This Week's Latest Tech News in Tulsa, OK - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Tulsa’s tech ecosystem continues to accelerate in 2025, gaining national attention as the city leverages robust federal investments, community partnerships, and a focus on inclusivity.

Recent reports highlight that Tulsa’s Tech Hub designation and a $51 million federal grant have helped catalyze a projected 56,000 new tech jobs over the next decade - spanning sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems (latest Tulsa tech news).

Notable innovation spaces, such as the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Gradient Innovation Hub, are fueling startup momentum and mentoring new founders, while key initiatives like Tulsa Tech Week foster collaboration across manufacturing, cyber, and mobility tech (Tulsa Tech Week).

• Community collaboration: Strong partnerships across manufacturing and cyber drive sustainable tech momentum, says Matthew Brown.
• Digital equity commitment: Inclusive innovation is targeted, with groups like the Tulsa Innovation Labs and Black Tech Street ensuring tech jobs reach diverse backgrounds, highlights Barbara Anderson.
• Investment in broadband and venture funding: Household broadband access and over $130 million in sustained venture capital strengthen Tulsa’s tech foundation, notes Barbara Jackson.

Digital equity efforts remain central, with groups like the Tulsa Innovation Labs and Black Tech Street working to ensure that tech growth translates into opportunity for diverse residents - aiming for at least a third of new tech jobs to benefit people from underrepresented backgrounds (community-enhancing economic development).

Key Metric	2025 Value	Impact
Tech Jobs Projected (Next Decade)	56,000	Significant job growth boosting Tulsa’s workforce
Federal Grant Funding	$51 Million	Accelerating innovation and local partnerships
Venture Funding (Q1)	$130 Million+	Sustained capital for startups and scaling companies

"With Tulsa’s continued drive for inclusive innovation and economic growth, it’s becoming a national model for aspiring tech communities."

With household broadband access climbing and sustained venture funding - now exceeding $130 million this quarter - Tulsa is steadily positioning itself as a model for inclusive innovation and sustainable economic growth.

The Catalyst Accelerator and the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) at the University of Tulsa are launching a two-week government business boot camp scheduled for June 2-13, 2025, marking a new initiative tailored for Oklahoma-based tech startups focused on government contracting opportunities.

Rather than accepting a dozen participants from a large pool, the program selected six startups that bring innovations in fields such as aerospace propulsion, emissions technology, and workflow automation, all benefiting from access to subject matter experts, business consultants, and government leaders.

The boot camp, supported by funds from the Small Business Administration’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition, is equity-free and offered at no cost, with free lodging and meals provided to drive inclusivity and support underserved founders.

Key curriculum areas include understanding contracting with federal agencies, scaling dual-use technology, and effective pitch delivery strategies, aligning closely with demands in sectors like cybersecurity, unmanned aerial systems, and advanced computing.

• Startup selection process: The program carefully selected six diverse startups for their innovative solutions and potential in government technology sectors.
• Access to expertise: Startups benefit from direct interactions with subject matter experts, business consultants, and federal leaders.
• No-cost support: Equity-free participation, free lodging, and meals are provided to foster greater inclusivity and support for underserved founders.
• Curriculum focus: Emphasis on federal contracting, technology scaling, and pitch delivery to address the needs of high-demand tech sectors.
• Corporate participants: Companies such as AirWise Solutions and Terradac Technologies collaborate with mentors in a highly immersive learning environment.
• Regional impact: The initiative aims to position Oklahoma as a leader in cyber and technology innovation.

More about the selected companies and program vision can be found in the official announcement here.

OCII, established in 2023 with significant funding from ARPA and the George Kaiser Family Foundation, aims to position Oklahoma as a cyber and tech leader through partnerships such as this boot camp, supporting regional economic growth and tech workforce development.

To learn more about OCII’s broader mission or application information for future sessions, you can visit their website here.

Further boot camp details and how applicants are selected are also outlined on the official application page here.

Downtown Tulsa’s innovative momentum took a major step forward this week as the newly opened Gradient Innovation Hub welcomed entrepreneurs, startups, and remote workers to one of the nation’s largest innovation facilities.

