By Fox23.com News Staff
TULSA, Okla. — Gradient, the nation’s sixth largest innovation hub located in downtown Tulsa, released its 2025 Impact Report and reported $1.76 billion in regional economic impact over the past five years.
The innovation lab said the milestone coincides with its 10-year anniversary and marks a period of significant growth for the organization as it continues to strengthens Tulsa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and expand its national presence.
In 2025 Gradient:
- Supported 493 businesses
- Created 4,421 jobs
- Generated $198 million in sales
- Secured $121 million in funding
“These numbers represent more than activity, they reflect a shift in how economic growth happens,” said Devon Laney, CEO of Gradient. “Tulsa is demonstrating that entrepreneurship is not just part of the economy, but a powerful engine for it.”
An example is ActivEnergy, founded by entrepreneur Matt Cantrell. What began as a one-person operation has grown into a multi-state company now in discussion to bring a major manufacturing facility to Oklahoma.
“Gradient was an integral part of where we are today,” said Cantrell. “We’ve gone from a desk and a dream to partnering with a global nanotech leader exploring a major manufacturing facility in Oklahoma. That’s exactly the kind of outcome Gradient is built to support.”
Gradient-affiliated companies report average wages higher than regional benchmarks, contributing to broader economic mobility and industry diversification, the innovation hub said.
You can find more information on Gradient by clicking here.
