What Tulsa Innovation Labs does

Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) is a nonprofit, tech-led economic development organization founded in 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that serves as the backbone entity for Tulsa's federally designated U.S. EDA Tech Hub. Rather than producing a single product, TIL operates a portfolio of interconnected programs organized across three strategic pillars: Capital + Commercialization (notably the Rose Rock Bridge accelerator, which channels $100,000 of non-dilutive funding per startup and links energy-tech startups with corporate operators Devon Energy, H&P, ONEOK, and Williams); Workforce + Talent (T3 paid internships, Cyber Skills Center, Pathways to Autonomy K-12 STEM, Registered Apprenticeship Program, Advanced Air Mobility Certificates); and Place + Infrastructure (Skyway Range covering 1,200 square miles of UAS testing airspace with four Droneports and 300+ flying days per year, the TARMAC advanced manufacturing center led by Accenture and Cherokee Federal, and the Microsoft Co-Innovation Lab at the Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton building).

The organization's underlying technology stack is largely an orchestration of partner-provided capabilities rather than proprietary infrastructure: Microsoft provides AI platforms and cloud infrastructure, the University of Tulsa leads the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, and WindShape operates specialized indoor wind/weather simulation at the Skyway Range. TIL's defensible assets are regulatory (the EDA Tech Hub designation and NIST-validated Green UAS certification program), physical (112,000 square feet of innovation facilities, 1,200 sq mi UAS range), and relational (a 70+ partner ecosystem spanning energy, federal contracting, hyperscalers, philanthropy, and higher education). The organization has helped secure over $250 million in EDA and matching funds for the Tulsa regional ecosystem.

TIL's revenue mechanics are characteristic of a federally backed nonprofit intermediary: it is funded through EDA grants, Department of Defense programs, corporate partnership contributions, and philanthropic capital led by the George Kaiser Family Foundation. Its go-to-market is a direct, enterprise field-sales style engagement with four primary stakeholder segments—local and national businesses, higher education institutions (University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, Langston University, Tulsa Community College, CUNY), community organizations (including Black Tech Street, TEDC, PartnerTulsa), and government entities. Services are not commercially priced; the value exchange is ecosystem access, workforce pipelines, pilot deployment opportunities, and federal funding pathways in exchange for partner commitments to Tulsa's advanced industry cluster in aerospace, autonomous systems, energy, manufacturing, and defense.

Name

Tulsa Innovation Labs

Legal name

Tulsa Innovation Labs

Website

https://tulsainnovationlabs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2020

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Tulsa Innovation Labs is a nonprofit economic development organization that serves as the backbone of Tulsa's federally designated EDA Tech Hub, orchestrating capital, workforce, and infrastructure programs across aerospace, autonomous systems, energy, and defense for startups, corporates, universities, and government partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services (5416), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Vendor/Authorized Certification Training (Microsoft/AWS/Cisco, etc.) (BPAEANAA), Cloud, DevOps & Software Engineering Certifications (EDAAANAH)

Keywords

• Tech-led economic development
• Workforce development programs
• Startup acceleration services
• Regional innovation hubs
• Unmanned aerial systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Tulsa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal Grant Funding: As a non-profit economic development organization, TIL receives grant funding from federal sources including Economic Development Administration (EDA) and Department of Defense (DoD) programs to support regional tech hub development and infrastructure initiatives.
2. Corporate Partnership Contributions: TIL generates revenue through strategic partnerships with corporate entities who contribute to workforce programs, accelerator initiatives, and infrastructure projects in exchange for access to innovation ecosystems and talent pipelines.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) is a nonprofit tech-led economic development organization serving as the backbone entity for Tulsa's federally designated Tech Hub. It operates a portfolio of interconnected programs across three pillars — Capital + Commercialization (e.g., Rose Rock Bridge accelerator), Workforce + Talent (e.g., T3 internships, Cyber Skills Center, Pathways to Autonomy), and Place + Infrastructure (e.g., Skyway Range, TARMAC, Microsoft Co-Innovation Lab) — to advance aerospace, autonomous systems, energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing industries in the Tulsa region.

