Tulsa's Greenwood AI/AS Center of Excellence aims to drive innovation and economic growth

Story Snapshot 📷 Black Tech Street is leading the development of the Greenwood AI/AS Center of Excellence (G-ACE) in Tulsa’s historic Black Wall Street, using a $10.6 million grant to drive AI innovation, economic development, and workforce empowerment. On March 6, a community information session at the Greenwood Cultural Center brought residents together to learn about G-ACE’s pilot initiatives, highlighting opportunities for local involvement in shaping Tulsa’s tech future.

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(TULSA, Okla.) The path of artificial intelligence is widening in Tulsa, and Greenwood is poising to set an accelerated pace. On March 6, Black Tech Street hosted a pivotal Greenwood AI/AS Center of Excellence (G-ACE) Community Information Session at the Greenwood Cultural Center, providing community members the opportunity to learn how the new initiative is leading the charge in shaping the future of AI (artificial intelligence) and AS (autonomous systems).

Attendees gained insight into G-ACE’s exciting pilot initiatives, which focused on key areas such as entrepreneurship, fluency development and AI innovation. The session was an engaging experience for those interested in how AI is transforming business and community development, and how they could be part of this groundbreaking movement in Greenwood.

“This is not just something cool for our community, it’s more than that,” said Tyrance Billingsley II, Founder and Executive Director of Black Tech Street. “Our nation is in desperate need of what it is we are in the position to deliver, and it puts us in a unique situation.”

In 2022, the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA), a federally designated Tech Hub, was awarded $51 million through a grant from the US Economic Development Administration (EDA). The program is a federal initiative aimed at making the United States a global leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.

Tulsa is one of only two communities to receive the $51 million award. Of this funding, $10.6 million will be allocated to G-ACE, which is being spearheaded by Black Tech Street. As a grant recipient, member of the steering committee, and key decision-maker in Tulsa Tech Hub’s strategy, Black Tech Street plays a central role in the initiative.

G-ACE is a unique center being built in the heart of Black Wall Street, with the goal of advancing an AI-powered society and economy. The center’s main initiatives focus on economic development, workforce empowerment, and self-sufficiency.

The initiative is supported by the Microsoft Cyber and AI Co-Innovation Lab and the ASPIRE program. The Microsoft Cyber and AI Co-Innovation Lab is a first-of-its-kind facility dedicated to driving AI-driven economic transformation. 

We're told the lab will support entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals by providing access to Microsoft's tech. The ASPIRE program focuses on developing AI fluency and serves as the talent development and innovation arm of G-ACE.

Mikael Vaughn, Founder and Executive Director of Urban Coders Guild, sees the initiative as a huge opportunity for younger generations interested in technology.

“I believe in computer science education for our youth as a means of generating generational wealth and economic justice, especially here in Greenwood,” said Vaughn.

As the leader of a nonprofit focused on STEM/STEAM education access for youth, Vaughn understands the importance of creating opportunities in technology.

“I think about innovation,” said Vaughn. “This project being in Tulsa…individuals [are] coming to a space of freedom, with AI [offering] that sense of freedom.” 

The center is expected to open this fall.

For more information about Black Tech Street or G-ACE, visit blacktechstreet.com.