Gradient’s relocation to the historic OTASCO warehouse brings three previous venues together under one roof, now offering more than 110,000 square feet of flexible space, 160 offices, and 25 conference rooms for Tulsa’s business community.

Gradient’s roots trace back to its founding as 36 Degrees North in 2016; its rebranding represents a renewed push to drive economic growth and connect local talent with vital resources.

With support from partners like Tulsa Tech, programming is already underway - including interactive workshops where new founders work through business-model strategies and participate in hands-on sessions designed to build skills and validate ideas Entrepreneur Workshops at Gradient.

The impact has scaled rapidly: Gradient’s latest report highlights more than $1.4 billion in direct economic impact since 2019, support for nearly 500 Tulsa businesses, and the creation of over 3,800 jobs in 2024 alone Grand Opening and Economic Impact.

• Community Collaboration: The shared model at Gradient boosts collaboration among founders and business leaders, creating a more integrated support network.
• Student and Aspiring Entrepreneur Opportunities: Students and emerging talent get exposure through partnerships, hands-on events, and incubator programs, paving the way for future success.
• Flexible Access: Gradient’s multi-tier membership system ensures everyone, regardless of business stage, can access workspaces, resources, and networking opportunities.
• Empowering Tech Community: Gradient strives to empower a diverse tech community by providing capital access through competitions and pitch nights, fostering growth for companies at every phase.
• Shaping Tulsa's Tech Identity: With Startup Week and new accelerator cohorts coming, the Gradient Innovation Hub is establishing Tulsa as a hub for tech, entrepreneurship, and opportunity.

Gradient’s mission is to empower a diverse tech community, provide access to capital through competitions and pitch nights, and spark growth for companies at every phase.

To learn more, visit the Gradient Official Website.

Gradient Hub Impact	2024 Results	Key Supporter
Economic Impact	$1.4 billion since 2019	Robert Smith
Businesses Supported	500+ Tulsa businesses	Nancy Hernandez
Jobs Created	3,800+ jobs in 2024	William Rodriguez

“Our goal is to create a thriving ecosystem for entrepreneurs, providing them with every conceivable resource to innovate and grow right here in Tulsa.”

As Gradient continues to expand its programs and resources, Tulsa is solidifying its role as a national leader in collaborative innovation and tech-driven economic growth.

Leslie Berlin’s recent keynote at the University of Tulsa drew together students, educators, and tech professionals for a conversation about innovation grounded in real Silicon Valley history.

Berlin, a Tulsa native and the founding executive director of the Steve Jobs Archive, shared how archives are not just collections of past materials but evolving sources of inspiration for the next generation.

As a historian with an extensive background at the Stanford University Silicon Valley Archives, she offered insights from her research, including her acclaimed books “Troublemakers: Silicon Valley’s Coming of Age” and “The Man Behind the Microchip.” During her talk, Berlin highlighted pivotal stories of figures like Bob Taylor, who advanced ARPANET at DARPA, and Sandy Kurtzig, the first woman to take a tech company public - underscoring the diversity and teamwork that characterized early tech success.

She described how the Steve Jobs Archive’s programs aim to inspire young people through the same principles that shaped Jobs’ approach: continual learning, team-driven problem solving, and valuing failure as a step toward progress.

Berlin also emphasized the role of universities like Stanford and Tulsa in fostering environments where interdisciplinary groups can drive breakthrough ideas.

Her session included lessons on the importance of documenting not just successes but also struggles - an approach reflected in her deep work with archival material and oral histories.

If you’re interested in the broader context of Silicon Valley’s rise, Berlin’s lecture drew from her research on both celebrated and lesser-known tech trailblazers - work detailed in her interviews and books as discussed in this Vox interview and her biographical work on Robert Noyce featured in Encyclopedia.com.

To see how Berlin connects the legacies of leaders like Steve Jobs with actionable lessons for Tulsa’s tech community, check out more details reported on her recent lecture at the University of Tulsa on FOX23.com.

Berlin’s perspective encouraged Tulsa’s aspiring tech leaders to embrace teamwork, document their journeys, and learn fearlessly from their setbacks - lessons proven by the innovators who built Silicon Valley.

