Tulsa Recognized as a Leader in American Drone Innovation
When the federal government called for accelerating American leadership in drone development, Tulsa rose to the challenge. As part of a regional strategy focused on developing and commercializing autonomous systems in the Tulsa region, Tulsa Innovation Labs—alongside a strong coalition of regional partners—has been laying the foundation for a nationally competitive drone economy. Building on Tulsa’s deep-rooted strengths in aerospace, aviation and manufacturing, this work positions the region to lead the next chapter of innovation, commercialization and workforce development in autonomous systems.
Recently, Tulsa Innovation Labs hosted Michael Robbins, president and CEO of the Association of Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), for a strategic briefing on the future of autonomy. The event sparked an invigorating discussion about Tulsa’s role in the nation’s pathway to drone technology advancement. From advanced testing and research to public safety applications, Tulsa is better positioned than ever to lead the nation’s drone ecosystem. .
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Testing and Research
Autonomous systems like drones require expansive and flexible airspace to be developed and tested for safety, security and performance. Collaborating with Osage Nation, Tulsa Innovation Labs supported the development of Skyway Range, a 20,000 square foot drone testing facility located just minutes from downtown Tulsa on the Osage Nation Reservation. Skyway Range’s first tenant, Swiss-based company WindShape, offers innovative research and testing of unmanned systems at a scale currently unavailable anywhere else in the nation.
Manufacturing
Tulsa’s manufacturing legacy is vast, and Tulsa Innovation Labs is leveraging this deep expertise to amplify resources, expedite and scale production for manufacturing autonomous systems. In partnership with Cherokee Nation Business and Accenture, Tulsa Innovation Labs has supported the Tulsa Advanced Research and Manufacturing Acceleration Center (TARMAC). TARMAC will empower small and mid-sized manufacturers with early customers and contracts, financing and technical resources needed to manufacture component parts for autonomous systems. As Robbin’s pointed out in his address, Tulsa has significant opportunities to help close bottlenecks across the supply chain. TARMAC’s goal is to give Tulsa-area manufacturers an advantage in this emerging market by alleviating financial burden to expand their services to meet the industry’s needs, creating new career pathways for Tulsa’s expert manufacturing sector.
Public Safety
Autonomous systems have many practical applications, including strengthening public safety. With support from Tulsa Innovation Labs, the Tulsa Fire Department and Oklahoma State University have launched a new effort to protect lives: the Drone as First Responder Program. In 2024, when a petroleum tank farm caught fire, a drone based at the Gathering Place helped quickly identify the fire’s location and support crews in bringing a potentially dangerous situation under control. The program highlights Tulsa’s ongoing commitment to using innovative tools to better serve and protect the community.
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Talent and Workforce
To cement Tulsa as the epicenter of unmanned flight, the city will need a strong and well-trained workforce to power the industry. Collaborating with more than 80 employers, Tulsa Innovation Labs has supported training initiatives aligned with industry demand. With 200+ advanced technology certifications awarded, 67 apprenticeships leading to full-time roles in manufacturing, and salaries increasing by more than half, Tulsa Innovation Labs is fueling economic growth for employers, their workers, and the broader community.
The pipeline begins early, with K–12 initiatives like the Pathways to Autonomy initiative, and the Tech Hubs Training & Talent Program, where students of all ages are gaining first-hand, practical experience building and operating drones. These programs enable young people to code, design and build robots, explore space, and discover pathways to high-demand careers within Tulsa’s expanding technology sector, empowering Tulsans of all generations to pursue careers in autonomous systems technology and development, meeting workforce demands and creating lasting career pathways.
Tulsa’s innovation ecosystem is growing in scale and strength, fueling job creation and world-class investment through coordinated efforts with Tulsa Innovation Labs, regional partners, and the city’s innovation leaders.
