A cohort of 45 local, regional and national companies in Tulsa, Okla. is among a distinguished group recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for its efforts to drive regional technology- and innovation-centric growth.
L3Harris’ Tulsa-based aircraft integration center joined with other local technological leaders last year to create the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA). THETA’s aim is to strengthen the region’s capacity to manufacture, commercialize and deploy critical technologies, while also powering the creation of meaningful jobs for American workers at all skill levels. The Biden-Harris administration and the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded THETA approximately $51 million to strengthen the region’s capacity in autonomous systems through advanced manufacturing and deployment of technologies critical to the future of national and economic security.
Tulsa is one of 12 Tech Hubs awarded funding out of the 31 regions to receive “Tech Hub” designations last fall.
“L3Harris is committed to driving research and technological development in Tulsa,” said Robert Moskal, General Manager and Director of Program Management at L3Harris’ Tulsa facility. “We’ve been a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s industrial base for more than 80 years and are fully committed to the consortium’s efforts to grow Tulsa's strong foundation of technology and innovation, its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, and its highly skilled workforce.”
Tulsa’s legacy of innovation, extensive assets and federal investment, including the Greater Tulsa Region’s 2022 EDA Build Back Better Regional Challenge award, enables the region to advance U.S. global leadership in trustworthy and equitable autonomous systems – such as uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and autonomous vehicles, drones and robotics – with use cases ranging from agriculture and pipeline inspections to regional transportation.