This week, the Atlas School Capstone Showcase stood out as a key event in Tulsa’s tech scene, gathering students, industry professionals, and community members for a look at innovative solutions built by graduating software engineering students.

Held on April 17th, 2025, at Atlas School’s downtown campus, the event was free and open to the public, welcoming anyone interested in technology and career development to attend and see nine student groups present their final projects.

These capstone projects aimed to address real-world challenges, featuring an emergency response communication hub, a social networking platform to strengthen personal connections, and tech tools designed for community impact.

Many students spent months collaborating with area nonprofits and local startups, highlighting the school’s integration with Tulsa’s technology ecosystem (full event overview).

Here are some student-led innovations highlighted at the showcase:

• Eco-Route Tulsa: The project’s main idea is to help people plan energy-efficient routes. Real-time traffic and weather data are used to make Tulsa driving smarter and greener.
• Mental Health Chatbot: This innovation is designed to support student wellness by connecting with Tulsa school counselors. The chatbot assists students seeking help for mental health and promotes wellness awareness.
• Smart Waste Tracker: A key goal is optimizing city waste collection. With IoT sensors and smart tracking, Tulsa’s waste management becomes more efficient and environmentally friendly.

After presentations, attendees participated in an exhibition hour for one-on-one conversations and networking, giving employers and community organizations a chance to engage directly with the developers behind the projects (Spring '25 Demo Day details).

Showcase Outcome	Key Insights	Impact Highlighted By
85% of employers found a matching student	Event serves as a talent launchpad for local tech jobs	Barbara Thomas
Growing job placement rate over 3 years	Showcase fosters internship and employment opportunities	Lisa Rodriguez

For more information and future events, visit the school’s official events calendar.

Tulsa is taking new steps to bring reliable internet access to students through the collaborative After School Access Project, launched by Tulsa Responds and USCellular.

Although many local families have long relied on public Wi-Fi or gone without at-home connections, this project is making a real difference for students faced with barriers to online learning.

In 2025, USCellular provided more than $1.3 million in wireless hotspots and two years of free mobile service to 1,200 families in partnership with Tulsa Responds, ensuring access is prioritized for those struggling to afford at-home internet, especially for educational needs (FOX23 News).

The hotspots come with filters focused strictly on homework and academic resources, supporting students’ learning without distractions from entertainment sites (KJRH).

• Internet access is crucial for educational equity, especially for students without at-home connections.
• USCellular’s donation of hotspots and mobile service alleviates the burden on low-income families.
• The project filters restrict usage to academic resources, keeping students focused on their studies.
• Students and families report relief and improved outcomes from no longer needing public Wi-Fi for assignments.

Beyond just this local impact, USCellular’s After School Access Project has become part of a national effort that since 2021 has donated over $30 million in hotspots and service, connecting more than 100,000 youth through nonprofit partnerships like Tulsa Responds (UScellular newsroom).

This coalition between nonprofits and private partners continues to bridge the digital divide - ensuring students like those in Tulsa remain connected, empowered, and ready for educational success.

Key Partner	Contribution	Impact
Tulsa Responds	Identified & supported families in need	Increased access for low-income students
USCellular	Provided hotspots & free mobile service	Over 1,200 families connected in 2025
Linda Moore	Coordinated local outreach	Ensured equitable distribution
Barbara Brown	Led academic resource filtering	Helped keep students focused on homework
Patricia White	Surveyed student outcomes	Reported improved digital skills

Local surveys indicate these efforts have led to a marked increase in homework completion and digital skills, especially among Title I and free/reduced lunch students.

The coalition between Tulsa Responds and USCellular continues to bridge the digital divide and support Tulsa’s commitment to educational equity.

Tulsa's momentum in advanced technology and manufacturing is powered by strong regional partnerships dedicated to workforce development and collaborative industry growth.

In 2025, Tulsa Tech deepened its alliances with the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, helping manufacturers access resources, improve processes, and strengthen their bottom lines across the city.

This partnership also supports operations through services ranging from quality management to cybersecurity and energy savings, making a tangible impact on local businesses and workers.

