Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA)

Tech Hubs Official Designee Badge

Lead Agency: Tulsa Innovation Labs  

State Served: Oklahoma  

Applicant-Defined Region: Greater Tulsa Region  

Core Technology Area: secure autonomous systems  

Contact: Jennifer Hankins ([email protected])  

Media Contact: Jessica Remer ([email protected])  

The Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA Tech Hub), led by Tulsa Innovation Labs, aims to become a global leader in developing and commercializing autonomous systems for use cases ranging from agriculture and pipeline inspections to regional transportation. This Tech Hub will leverage the Greater Tulsa Region’s EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge award, its university-based research institutes in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and cybersecurity technologies, the Skyway Range flight corridor testing facility, and existing capital investments. These regional assets will enable the THETA Tech Hub to develop and innovate autonomous systems applications while increasing their security and integrity. This has the potential to strengthen national and economic security while connecting small manufacturers across the region with opportunities in the autonomous systems supply chain.  

The THETA Tech Hub seeks to be a hub for the development, testing, manufacturing of Trustworthy and Equitable Autonomous Systems (TEAS). 

In July 2024, EDA recommended this Tech Hub receive grant funding of approximately $51 million to implement six projects, including: 

  • Increasing coordination on commercialization strategies among universities and the startups they support;

  • Building a state-of-the-art testing and simulation environment–with a focus on cyber and data management–for companies, researchers and regulatory entities to address barriers to commercial adoption;   

  • Developing programs to identify opportunities for manufacturers in TEAS supply chains and build out a manufacturing demonstration center where small companies can scale their capabilities;  

  • Creating an AI Center of Excellence to expand opportunities and increase exposure to technology for underserved communities;  

  • Expanding workforce programs to align training with industry needs, provide upskilling, and offer on-the-job training opportunities; and  

  • Establishing governance structures to execute projects, pursue additional funding and drive the Hub’s strategy.  

To ensure that the benefits of Tech Hubs investments accrue equitably across the Tulsa region, the THETA Tech Hub will provide wraparound support services, such as childcare and transportation, for every participant in its workforce programs. The THETA Tech Hub will also aim to locate projects in underserved communities and partner with organizations that represent Black communities and Tribal Nations.  

Designee Narrative (PDF) (submitted by the designee in its Phase 2 application package)

Press Releases

Additional Designations Earned in Region

Build Back Better Regional Challenge Badge Winner