Innovate That

This special episode of "Innovate That," recorded live at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, spotlights Oklahoma's thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Jennifer McGrail, Wade Dunn (Gradient, Tulsa), and Kristin Garcia (The Verge, Oklahoma City) discuss statewide collaboration, resources, and programs supporting startups—from coworking and accelerators to funding and mentorship. They highlight the Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCN) and the involvement of universities, investors, and global partners. The episode celebrates Oklahoma's growing national and global presence, emphasizing a spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and optimism for the state's entrepreneurial future. Timestamps: Introduction & Setting the Stage (00:00:00) Live from the Global Entrepreneurship Congress; overview of Oklahoma's unique entrepreneurial ecosystem and collaboration. Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCEAN) Launch (00:01:27) Introduction of OCEAN, its partners, and its mission to connect founders, investors, and policymakers statewide. Gradient's Impact in Tulsa (00:03:30) Description of Gradient's innovation hub, economic impact, partnerships, and support programs for entrepreneurs at all stages. The Verge OKC's Offerings (00:05:35) Overview of The Verge's coworking, incubator, accelerator, and university partnerships in Oklahoma City. Mentorship, Advisors, and University Connections (00:06:27) Discussion of mentorship, legal resources, and student involvement through university partnerships. Community Development & Philanthropy (00:07:32) Role of foundations like Inasmuch in supporting entrepreneurship and community development in Oklahoma City. Venture Capital & Accelerator Partners (00:08:12) List of VCs, accelerators, and financial supporters involved with Gradient and The Verge. Acast's Unique Role & Statewide Programs (00:09:29) Acast's direct programs, matching grants, and STEM intern industry program for Oklahoma startups. Expanding Talent Pipeline & Student Opportunities (00:10:42) Expansion of internship eligibility to career tech students and the importance of growing local talent. Prototype & Manufacturing Support (00:12:06) Resources like Inventors Assistance Service and Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance for prototyping and manufacturing help. Federal Funding & SBIR Programs (00:12:40) OK Catalyst's support for federal SBIR awards and an example of dual-use technology commercialization. Rural Innovation & Farm Bureau Accelerators (00:14:00) Oklahoma Farm Bureau's rural accelerator programs and partnerships supporting rural entrepreneurs. Venture Capital Funds & Rural Funding (00:15:08) Explanation of Oklahoma's fund of funds, rural-specific VC, and loan programs for startups. Resource Directories & Where to Find Help (00:16:31) Websites and directories for finding entrepreneurial resources across Oklahoma. The Future of Innovation in Oklahoma (00:17:00) Speakers' visions for Oklahoma's future: AI, tech hubs, collaborative spirit, and growing national recognition. Boomerang Oklahomans & Quality of Life (00:19:41) Return of former residents, affordable living, and new cultural and tech developments in Oklahoma. Global & National Partnerships (00:21:22) Involvement of major brands like Microsoft and Google in Oklahoma's innovation ecosystem. Closing Remarks (00:21:41) Oklahoma's bright future on the global stage; invitation to join the state's innovation journey.

In this special episode of "Innovate That," recorded at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, host Jennifer McGrail spotlights Oklahoma's vibrant innovation scene. Joined by Wade from Gradient and Kristin Garcia, they discuss groundbreaking startups such as Cube Nexus and Apricot Health AI, which are revolutionizing spatial data and healthcare. The conversation also honors pioneering founders, including those behind You Need A Budget and Next Thought. Together, they challenge misconceptions about Oklahoma, highlighting the state's supportive, humble, and rapidly growing entrepreneurial ecosystem, making an impact locally and globally. Timestamps: Introduction and Oklahoma Innovation Misconceptions (00:00:00) The hosts introduce themselves, the podcast, and discuss the misconception that Oklahoma lacks innovation. Founder-First Philosophy and Unique Oklahoma Founders (00:01:04) Discussion of Brad Feld's “founder first” approach and a prompt to highlight unique Oklahoma founders. Cube Nexus: Organizing Spatial Data (00:01:34) Wade introduces Cube Nexus, a company that organizes spatial data for better decision-making. AR/VR and Spatial Data Applications (00:03:01) Kristen discusses the importance of spatial data in AR/VR and how Cube Nexus addresses integration challenges. Startup World Cup Regional and Apricot Eye (00:03:31) Kristen highlights Gradient hosting the Startup World Cup and introduces Apricot Eye, an AI-driven healthcare startup. Apricot Eye's Impact on Home Hospice Care (00:03:56) Details on Apricot Eye's AI solution for home hospice, improving nurse efficiency and patient care. Ecosystem Collaboration and Talent Development (00:06:10) Kristen describes collaboration in the Oklahoma startup ecosystem and talent development through programs like OK Coders. Encouragement to Explore More Oklahoma Startups (00:06:41) Jennifer encourages listeners to explore more Oklahoma startups via the Innovate That podcast. Highlighting OG Oklahoma Startups: You Need a Budget (00:07:10) Wade discusses “You Need a Budget” (YNAB), an Oklahoma-based remote-first company with a large following. YNAB's Growth and Remote Work Culture (00:08:13) Further details on YNAB's growth, remote work history, and its supportive community at Gradient. Oklahoma's Humble OGs and Ken Parker (00:09:39) Kristen highlights Ken Parker, founder of Next Thought, as an influential but humble Oklahoma tech leader. Ken Parker's Community Engagement and AI in Education (00:10:10) Details on Ken Parker's work in AI for education and his deep community involvement. Oklahoma Humility and Closing Remarks (00:11:27) Reflection on Oklahoma's humble culture and encouragement to discover more local startup stories.