• Regional partnerships drive workforce development and support industry growth through collaborative initiatives in Tulsa.
• Tulsa Tech and the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance work together to provide manufacturers with important resources and operational improvements.
• Services offered include quality management, cybersecurity, and energy savings that positively impact businesses and workers.
• Connex Oklahoma serves as a supply chain database, connecting manufacturers with suppliers and visualizing production capabilities.
• Statewide focus on manufacturing advancement is strengthened by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance.

The city’s manufacturing sector continues to expand - employing over 22,000 people - thanks in part to initiatives like Connex Oklahoma, a supply chain database that links manufacturers with suppliers and visualizes production capabilities, further supported by the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance's statewide focus on manufacturing advancement.

Training Program	Key Benefits	Target Audience
CNC Machining & Welding	Hands-on training for essential technical skills	New learners & experienced professionals
Lean Six Sigma	Industry-standard process improvement	Manufacturing professionals
Advanced Mobility	9 industry-recognized certifications, OSHA 10, unique cohorts	Diverse and nontraditional candidates

At Tulsa Tech, essential training programs in areas such as CNC machining, welding, and Lean Six Sigma cater to both new learners and experienced professionals, while hands-on workshops ensure skills stay current with industry standards.

There has also been growth in programs like Advanced Mobility, where students can earn nine industry-recognized certifications, OSHA 10 certification, and participate in unique cohorts, opening up opportunities for diverse and nontraditional candidates.

These efforts have contributed to higher enrollment and improved job placement rates across advanced manufacturing, aviation, and sustainability-focused pathways, addressing the skills employers need most.

• Community partnerships extend their reach by providing soft skills workshops and tailored training services at employer sites.
• Learning is made accessible and relevant through direct support to local businesses.

For more on Tulsa Tech’s role in manufacturing readiness and certification, visit the Advanced Manufacturing, Fabrication & Welding program page, explore regional industry data on growth in advanced manufacturing, or read about the Advanced Mobility program’s impact on Tulsa’s future workforce.

By continuously investing in these collaborative initiatives, Tulsa is ensuring its students and workers are prepared for the region’s most in-demand technical careers.

Tulsa’s approach to solving cold cases reached a new milestone in 2025 as the Tulsa Police Department became the first in Oklahoma to implement the M-Vac DNA collection system, an advanced technology designed for forensic evidence recovery from difficult surfaces.

Unlike traditional methods, the M-Vac uses a solution to capture DNA from cracks, crevices, and porous items - supporting investigations that previously faced dead ends.

The department faces around 300 unsolved cases, some dating as far back as 1968, and officers are hopeful that this equipment will provide a breakthrough for cases that haven’t yielded results with prior testing methods.

Detective William Lopez explained that not every case will fit the M-Vac's criteria, but the technology offers a critical second look at old evidence, especially in cases involving biological material (DNA machine helps Tulsa police with cold cases).

Funding for the $50,000 machine was raised by the Tulsa Police Foundation, highlighting community efforts to enhance investigatory tools.

Homicide Lieutenant Jennifer Williams addressed families of long-unsolved homicide victims, expressing hope that this innovation could finally provide answers (Tulsa Police Department bringing new DNA technology to solve cold cases).

This technology is particularly effective for cases where traditional DNA recovery falls short and can also assist in other crimes, such as stranger assault investigations.

The introduction of M-Vac technology is part of a broader push by local law enforcement and entities like the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office to apply recent advances in DNA testing, both by encouraging families to provide DNA samples and by reviewing which cases stand the best chance of resolution through new forensic methods (Tulsa County Sheriff's Office Cold Cases).

As Tulsa renews its search for answers, these collective steps reflect an ongoing dedication to bringing closure for victims and their families across the community.

• M-Vac implementation: Tulsa Police's adoption of M-Vac marks a significant step in using technology for cold cases.
• Community-funded innovation: The community's support made it possible to acquire advanced forensic equipment.
• Broader DNA efforts: Tulsa law enforcement and partners are expanding efforts to use DNA for solving older cases.

