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The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship was founded in 2023 with the goal of creating a dynamic environment for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Over the years, we have achieved significant milestones, including the list of milestones and achievements in the past academic year, 2023:
Tulsa designated a “Tech Hub” by the U.S. Economic Development Administration
A great achievement for Tulsa was announced in October 2023 when the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) designated Tulsa a “Tech Hub” as part of a historic $500 million investment in U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.
Tulsa’s proposal, the Tulsa Hub for Equitable & Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA), will advance the development of autonomous technologies, such as uncrewed aerial systems, drones, cybersecurity and generative artificial intelligence. THETA was led by Tulsa Innovation Labs — an initiative of the George Kaiser Family Foundation — and coalition members the University of Tulsa, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa Community College, Black Tech Street, Madison Strategies Group, PartnerTulsa and Tulsa Economic Development Corporation.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tulsa is also growing at an exponential rate with new and larger Venture Capital funds dedicated to supporting diverse ideas to impact everyday lives and diversity of entrepreneurs.
The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Tulsa is also growing at an exponential rate with new and larger Venture Capital funds like Hurricane Ventures, 46VC, Cortado, Boyd Street Ventures, Atento Capital, VestHer and Accelerator programs like ACT House, Techstars, StitchCrew and the NEST Collective providing entrepreneurs with unprecedented access to support and early-stage capital. It is a great time to be an entrepreneur in Tulsa!
Launched the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE)
The city of Tulsa has been immersed in efforts to establish itself as a leader in the region for entrepreneurial activity, a goal that is getting a significant boost from a new endeavor in The University of Tulsa’s Collins College of Business.
TU announced the establishment of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, with a goal of raising $10 million to help the campus community commercialize intellectual property, create new ventures and attain venture capital funding. The university aims to provide seed capital for the next 100 companies started by TU students, alumni and faculty.
Launched Hurricane Ventures, University of Tulsa’s Venture Fund
The University of Tulsa’s Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship is excited to announce the launch of Hurricane Ventures. This new initiative, in partnership with 46 Venture Capital, is designed to be a funding catalyst for TU student, faculty, staff and alumni startups.
Leveraging the resources and knowledge network of the university, Hurricane Ventures is seeding early-stage companies to drive real impact across the economy and further the mission of TU’s Collins College of Business and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Launched in early 2023, Hurricane Ventures has already raised $2 million – well on its way to a $10 million goal – to commercialize intellectual property, create new ventures and attain venture capital funding. The university aims to provide seed capital for the next 100 companies started by TU students, alumni and faculty.
167
Number of students participating in JOLT program
62%
of JOLT students plan to start a business within 5 years of graduating
10.4MM
Capital raised by our 6 initial startups founded by TU students, faculty, and alumni.
171
Businesses have been created by TU alumni in the past 10 years
$55k
2023 Pitch Competition
Prize Money Awarded to TU Students
$50k
2023 Accelerator Program Funding Cherokee Female Founders
Our Faculty
Chris Wright, Ph.D.
Director of Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship
He is passionate about helping TU and the Tulsa region become leaders in entrepreneurship and venture development by providing founders better access to education, resources and capital. He is a co-founder and investor in multiple Tulsa-based tech companies including Reliant, Medefy Health, Mein3, and Plannly Health and advisor to many more incredible startups and founders.
Taleya Mayberry-Smith
Entrepreneurial Programs Director
Taleya is a dynamic leader with a strong background in operations, offering a blend of strategic insight and diverse experience. Formally, as Head of Operations at ACT House, Taleya is driven to make a lasting impact on economic development, multi-generational wealth, and organizational success, both within her community and beyond.
Nathan Woolard
Assistant Professor & JOLT Faculty Advisor
Nathan Woolard, Ed.D., joined the TU faculty in spring 2022 as an applied assistant professor of innovation and entrepreneurship and the director of the Jolt@TU Business Center, providing student programming related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. Having grown up in a family of small business owners, he is passionate about small business and community development and operated a small business with his wife until 2019. His research interests include entrepreneurial pedagogy and entrepreneurial ecosystem development.
Charles Wood
John Robert “Cy” Elmburg Professor of Business,
Department Head of Management, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
Charles M. Wood, Ph.D., is professor of marketing at The University of Tulsa. He has academic degrees in engineering, journalism, and business, and worked for a dozen years in industry – as an engineer for a Fortune 10 firm, and as a founder of a successful stage production company and creative agency. To date Wood has published over 50 articles in both refereed journals and conference proceedings and received a Fulbright Scholar Award to Ireland from the U.S. Department of State. Wood’s teaching and service have also received a national award from Houghton-Mifflin, the top teaching award and the top service award at The University of Tulsa, along with several “Most Valuable Professor” awards.
