further demonstrated by the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship's $10 million initiative, which aims to support 100 new companies by TU students, alumni, and faculty.

This rapid development in Tulsa's tech sector has created a robust ecosystem where both established companies and startups can thrive, offering competitive salaries and innovative work environments that attract talent from across the country.

Tulsa's tech scene is absolutely crushing it with the launch of their new AI Innovation Hub, which is part of a massive Tech Hub designation that secured $500 million in federal investment.

The hub isn't just another tech space - it's a game-changer that's projected to help Tulsa grab $4 billion of the global autonomous systems market. With 10,000 new tech jobs on the horizon and average salaries hitting $67,000, this hub is seriously upgrading Tulsa's tech game.

The facility's already making waves with its AI labs and educational programs, plus they're hosting these killer monthly meetups where tech minds can connect.

What's really cool is how they've raised over $200 million and created thousands of tech jobs, marking the first time in U.S. history that a city's pulled off this kind of AI-focused transformation.

The hub's getting major backing from heavy hitters like Oklahoma State University, The University of Tulsa, and Black Tech Street, making sure everyone gets a shot at these opportunities.

With autonomous tech, cybersecurity, and generative AI all under one roof, this place is basically Teen Tech Christmas. Plus, with industry partnerships ramping up and community events happening all the time, Tulsa's tech scene is getting more lit by the day.

Watch out Silicon Valley - Tulsa's coming in hot!

OSU's strategic expansion in cybersecurity education marks a pivotal development in Oklahoma's tech landscape. The new cybersecurity program requires 24 total hours with core courses in computer systems, network security, and defense mechanisms.

Building on this foundation, OSUIT's industry-focused approach combines cutting-edge curriculum with strong corporate partnerships, offering students specialized tracks in cyber incident response and digital forensics.

The program addresses the critical workforce gap, with over 1 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide, including 200,000 in the U.S. alone.

According to recent state employment data, Oklahoma currently employs 8,901 cybersecurity professionals with 3,664 new positions available, primarily concentrated in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

The average salary for security analysts in the state stands at $101,740 annually, making it an attractive career path for graduates.

The curriculum integrates hands-on learning experiences through partnerships with leading tech companies, preparing students for both technical challenges and business imperatives in cybersecurity.

Students gain practical experience in cyber defense, network security, ethical hacking, and digital forensics, while having access to industry-recognized certifications throughout their studies.

This comprehensive approach ensures graduates are well-equipped to address both current security challenges and emerging cyber threats, contributing to Oklahoma's growing reputation as a technology hub.

Tulsa's tech ecosystem continues to thrive as Writesea, a freelance management software company, secured $2 million in pre-seed funding led by Atento Capital and several other venture firms.

The platform streamlines operations for creativity-focused small businesses, addressing the needs of the 18% of US employer firms with fewer than 20 employees.

This funding comes as the city approves $2 million for a new Community Development Corporation (CDC) in Greenwood, overseeing 56 acres of development.

The tech sector's growth aligns with broader community development, as evidenced by local developer Lisa Johnson's $2 million investment in north Tulsa to create 18 affordable duplexes.

These parallel investments in technology and infrastructure demonstrate Tulsa's commitment to balanced urban development. The Writesea platform's workflow and automation tools will enable business owners to focus on growth while delivering quality work, contributing to the city's expanding digital economy.

With additional resources approved through the Improve Our Tulsa package and plans for development extending into 2026, the city is positioning itself as a hub for both technological innovation and community-focused growth.

The landscape of internet connectivity in Tulsa is undergoing significant changes, though residents continue to express frustration with limited provider options.

While Google Fiber's initial plans for Tulsa were halted in 2016 along with several other cities, recent expansion efforts have taken a more strategic approach.

The company now offers internet plans ranging from 1 Gig at $70/month to 8 Gig at $150/month, positioning itself as a competitive alternative to existing providers.

These services include features like priority room optimization and a unique uptime guarantee with a 25% refund if service is down for more than 45 minutes. Looking ahead, Google Fiber's focus on "no shenanigans pricing" and consistent rates over the past 13 years represents a stark contrast to traditional ISP models.

While Tulsa isn't currently listed among the next wave of expansion cities, the company's renewed growth strategy and recent securing of outside investors suggests potential for future development.