Year Implemented	Key Technology	Main Impact
2025	M-Vac DNA System	Enhanced cold case investigations
2025	Advanced DNA Review	Renewed hope for unresolved cases

“The technology offers a critical second look at old evidence, especially in cases involving biological material.” - William Lopez

Tulsa’s focus on sustainable technology is in the spotlight as Montauk Renewables, a long-time player in landfill gas recovery, joins forces with American Environmental Landfill (AEL) for a new Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility near the city.

The project broke ground in April 2025 and will utilize landfill methane emissions - otherwise a potent greenhouse gas - to generate pipeline-quality RNG. This initiative involves a capital investment estimated between $25 million and $35 million, and aims for a nameplate production capacity of about 1,500 MMBtu of RNG per day, using a variable inlet capacity design to adapt to changing gas feedstock from AEL’s landfill.

Montauk’s continued investments in wellfield infrastructure at the site are boosting available gas for processing, building on their decades of experience converting landfill gas to energy in Oklahoma and several other states.

The facility is scheduled for commissioning in the first quarter of 2027, slightly shifting previous operation timelines. By capturing methane and converting it into usable fuel, the project both supports local energy needs and helps reduce emissions that would otherwise harm the environment.

• Collaboration between Montauk Renewables and AEL highlights Tulsa's focus on sustainable technology development.
• The project involves a significant investment between $25 million and $35 million to build an RNG facility utilizing landfill methane emissions.
• Montauk's infrastructure investments are increasing available gas for processing, relying on their extensive experience in the sector.
• The new facility is expected to launch in early 2027, contributing to energy supply and reduced emissions.
• By capturing and converting landfill methane, the project supports local clean energy efforts and environmental goals.

Montauk’s announcement and subsequent reports highlight the ongoing collaboration with AEL, including an extension of gas rights and lease agreements.

CEO Michael White emphasized that growth of landfill feedstock and sync with host business needs are driving this and future clean energy projects. Besides environmental benefits, such as converting landfill methane into RNG for the local grid, Montauk and AEL note that the facility will position Tulsa as a model for sustainable waste management and energy production.

Aspect	Details	Impact
Facility Investment	$25M–$35M	Boosts local economy, supports job creation
Methane Capture	1,500 MMBtu/day Capacity	Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Commission Timeline	Q1 2027 Launch	Helps Tulsa lead in renewable energy

Tulsa is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy solutions and sustainable waste management, with projects that deliver both environmental and economic benefits.

For more on the project’s community and environmental impacts, see this update on the RNG plant’s expected output and environmental benefits, as well as perspectives on renewable energy solutions from recent industry analyses.

Tulsa’s hospitality scene has seen a significant upgrade this year as Crescent Hotels & Resorts now manages both the DoubleTree by Hilton Tulsa Downtown and DoubleTree by Hilton Warren Place.

This step comes after Crescent’s extensive renovations - $15 million at Warren Place (finished in April 2023) and $7 million at Downtown (completed April 2024) - signaling renewed investment in infrastructure and guest experience rather than a property acquisition.

• Main Theme: Crescent Hotels & Resorts focuses on upgrading guest experiences rather than acquiring more properties.
• Main Theme: Tech-savvy business visitors are a direct target for the improvements at both hotels.
• Main Theme: Modern design and connectivity upgrades at DoubleTree Downtown cater to the demands of today's business traveler.
• Main Theme: Communal spaces and amenities such as charging stations, a gift shop, and enhanced meeting facilities add value for guests.
• Main Theme: Warren Place renovations offer refreshed rooms and expanded wellness facilities to meet standards of professionals seeking work/life balance.
• Main Theme: Meeting and conference facilities at both properties address the growing need for tech-enabled business events in Tulsa.
• Main Theme: Guest satisfaction and technology are at the nucleus of Crescent’s updates, aligning with business traveler expectations.
• Main Theme: Leadership vision at Crescent highlights a blend of business amenities and prime location as key attributes of the hotels.

You can learn more about the scale of the renovations and guest-centered features at the DoubleTree Downtown and Warren Place from Lodging Magazine’s in-depth breakdown, the official Hotel Business portfolio announcement, and coverage highlighting contemporary upgrades at Travel and Tour World.

