Tulsa Innovation Labs and University of Tulsa Begin Planning Cyber Innovation Institute

RFP Released as First Step Toward New Institute that will Expand Cyber R&D in Tulsa

With the growing threat of cyber attacks on our nation’s most essential infrastructure, there has never been a more critical time for cyber research and development. Tulsa Innovation Labs (TIL) and the University of Tulsa (TU) are taking the first step toward creating a new Cyber Innovation Institute. Working with the U.S. Federal Government and the private sector, the Institute will expand the city’s capacity to produce and commercialize the next generation of cyber-related technology solutions.

The strength of TU’s cyber program is growing in global reputation. TU is one of a small number of universities to have all three Centers Of Academic Excellence (CAE) designations from the National Security Agency in Cyber Defense Education, Cyber Research, and Cyber Operations. Additionally, TU’s professional Master of Science in Cyber Security online program has nearly tripled enrollment since its inception and is attracting students from across the U.S. The faculty continue to receive significant funding for transformative research and educational initiatives.

More recently, TIL and TU launched a new partnership with Team8, leading cyber venture creation firm. Through a groundbreaking fellowship supported by George Kaiser Family Foundation, TU and Team8 work with doctoral students, faculty, and private sector partners on collaborative research projects and endeavor to commercialize the resulting intellectual property. And, TIL recently announced the first phase of a new partnership with the Innovation Accelerator Foundation, an organization that promotes research and development innovation as a way to strengthen the nation’s competitive advantage in global defense innovation.

Today, in a joint venture, TU and TIL are releasing a Request for Proposals (RFP). This RFP seeks a leading consultancy to develop with TU, TIL, and other key stakeholders a strategic plan for a new Cyber Innovation Institute. The deadline for submissions is March 22, 2021.

Innovation is the lifeblood of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and TIL is executing on its “Tulsa’s Tech Niche” strategy. The strategy aims to capitalize on the strongest opportunities for the growth of Tulsa’s economy in five areas: virtual health, energy tech, drones, cyber, and analytics. As a cross-industry and interdisciplinary field, a strong cyber ecosystem is critical to the development of Tulsa’s innovation economy. The new Cyber Innovation Institute will be a transformative initiative for the growth of cyber research within the university as well as for the local Tulsa ecosystem.

Review our Request for Proposal here.

For press inquiries, please reach out to Kristi Eaton at kristi.eaton@resolutepr.com.

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