The impact of such expansion would be particularly significant for South Tulsa residents, where internet options remain limited. As Google Fiber continues its methodical expansion across 19 states, with several cities in neighboring states already enjoying service, Tulsa's position as a growing tech hub makes it a logical candidate for future fiber deployment.

This potential expansion aligns with broader industry trends showing increased demand for high-speed fiber internet, crucial for supporting remote work, digital education, and emerging technologies.

Tulsa's startup scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025, with 58 innovative startups reshaping the tech landscape.

The city's transformation is powered by a massive $51 million federal grant, which is expected to boost tech jobs by 18% by 2026. What's super cool is how diverse these startups are - from edtech to healthtech, they're tackling real-world problems head-on.

Boddle Learning, one of the breakout stars, is killing it with over 6 million users on their game-based learning platform, showing a 50% higher engagement rate than traditional methods.

They just secured $500K as a YASS Prize finalist.

The ecosystem is getting major support from initiatives like Successment's RevOps Science Training Pilot, which is helping underrepresented founders hit that crucial $1M annual recurring revenue mark.

The average tech salary in Tulsa now sits at $88,448, making it a legit career path for young professionals. Companies like SquadTrip are revolutionizing group travel with their SaaS platform, while Sway Medical is changing the game in healthcare tech with their FDA-cleared mobile software.

The startup community is growing fast, with new players joining regularly through programs like the Catalyst Accelerator's Government Business Boot Camp.

The city's focus on AI, cybersecurity, and innovation has created this amazing vibe where startups aren't just surviving - they're thriving. Looking at the numbers, these ventures are seriously contributing to Tulsa's reputation as an emerging tech hub, attracting both talent and investment.

It's wild to see how far Tulsa has come, and honestly? This is just the beginning.

Tulsa's emergence as a tech powerhouse is accelerating through strategic public-private partnerships, with the recent $51 million award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration marking a pivotal moment.

The Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA) is leading the charge in autonomous systems development, with projections suggesting the creation of 56,000 new tech jobs over the next decade.

Tulsa Innovation Labs, founded to diversify beyond oil and gas, has assembled more than 75 partners from public and private sectors to transform the region into a tech hub.

The collaboration includes major players like Cherokee Nation Businesses, Oklahoma State University, and The University of Tulsa, focusing on uncrewed aircraft systems, autonomous vehicles, and robotics.

The initiative has already unlocked over $215 million in investments to expand Tulsa's tech economy. Recent wins include a Department of Energy grant for clean energy manufacturing, positioning Tulsa at the forefront of sustainable technology development.

The city's comprehensive approach includes establishing an AI Center of Excellence for underserved communities and developing state-of-the-art testing facilities.

This strategic transformation builds on Tulsa's aerospace and manufacturing legacy while creating new opportunities in emerging technologies.

• Tulsa's tech powerhouse emergence - Strategic public-private partnerships are accelerating Tulsa's growth.
• THETA's leadership in autonomy - Autonomy developments led by THETA promise significant job growth.
• Tulsa Innovation Labs' diverse collaboration - More than 75 partners join forces to redefine Tulsa as a tech hub.
• Sustainable technology advancement - Tulsa's wins in clean energy place it at the forefront of sustainable tech.
• AI Center of Excellence for underserved communities - Ensuring equitable access to tech jobs through focused programs.

The partnerships are actively working to ensure equitable access to tech jobs, with programs specifically designed to support Black Tulsans and other underserved communities in securing positions in the growing tech sector.

Community involvement in Tulsa's tech advancement has reached new heights in 2025, with major initiatives creating 56,000 new tech jobs and driving average salaries to $88,448.

Organizations like Black Tech Street and Urban Coders Guild are breaking down barriers in tech education, while Tulsa's startup ecosystem thrives with 60 active ventures, supported by a $51 million federal grant.

The city's commitment to inclusive growth is evident through programs like Tulsa Remote, which offers $10,000 grants to relocating workers, and ACT Tulsa's six-month accelerator providing $70,000 in funding to minority-led startups.

The University of Tulsa has expanded its computer science programs with a $24 million investment in the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, achieving a 92% employment rate for tech graduates within six months.

Smart city initiatives, including a $79.7 million IoT renovation project, have reduced congestion by 30% through intelligent traffic systems, with 78% of residents supporting these technological improvements.

