Tulsa Port of Inola lands major tenant and investment

In May, Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA), the world’s largest producer of premium aluminum, announced that the Tulsa Port of Inola has been selected as the site for their primary aluminum production facility. This $4B investment from EGA is the first new primary aluminum production plant in the US in 45 years and will bring 1,000 direct jobs and 1,800 indirect jobs to the Greater Tulsa Region.

Additionally, the plant will significantly increase our domestic supply of aluminum for key industries such as aerospace and defense. With a projected production of 600,000 tons per year, the project aligns with federal efforts to onshore the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals. Tulsa Port of Inola’s Wastewater Treatment Facility, construction of which is funded through BBBRC, directly attributed to their successful acquisition of this plant.

The Tulsa Port of Inola also secured another $4.2B investment project in the technology industry that will create up to 100 new high paying tech jobs and secures the Port's future as part of the industries of tomorrow.

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Pilot program at Gradient uses drones to improve emergency response

A pilot program is test remote drone capabilities to monitor and assess emergency situations. The Tulsa Fire Department is working with Tulsa Innovation Labs, Oklahoma State University, Skyway Range, AirWise, and Skydio to respond more quickly and efficiently to fires and emergency by using drones hosted downtown at Gradient to launch remotely and monitor the situations. As Fire Chief Michael Baker recently told Brooke Cox from News on 6, "It's kind of the next phase in UAV operations for the fire service. It gives us the opportunity to get eyes on quickly, look for victims, [and] assess the situation." The program will continue testing through September.

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First Green UAS Certification awarded in Tulsa

The University of Tulsa’s Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) has completed the region’s first Green UAS Certification—a major step in making Tulsa a center for secure drone development. Learn more

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Rose Rock Bridge adds four startups, offering $400k and access to top energy partners

These companies are driving innovation in low carbon natural gas through technologies that enhance operations, control and reduce emissions, and turn waste from energy production into valuable materials. Learn more

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Tulsa Innovation Labs named honoree in Fast Company's 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards

Tulsa Innovation Labs is proud to announce that it has been named a honoree of Fast Company’s 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards for Tulsa’s Tech Hub designation. This global award honors bold and transformative efforts that tackle the world’s most pressing issues. Learn more

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TIL in the News

• Tulsa World: Tulsa Innovation Labs Director says aerospace is on a solid foundation
• Brookings: Brookings examines Tulsa in its case study series on resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economies
• The Rockefeller Foundation launches its inaugural cohort of U.S. Big Bets Fellow, including TIL's own Jennifer Hankins
• Fox 23: Tulsa Innovation Labs and Catalyst Accelerator host government business boot camp
• Tribal Business News: Osage Nation opens drone innovation hub in Tulsa as part of $500M aerospace push

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Upcoming Events

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Collab 2025 - our first ever community-wide celebration of Tulsa's momentum as a global hub for innovation.

September 10th

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Tulsa Talent Consortium - we're taking the talent discussion from conversation to action. Join us for the kickoff event of the Tulsa Talent Consortium.

October 1st

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Young, Smart, and Local 2025 - engage in inspiring keynote and breakout sessions designed to help you attract and retain talent in your city.

October 20-22

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Welcome new TIL team member

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We are pleased to welcome Scott Cooper as our new Head of Business Attraction.

A seasoned economic development executive with over two decades of experience advancing community growth, investment, and entrepreneurship in municipalities across the western United States. Known for his strategic vision and collaborative leadership, Scott has played a central role in driving economic revitalization and positioning cities for sustainable success. Most recently, Scott served as the Business Attraction Manager for the City of Scottsdale, where he led initiatives to attract new business, support existing industries, and enhance the city's economic competitiveness. His work in Scottsdale built upon a distinguished track record of results driven leadership in both small and large communities.