Larry Wofford
Davis D. Bovaird Chair in Private Enterprise and Entrepreneurial Studies, Professor of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Larry Wofford, Ph.D., is an entrepreneurship professor who specializes in the growth and development of enterprises beyond the startup phase. He also specializes in entrepreneurship within the real estate and built environment areas. He also earned an MLS degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Post Graduate Diploma from the University of Oxford.
Mike Goldsby, Ph.D.
David and Leslie Lawson Endowed Chair in Entrepreneurship, Professor of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Goldsby’s current research focuses on the recognition and development of opportunities, design, innovation and applied creativity. Goldsby’s 2024 research, published in the Journal of Business Logistics, is titled “Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Supply Chain Managers: Exposing a Powerful Potential.” He is a member of many management professional organizations and offers consulting and workshop services to companies, communities and universities. In addition to his numerous refereed journal articles, Goldsby coauthored “Corporate Innovation (2nd Edition)” and “Entrepreneurship the Disney Way”, and his research has been reported by major international media outlets, including CBS, MSNBC, CNN, and the Associated Press.
Roary E. Snider, Ph.D., J.D.
Assistant Professor of Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Roary E. Snider, Ph.D., J.D., is an assistant professor of management, innovation, & entrepreneurship. His research focuses on corporate non-market strategy including corporate political activity, legal strategy, and the role of antitrust (competition) law in shaping firm decision making. He also studies entrepreneurship as a policy tool for economic development, community development, and poverty alleviation. Prior to academia, Snider practiced law in Florida including terms in the Florida Governor’s Office, the Florida Legislature, and roles in several state agencies as a senior manager.
Our Partners
TU’s CIE champions community support through strategic partnerships, securing financial commitments, and creating a vision aligned with the university’s mission and regional economic development goals. Engagement with key stakeholders drives innovation, supports economic growth, and provides opportunities for underrepresented populations.
36 Degrees North
Tulsa’s basecamp for entrepreneurs, remote workers, and startups
ACT House
Human analytics company fortifying team design, accelerating startups, and funding high-performance ventures.
Ayana Foundation
Global network dedicated to uplifting women founders globally through empowering collaborations, shared networks, and innovative support.
Black Tech Street
Organization working to rebirth Black Wall Street as a Black Innovation Economy via storytelling and securing Black tech-focused economic and industry development opportunities for Greenwood.
Cherokee Nation
The largest tribe in the United States with more than 450,000 tribal citizens worldwide
Cherokee Nation Businesses
The board-governed holding company for Cherokee Nation’s tribally owned business portfolio, one united by our unique mission and values.
Hurricane Ventures
The University of Tulsa VC Fund, investing in early-stage technologies to drive real impact across the economy.
i2E
A non-profit organization giving entrepreneurs and innovators the guidance, accountability, and candor to ensure that when those big moments come, you’re ready.
Partner Tulsa
A Independent organization founded to streamline the city of Tulsa’s economic development efforts. PartnerTulsa connects businesses, talent, and citizens, because we know we’re stronger as one.
Plains Ventures
An early-stage VC that invests in entrepreneurs and innovative technology between the coasts.
techstars
Pre-seed investor that provides access to capital, mentorship, and other support for early-stage entrepreneurs.
Tulsa Innovation Labs
Design and launch new initiatives to catalyze a thriving and inclusive innovation economy in Tulsa
46 Venture Capital
A multi-fund manager based in Tulsa, OK focusing on early-stage investments across a variety of sectors
StitchCrew
An 501(c3) creating programs that democratize access to capital, resources, and networks for the new majority entrepreneurs so they can unlock their full potential.
Vest
peer network and investment fund dedicated to women-led companies in the care economy and future of work.
Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation
The Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation strives to empower Tulsans to achieve their goals by decreasing barriers associated with big ideas.
Build In Tulsa
A scalable, replicable tech-forward business and entrepreneurship ecosystem to catalyze the creation of generational Black wealth.
Regent Bank
Green Country’s Business Bank serving Tulsa, OKC, Nowata & Springfield, MO.
Kathy Taylor
A strategic businesswoman, captivating thought leader, community builder and steadfast advocate for women and entrepreneurship
Contact Us
Welcome to the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE) at the University of Tulsa, where we are dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. Our mission is to provide students, alumni, and the broader community with the tools, resources, and support needed to transform groundbreaking ideas into successful ventures.
Collins College of Business
Helmerich Hall
2900 E. 5th Street
Tulsa, OK 74104-9700
918-631-0000
jolt@utulsa.edu