Major employers like PwC, Accenture, and Deloitte are rapidly expanding their presence, while Cox Communications' $38.5 million infrastructure investment ensures accessibility through affordable internet plans.

The city's transformation into a tech hub is further accelerated by partnerships between educational institutions and industry leaders, creating a sustainable pipeline of talent and innovation.

Tulsa's sustainability landscape is transforming in 2025, marked by Mayor Monroe Nichols' establishment of the Tulsa Sustainability Task Force, which coordinates the city's green initiatives.

The energy sector, employing over 24,000 workers and generating a $10 billion economic impact, is pivoting toward clean technology. Local companies like ClearSign Technologies and Francis Energy are leading the charge in sustainable energy development, while major corporations including Williams and ONEOK drive innovation in renewable solutions.

The residential sector is keeping pace, with smart HVAC systems reducing energy bills by up to 23% and integrating with renewable energy sources.

The University of Tulsa's sustainability program is implementing gridSMART technology across campus, demonstrating the academic sector's commitment to environmental stewardship.

This comprehensive approach to sustainability has positioned Tulsa as a model for other mid-sized cities, combining economic growth with environmental responsibility.

The integration of AI and IoT technologies in energy management systems has created a smart infrastructure network that optimizes resource usage across the city.

• Notable achievements include a 30% reduction in urban congestion through smart traffic systems.
• The installation of over 936 solar panels at key facilities produces 400,000 kilowatt-hours of energy annually.
• A $79.7 million IoT renovation project supports these initiatives, demonstrating Tulsa's commitment to a sustainable future.

These initiatives are supported by technology-driven solutions, demonstrating Tulsa's commitment to building a sustainable future.

Tulsa's tech education scene in 2025 is transforming through innovative partnerships and diverse learning pathways. Tulsa Tech leads with over 80 career programs, offering flexible scheduling options that include both full-time and part-time courses to accommodate working professionals.

The curriculum evolution continues at Tulsa Community College, where professional certifications in high-demand fields like IT, Google Career Certificates, and Salesforce development are attracting record enrollment numbers.

The standout addition is University of Tulsa's new Cybersecurity program, featuring cutting-edge lunch conversations on aligning technology with business priorities and municipal cybersecurity concerns.

These programs have created multiple entry points for tech careers, from bootcamp-style intensive courses to traditional degree pathways.

• Industry-relevant certifications: Integrating certifications like cybersecurity and data analytics has resulted in a 90% placement rate for graduates.
• Local tech company involvement: Companies actively participate in curriculum development, ensuring skills taught match industry needs.
• Flexible Programs: Evening and weekend programs have become popular, with over 500 professionals completing upskilling courses in the past year.
• Financial Accessibility: Financial assistance and payment plans make these opportunities accessible to diverse groups.
• Partnerships with Tech Companies: Collaborations provide direct pathways to employment.

The collaboration between educational institutions and industry partners continues to strengthen Tulsa's position as an emerging tech hub, with new programs being added each semester to meet evolving market demands.

Tulsa's tech transformation in 2025 showcases remarkable progress, backed by a game-changing $51 million federal investment that's revolutionizing the region's tech ecosystem.

The city's software developer roles have surged by 27%, with tech professionals now earning an average salary of $88,448. The projection of creating 56,000 new tech jobs over the next decade is making Tulsa a serious player in the $1.36 trillion global autonomous systems market.

Major companies like PwC, ArdentMC, and Cloudaction have established strong bases here, focusing on innovative areas like AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.

Through THETA's equity-focused initiatives, Tulsa aims to bring 66,000 women and 39,000 Black, Latinx, and Native American workers into the tech sector. The city's commitment to inclusive growth is matched by its strategic focus on four key sectors:

• Virtual Health: Revolutionizing patient care and services.
• Energy Tech: Driving sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
• Advanced Air Mobility: Pioneering the future of air transportation.
• Cybersecurity: Strengthening data protection and privacy.

With the Tulsa Remote program attracting talent through $10,000 grants and comprehensive benefits, and major investments in infrastructure and education, Tulsa is rapidly evolving from its oil capital roots into a dynamic tech hub that's setting new standards for inclusive innovation and sustainable growth.