Product overview

Tulsa Innovation Labs is a tech-led economic development organization that serves as the front door to Tulsa's innovation ecosystem. Rather than a single unified product, the organization offers a portfolio of interconnected programs and initiatives organized across three strategic pillars: Capital + Commercialization (including Rose Rock Bridge), Workforce + Talent (including T3 internships, Pathways to Autonomy, and Registered Apprenticeship Program), and Place + Infrastructure (including Skyway Range, TARMAC, and Microsoft Co-Innovation Lab). The organization also manages the Tech Hub designation and coordinates 70+ partners to strengthen advanced industries including aerospace, autonomous systems, energy, and manufacturing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Rose Rock Bridge A pilot deployment studio that connects early-stage energy technology startups with corporate operators (Devon Energy, H&P, ONEOK, Williams) to accelerate commercialization through six-week programs, advisory clinics, and deployment planning; selected startups receive $100,000 in non-dilutive funding.
• Tech Hub Talent Training (T3) Program A workforce innovation initiative connecting students from Tulsa-area colleges and universities with paid internship opportunities in high-growth tech sectors including autonomous systems, AI, and cybersecurity, as part of the U.S. EDA's Tech Hubs Initiative.
• Pathways to Autonomy A citywide K-12 STEM initiative providing hands-on learning experiences in robotics, drone technology, coding, and engineering clubs across Tulsa schools to prepare youth for careers in autonomous systems and advanced mobility technologies.
• Skyway Range A premier drone development environment and advanced mobility test site in Northeast Oklahoma offering 1,200 square miles of urban/rural testing environment, four Droneports, 114 nautical mile perimeter, 300+ flying days per year, and advanced indoor weather testing capabilities.
• Advanced Air Mobility Certificates A 40-hour hybrid certificate program through Tulsa Tech integrating drone assembly, programming, and FAA Part 107 flight training to prepare students for in-demand drone operations and manufacturing jobs, creating a direct recruitment channel for apprenticeship programs.
• Registered Apprenticeship Program A nationally recognized apprenticeship model led by Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, using technical assistance, tax credits, and quality programming to build entry-level talent for employers, equivalent to an Associate's degree.
• Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) An initiative led by University of Tulsa to attract top cyber talent, develop workforce pipelines, and expand research and commercialization efforts in cybersecurity, positioning Oklahoma as a cybersecurity innovation hub.
• Advanced Research and Manufacturing Demonstration Center (TARMAC) Led by Accenture and Cherokee Federal, this center centralizes technical services, equipment, advanced training, and resources for smaller regional manufacturers to help them scale and develop autonomous systems and component manufacturing capabilities.
• Microsoft Co-Innovation Lab An AI Co-Innovation Lab at Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM) providing access to Microsoft's leading AI technologies and expertise, supporting startups, companies, and individuals nationwide in fostering innovation and commercialization.
• Cyber Skills Center An accelerated, part-time program in cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence designed for working adults, led by industry professionals with full scholarships for 90% of learners, achieving 160 graduates across four cohorts.
• Stackable Credential Micro-Pathways A program ensuring students gain industry-recognized qualifications through real-world, employer-validated projects, enhancing skillsets in AI-driven automation, robotics, and data-driven decision-making.
• Defense Innovation Pathways A contracting pathway for cybersecure startups to enter defense supply chains, showcasing autonomous system innovations and securing government contracts including Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements.

