Innovation News

Microsoft and Black Tech Street recently announced the grand opening of the Greenwood Cyber + AI Lab, a collaborative technology hub focused on advancing artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems innovation. 

Located in the Greenwood Entrepreneurship at Moton (GEM) building in Tulsa’s historic Greenwood district, the lab will bring together startups, enterprises, researchers, and public-sector partners to develop and test next-generation AI technologies.

“This grand opening represents a culmination of years of work and collaboration of several different partners,” said Tyrance Billingsley II, Founder and CEO, Black Tech Street/Greenwood AI Center of Excellence. “The GEM building is precious to the Greenwood community, so for this Microsoft Lab to be housed in it, across from the Middle School I went to and be focused on making this community a leader in the most impactful technology in human history, AI, means more than I can put into words. The United States will need a model to look for how to catalyze impactful and community focused AI innovation as it looks to lead the world on this new frontier. Tulsa looks forward to being that example.”

Part of the broader Greenwood AI Center of Excellence, this initiative is supported through Tulsa’s federal Tech Hub designation, led by Tulsa Innovation Labs. The initiative is designed to practically pilot what AI powered economic impact will look like and help communities understand, adopt, and build with artificial intelligence technologies.

“Today’s opening is a powerful milestone, not just for Greenwood, but for the entire Tulsa region and our Tech Hubs strategy," said Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs. "The Greenwood Cyber + AI Lab brings to life what this investment is meant to do: connect world-class partners, cutting-edge technology, and community-rooted talent to build something uniquely competitive on a global stage. At Tulsa Innovation Labs, we see this as a proof point for how our broader strategy comes together to advance leadership in autonomous systems and AI while ensuring that innovation translates into real opportunity for people.”

The program expands technology access and opportunities for the community through two major programs that offer community-driven AI training, education and resources:

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Microsoft Cyber + AI Lab

In a collaborative environment, startups, researchers, public-sector partners and industry participants can work alongside Microsoft to explore how AI and cybersecurity technologies can be developed and deployed responsibly, enabling real-world experimentation while strengthening Tulsa’s role in advancing emerging technologies. 

Organizations working with the lab will be able to collaborate on projects ranging from new AI-enabled products and services to the application of intelligent systems across infrastructure, security, and emerging technology domains. Initial work at the lab will focus on four priority areas:

• Startups and Enterprise Innovation: Supporting startups and regional enterprises in developing and scaling AI-enabled technologies.
• Critical Infrastructure Security: Exploring how AI can strengthen the resilience and cybersecurity of essential systems such as energy, transportation, and public services.

• Autonomous Systems: Advancing technologies related to drones, robotics, and intelligent mobility platforms, supporting Tulsa’s leadership in autonomy innovation.
• Responsible AI Development: Working with technology partners and community stakeholders to explore practical approaches to developing and deploying artificial intelligence in a secure, transparent, and responsible manner.

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ASPIRE (AI Societal Program for Innovation, Research, and Education)

ASPIRE is a community-focused program expanding AI fluency through education, training and computing resources for students, educators, and professionals. Also located at the GEM building, ASPIRE has already hosted eight community training events and served over 350 community members with their programming. 

These investments in Greenwood put community at the center of AI adoption, making AI education accessible to anyone who wishes to learn. Learn more at blacktechstreet.ai

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