Tulsa's Tech Hub is primed to build tomorrow's autonomous technologies

This blog is the sixth in a series featuring component projects outlined in the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy’s (THETA) phase 2 application for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program in which Tech Hub designees are eligible to apply for up to $70 million in implementation funding.

RELATED | Tech Hub Tulsa: Explaining THETA’s company creation initiative, ‘Ironbird Studios’ | How Tulsa’s Tech Hub unlocks new UAS testing capabilities to accelerate widespread, safe adoption of autonomous systems | Strength in numbers: How Tulsa’s Tech Hub is aligning our region toward good jobs for all | How Tulsa’s Tech Hub is unlocking equitable AI in the heart of Black Wall Street | How Tulsa’s Tech Hub is ensuring autonomous systems will be trustworthy and secure 

Strengthening American manufacturing and national security

The American manufacturing base for critical components in Trustworthy and Equitable Autonomous Systems (TEAS) is heavily reliant on foreign suppliers, which raises national security and economic concerns. The Tulsa Advanced Research and Manufacturing Acceleration Coalition (TARMAC), a new initiative of Tulsa’s Tech Hub proposal, is designed to address this challenge by bolstering domestic TEAS manufacturing capabilities in the Greater Tulsa Region (GTR).

In the United States, small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) are underutilized in critical technology sectors like TEAS. Through three main components, TARMAC will bolster and inclusively build Tulsa’s SMMs capacity to manufacture and build the components needed for the TEAS technology of tomorrow, like printed circuit boards used in everything from your cellphone to unmanned vehicles, such as drones.

What is TARMAC?

TARMAC consist of three manufacturing components that workin concert to build Tulsa’s existing SMMs.

First, TARMAC will strategically identify new areas of growth and existing opportunities for SMMs through the creation of the Supply Chain Analysis Program (SCAP). Leveraging the research expertise of Oklahoma State University and manufacturing know-how at Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, this new program will pinpoint and identify gaps in the local and national TEAS supply chain, guiding investment and supporting new manufacturers. Centrally, SCAP will analyze trends and identify gaps in local and national TEAS supply chains, guiding private and public investment and supporting new or established SMMs entering the TEAS market.

Second, TARMAC will create a brand-new Technical Assistance Program (TAP), which provides technical expertise and financial assistance to SMMs seeking to enter TEAS manufacturing, address the hurdles of purchasing new equipment or navigating difficult regulatory compliance to enter TEAS customer segments. TAP will be co-led by OMA, who will provide technical expertise, and the Tulsa Economic Development Corp. (TEDC), who will utilize existing SBA programs to spur debt-financing options for SMMs. At its center, TAP provides technical and financial assistance to qualified SMMs for pivoting into TEAS manufacturing. Uniquely, TAP also includes a bank-led Strategic Small Business Lending Consortium (SSBLC) and a $7.5 million revolving equity fund.

Lastly, the TARMAC Demonstration Center will offer advanced equipment, training, and resources for SMMs to develop TEAS manufacturing capabilities, providing a home to established and growing SMMs scale critical components. Located in the heart of North Tulsa in the Peoria Mohawk Business Park, the Demonstration Center will offer 100,000 sq. ft. facility with the equipment, training, security, and resources for SMMs to develop TEAS manufacturing capabilities, creating a manufacturing anchor for the industry and center of gravity (see figure).

Who benefits from TARMAC?

Through this nationally unique model, SMMs gain technical assistance, financial support, and access to advanced manufacturing facilities. This new expertise, access to facilities, and financial support bolsters the Greater Tulsa Region’s economic trajectory, creating accessible, good jobs, attracting continued investment through proven manufacturing capacity, and strengthening the regional economy. TARMAC will have a lasting and resounding impact, projected to add nearly $1 billion in GDP and add more than 3,000 jobs in the Greater Tulsa Region (GTR) over the next 10 years. The TARMAC initiative will increase the number of TEAS manufacturers in the region by 33% over 10 years, prioritizing opportunities for BIPOC-owned businesses and female workers. Most importantly, this new ability to manufacturing critical components benefits the nation, reducing the dependence on foreign TEAS components and fostering domestic innovation through applied manufacturing practices.

Join us in building a stronger future

TARMAC is a comprehensive solution that addresses critical needs in domestic TEAS manufacturing. By empowering SMMs, fostering innovation, and prioritizing underserved communities, TARMAC paves the way for a more secure and prosperous future. TARMAC presents a significant opportunity to revitalize American TEAS manufacturing and create a more secure and prosperous future. Stay tuned for further updates on TARMAC's progress!

Tulsa was one of 31 regions designated a “Tech Hub” in phase 1 of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Tech Hubs program in October 2023. The EDA is expected to announce the phase 2 winners this summer.