Tulsa’s Tech Hub Earns Global Recognition for Innovation

Tulsa Innovation Labs has earned international acclaim after being named an honoree in Fast Company’s 2025 World Changing Ideas Awards. The recognition highlights Tulsa’s growing reputation as a global leader in tech innovation, particularly through its Tech Hub initiative aimed at transforming industries with secure, autonomous systems.

A National Investment with Global Impact

Tulsa’s Tech Hub, designated by the U.S. Economic Development Administration last year, secured $51 million in federal funding to advance innovation in aviation, defense, manufacturing, and energy. The project focuses on autonomous and secure systems, leveraging the region’s existing strengths to boost national security and drive long-term economic growth.

"Receiving the Tech Hub designation and funding was a defining moment for our city," said Jennifer Hankins, Managing Director of Tulsa Innovation Labs. "This recognition reflects the power of our regional collaboration and commitment to advancing opportunity in our city that will have a global impact."

Tulsa’s Growing Innovation Identity

The award reinforces Tulsa’s status as an emerging force in the tech world. With ongoing investments in advanced mobility, a booming entrepreneurial ecosystem, and rapid development in autonomous technologies, Tulsa is increasingly known as the "Drone Capital of the World."

Why This Award Matters

Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Awards spotlight transformative efforts that tackle urgent global issues. This year’s honors included 50 winners across 12 categories, plus 50 industry-specific honorees, selected from more than 1,500 submissions. Judges evaluated projects on impact, creativity, sustainability, and scalability.

"The World Changing Ideas Awards have always been about showcasing the art of the possible," said Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan. "We’re proud to recognize the organizations and leaders that are making meaningful progress on the biggest issues of our time."

About Tulsa Innovation Labs

Tulsa Innovation Labs connects people, ideas, and resources to expand economic opportunity through innovation. The organization leads programs that train future workforces, support new business development, and prepare industries for an innovation-driven economy.

For more on Tulsa Innovation Labs, visit https://www.tulsainnovationlabs.com.

To view the full list of Fast Company honorees, visit www.fastcompany.com.