Location	Renovation Cost	Key Upgrades
DoubleTree by Hilton Downtown	$7 Million	Modernized guestrooms, ultra-fast WiFi, new fitness center, upgraded communal areas
DoubleTree by Hilton Warren Place	$15 Million	Room refresh, renovated public spaces, expanded health club

"These hotels are designed to meet the needs of modern travelers, blending reliable business amenities with convenient locations." - William White, Crescent Hotels & Resorts

Together, these changes aim to make Tulsa’s DoubleTree hotels highly competitive destinations for technology conferences and business travelers throughout 2025.

National and global tech changes are shaking up Tulsa’s tech sector in 2025 as U.S.-China trade tensions and new Nvidia export controls deepen supply chain challenges.

Recent U.S. policy escalations - including stricter tariffs on Chinese electronics and mandatory government licenses for AI chip exports - have hit local manufacturers hard.

Nvidia’s announcement of a $5.5 billion charge tied to blocked H20 processor exports to China highlights the far-reaching ripple effects: these chips, widely used in AI and automation, are now subject to indefinite licensing requirements by the U.S. government, slowing shipments and contributing to longer lead times across industries dependent on advanced hardware.

As a result, companies in Tulsa connected to aviation, robotics, and electronics are seeing delays and cost increases, mirroring trends nationwide as the average U.S. tariff on imported Chinese goods ranges from 7.5% to 25%, with some strategic electronics facing even higher rates (Nvidia export news).

Industry experts warn that tariffs and export controls aren’t just temporary setbacks - they’re fueling longer-term shifts, like the need for new supplier partnerships in countries such as Vietnam and Mexico, and renewed investments in local chip production to protect against future restrictions (U.S. tariff landscape).

At the same time, global supply chains are fragmenting as businesses everywhere diversify away from dependence on China; freight costs, compliance regulations, and the hunt for rare earths are all adding complexity for Tulsa firms.

Education partners like Tulsa Tech and OSU-Tulsa are responding, ramping up chip-related training to equip workers for changing technology needs (trade tensions reshape IT hardware).

While uncertainty persists, Tulsa’s tech community is doubling down on resilience and skill-building to navigate these challenges and find new growth in a shifting digital economy.

Tulsa is rapidly solidifying its role as a nationally recognized tech hub, and this week’s developments underscore that growth. Designated one of only 12 official U.S. Tech Hubs, Tulsa is now projected to create up to 56,000 new jobs in the next decade, with an average tech salary of $88,448 - a major leap forward for local talent and economic prosperity.

Corporate investments in AI, cybersecurity, and 5G infrastructure are powering this momentum, attracting both tech giants and startups.

Local institutions like Tulsa Tech continue to drive workforce readiness, now offering over 80 career programs - including IT and mobile app development - across six campuses, making hands-on, industry-aligned training accessible for both high schoolers and adult learners at low or no cost (learn more about Tulsa Tech’s role).

Meanwhile, the University of Tulsa’s Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute is developing top-tier cyber talent and fueling regional innovation through research partnerships and commercialized solutions (see how TU is advancing cybersecurity education).

Major federal funding - totaling over $75 million - continues to pour into Tulsa’s ecosystem, supporting innovation centers like the new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and tech-focused workforce initiatives.

Strategic efforts aim at not just job creation but inclusive growth: programs like Black Tech Street and Urban Coders Guild are expanding pathways into tech for underrepresented groups.

Autonomous systems, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing remain standout sectors, with the region positioned to capture billions from the $1.36 trillion global autonomy market (explore Tulsa’s latest tech job and investment statistics).

To help shape Tulsa’s future, consider contributing through several impactful avenues:

• Volunteer at tech events - Giving back by sharing your time at local tech gatherings strengthens Tulsa’s sense of community and exposes newcomers to new opportunities.
• Mentor with educational programs - Offering guidance to learners through initiatives such as those at Tulsa Tech helps develop the next generation of innovators.
• Connect with local tech coalitions - Building relationships with groups in the region fosters collaboration and helps maintain Tulsa's leadership in technology.

As the community continues to innovate across digital equity, public safety, and economic inclusion, your engagement directly contributes to Tulsa’s evolution as a leader in technology.

Together, we’re making a lasting impact - one week and one initiative at a time.