Quantifiable outcome

• Secured over $250M in investment through EDA programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• Devon EnergycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevon Energy is a corporate partner in the Rose Rock Bridge accelerator program, connecting energy sector innovation with the startup ecosystem for pilot deployments and commercialization support.
• H&PcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerH&P is a corporate partner in the Rose Rock Bridge accelerator, providing industry expertise and potential pilot opportunities for energy technology startups.
• ONEOKcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerONEOK partners with TIL through Rose Rock Bridge to connect with innovative startups in the natural gas and midstream sector.
• WilliamscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWilliams is a corporate partner in the Rose Rock Bridge accelerator, focused on natural gas infrastructure innovation and startup collaboration.
• Cherokee FederalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCherokee Federal partners with TIL on defense and federal contracting initiatives, leveraging their government services expertise for regional economic development.
• AccenturemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccenture collaborates with TIL on technology consulting, digital transformation, and workforce development initiatives in the Tulsa tech ecosystem.
• MicrosoftmajorTechnology or IntegrationMicrosoft provides technology platforms, cloud infrastructure, and technical expertise to support TIL's innovation programs and startup ecosystem.
• QuiktripsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuiktrip supports TIL's economic development initiatives as a regional corporate partner contributing to workforce and community programs.
• Aspen InstitutemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAspen Institute partners with TIL on economic mobility, workforce development, and community resilience initiatives in the Tulsa region.
• University of TulsacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Tulsa is a key education partner supporting research collaboration, talent development, and technology commercialization through TIL programs.
• Oklahoma State UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOklahoma State University collaborates with TIL on research initiatives, workforce pipelines, and technology transfer opportunities in aerospace and engineering.
• Tulsa Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTulsa Community College partners with TIL for workforce development programs, technical training, and career pathway development in technology sectors.
• Langston UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLangston University collaborates with TIL on diversity initiatives, research opportunities, and workforce development for underserved communities.
• CUNYsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCUNY partners with TIL for knowledge sharing, student exchange, and collaborative research initiatives in technology and innovation.
• Tulsa Economic Development Corporation (TEDC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTEDC works with TIL on regional economic development initiatives, small business support, and community economic opportunity programs.
• PartnerTulsacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnerTulsa collaborates with TIL on comprehensive economic development strategies, business recruitment, and regional growth initiatives.
• Black Tech StreetmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlack Tech Street partners with TIL to support Black-owned technology businesses and entrepreneurs in Tulsa's innovation ecosystem.
• Atlas SchoolsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAtlas School collaborates with TIL on technology education, coding bootcamps, and workforce training programs.
• Oklahoma Manufacturing AlliancemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOklahoma Manufacturing Alliance partners with TIL to support manufacturing innovation, industry 4.0 adoption, and workforce training in advanced manufacturing.
• Skyway RangecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSkyway Range provides UAS testing range infrastructure and expertise supporting TIL's autonomous systems and drone technology development programs.
• WindShapesupportingTechnology or IntegrationWindShape provides specialized wind tunnel and testing capabilities for UAS and autonomous systems development in partnership with TIL.
• AUVSIsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International) partners with TIL for industry networking, events, and promotion of UAS technology adoption.
• Osage LLCmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOsage LLC serves as a tribal partner supporting TIL initiatives with focus on Native American economic development and workforce opportunities.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Plug and Play Tech Center: Global innovation platform and accelerator running corporate-partnered startup programs across multiple verticals (fintech, health, brand & retail, mobility, etc.). Comparable to TIL in the convener-between-corporates-and-startups role, though Plug and Play is commercial rather than nonprofit.
• Innovation Works: Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that combines seed-stage venture investing, accelerator programs, and regional economic development for advanced industries (AI, robotics, life sciences). Closely mirrors TIL's blend of corporate-startup pipelines and regional talent/workforce development, though with a venture fund instead of pure grant funding.
• 1871: Chicago-based nonprofit technology hub providing workspace, accelerator programs, corporate partnerships, and talent development. Mirrors TIL's combination of physical infrastructure (workspace, labs), corporate-startup connections, and digital-economy workforce programming.
• The Venture Center: Little Rock, Arkansas-based accelerator and innovation hub that is also a designated EDA Tech Hub. Directly comparable as a regional nonprofit convener running corporate-startup pilots, federal funding access, and workforce programs targeting advanced industries.
• MassChallenge: Global nonprofit accelerator that connects early-stage startups with corporate partners and provides equity-free funding. Closely comparable to TIL's Rose Rock Bridge model in nonprofit status, corporate-startup matching, and non-dilutive capital approach.
• Heartland Forward: Heartland-focused economic development think tank and program operator driving tech-led growth across the U.S. interior. Comparable to TIL in regional economic development mission and Heartland geographic focus, with overlapping sector priorities in energy, advanced manufacturing, and workforce.

Broad incumbents

• Brookings Institution (Metro Program): Think tank with a Metro program producing influential research on tech-led regional economic development. Brookings has published a case study on TIL; comparable as a thought-leadency counterpart that shapes the same federal Tech Hub policy framework TIL depends on.
• Massachusetts Technology Collaborative: State-level quasi-public economic development organization that funds innovation, workforce, and tech-cluster programs across Massachusetts. Comparable to TIL's public-mission, multi-program structure but at a larger state scale and with a broader sector mandate.

Others

• State Science and Technology Institute (SSTI): National nonprofit organization supporting state and regional tech-based economic development programs through research, advisory, and convening. Adjacent to TIL as a peer in the broader tech-economic-development ecosystem, providing benchmarking, policy analysis, and capacity-building services to similar organizations.

Emerging players

• Gener8tor: Midwest-anchored accelerator and venture fund running cohort-based programs connecting startups with corporate partners. Comparable to Rose Rock Bridge in accelerator-plus-corporate model, though operates commercially across multiple geographies rather than as a regional tech hub convener.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tulsainnovationlabs

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Tulsa Innovation Labs