Connecting Startups with Energy Leaders
Tulsa Innovation Labs is driving growth for early-stage tech companies by linking them directly with major energy corporations through its Rose Rock Bridge Venture Studio. This initiative is not just nurturing startups, it’s creating meaningful partnerships that allow emerging companies to work alongside established energy firms like ONEOK, Williams, Devon, and H&P.
Malachi Blankenship, Director of Capital and Entrepreneurship at Tulsa Innovation Labs, describes Rose Rock Bridge as a platform helping small, agile teams evolve into industry leaders. The program specifically targets startups in the energy tech space, giving them a clearer path into corporate environments that typically remain difficult to penetrate.
From Hundreds of Applicants to a Select Few
The demand for this program is intense. Out of more than 700 companies applying from across the U.S. and even internationally, Tulsa Innovation Labs carefully selected just 15 finalists. These finalists had to align closely with the innovation priorities of Tulsa’s energy partners to move forward.
“We brought these teams before our corporate partners to decide which startups truly fit with their goals and could be deployed directly into their operations,” Blankenship said. This rigorous selection process ensures that only the most promising startups gain access to the resources and networks they need to scale.
What Sets Rose Rock Bridge Apart
Unlike traditional venture capital platforms often focused on funding, Rose Rock Bridge operates as a deployment studio. Blankenship emphasizes this key difference: the program’s core is connecting innovative tech startups directly to large, established energy companies for real-world application.
“It’s literally the bridge from innovation land into the corporate world,” Blankenship said. This hands-on approach means startups aren’t just getting money, they’re getting access to potential customers, industry knowledge, and opportunities for pilots or integration within major companies.
Tulsa’s Growing Role in Tech and Innovation
Tulsa is quickly becoming a national hub for tech and entrepreneurship. Programs like Rose Rock Bridge are crucial to that rise, not just by attracting outside companies to the city, but by nurturing local talent as well.
“We’re seeing both sides of the coin,” Blankenship said. “New companies are coming to Tulsa and launching here. At the same time, local innovators are expanding and scaling their businesses.”
Tulsa Innovation Labs also acts as an innovation partner for large corporations, helping them accelerate their tech strategies by tapping into the energy startup ecosystem. This creates a dynamic feedback loop benefiting all parties involved.
Creating a Lasting Innovation Ecosystem
The bigger picture goes beyond just startups or corporate partnerships. Tulsa Innovation Labs aims to establish a permanent cluster of innovation in the city, where knowledge spills over and fuels ongoing growth.
“We want these companies to stay here and grow alongside our corporations,” Blankenship explained. “It’s about building excitement and creating a brain trust that drives future breakthroughs.”
By fostering a local ecosystem where energy tech startups and legacy firms thrive together, Tulsa is positioning itself as a long-term innovation destination—not just a stepping stone.