In this special edition of the "Innovate That" podcast, recorded at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, OCAST's host, Jennifer McGrail and guests from Gradient (Tulsa) and The Verge (Oklahoma City) discuss Oklahoma's rich legacy of innovation and its thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. They highlight the state's historic inventions, community-driven support for startups, and strategic focus on sectors like energy, aviation, and life sciences. The episode showcases how collaboration between urban and rural communities, and organizations like Gradient and The Verge, are positioning Oklahoma as a welcoming, innovative hub for entrepreneurs locally and globally. Timestamps: Oklahoma's Innovation Legacy (00:00:00) Host introduces the episode, Oklahoma's history of innovation, and notable inventions from the state. Tulsa's Gradient and Local Entrepreneurship (00:01:36) Wade Dunn discusses Gradient's historic building, Tulsa's entrepreneurial legacy, and Oklahoma's tech contributions. Oklahoma City's Community Resilience (00:03:21) Kristen Garcia shares about The Verge's new location, the Oklahoma City bombing's impact, and community support for businesses. Building Inclusive Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (00:05:03) Speakers discuss making entrepreneurship accessible, inviting diverse founders, and fostering community across Oklahoma. Rural Entrepreneurship and Statewide Success Stories (00:06:03) Highlighting rural innovation, statewide business growth, and examples like Sonic, QuikTrip, and Love's. Oklahoma's Strategic Innovation Pillars (00:07:38) Overview of Oklahoma's focus areas: aviation, life sciences, and oil and gas, and their impact on the state's economy. Energy Innovation and Accelerator Programs (00:09:13) Gradient's role in energy sector innovation, accelerator programs, and Oklahoma's unique support for energy startups. Entrepreneurs as Global Diplomats (00:10:59) Entrepreneurs' global impact, success stories like Synthetics, and Oklahoma's supportive ecosystem for tech and energy. Conference Reflections and Global Connections (00:12:47) Takeaways from the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, shared challenges, and the importance of entrepreneurship for communities. Episode Wrap-Up (00:13:03) Host summarizes key insights and closes the special edition episode.

This special episode of "Innovate That" was recorded live at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis. Jennifer McGrail is joined by Wade Dunn from Gradient in Tulsa and Kristin Garcia from The Verge in Oklahoma City. Together, they discuss Oklahoma's rapidly growing startup ecosystem, share insights from the global event, and address common misconceptions about innovation in their state. Highlighting collaboration, community, and global connections, the episode showcases Oklahoma's emergence as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurship and innovation, ready to compete on the world stage. This episode explores how Oklahoma is making waves nationally in entrepreneurship and startup support. Tune in as these leaders discuss capital access, founder momentum, and what it takes to build thriving ecosystems from the ground up. Introduction to the Podcast and Guests (00:00:00) Hosts introduce the special episode, the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, and guests Wade Dunn and Kristin Garcia. Gradient Innovation Hub Overview (00:00:25) Wade Dunn describes his role and explains Gradient's mission, facilities, and partnerships in Tulsa. The Verge Innovation Hub Overview (00:01:01) Kristin Garcia introduces The Verge, its services, and its role in Oklahoma City's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Oklahoma at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (00:01:34) Discussion about Oklahoma's presence at the Congress and its comparison to global innovation ecosystems. Reflections on Oklahoma's Global Standing (00:01:55) Wade shares his impressions of Oklahoma's progress and challenges compared to other global ecosystems. Global Entrepreneurship Week and International Connections (00:02:57) Kristin discusses her role in Global Entrepreneurship Week and the value of international networking. Misconceptions About Oklahoma and Innovation (00:03:46) The hosts discuss common misconceptions about Oklahoma, using sports analogies and recent events. Changing Perceptions Through Entrepreneurship (00:04:50) Kristin shares experiences of representing Oklahoma at national events and surprising others with the state's innovation. Personal Surprises and Growth in Oklahoma (00:06:02) Wade and Kristin reflect on their initial misconceptions and the innovative reality they discovered in Oklahoma. Oklahoma's Tech and Startup Success Stories (00:07:07) Wade highlights the diversity and success of tech startups in Oklahoma, emphasizing their growth and impact. Native Oklahoman's Perspective on State's Reputation (00:07:59) The host shares personal experiences with outsiders' perceptions and the opportunity to showcase Oklahoma's broader achievements.

In this latest episode of Innovate That, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell talks with Steve Cole, Director of the WindShape Test Facility in Tulsa, OK. Founded by five engineers in Switzerland, WindShape is redefining drone testing by recreating real-world weather conditions like wind, rain, and lightning in a controlled environment—helping validate performance and safety like never before.

Lt. Gov Matt Pinnell sat down with Shoaib Shaikh, Co-Founder|CEO and Michael Teicheira, Chief of Operations at XPLOSafe, an Oklahoma company developing cutting-edge chemical safety and air monitoring tech — tools that are protecting lives on Earth and contributing to NASA's mission in space.

Join Oklahoma Lt. Gov Matt Pinnell and Jenny Cochran of Zeeco, Inc. You will learn how Zeeco is innovating with its Advanced Research Complex (ARC), prioritizing sustainability, and benefiting from OCAST's Industry Innovation funding to lead in global impact and efficiency. 

Listen to the latest Innovate That podcast with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell and Kraettli L. Epperson, CEO of Vigilant Aerospace Systems, about the future of drones, aerospace innovation, and Oklahoma's leadership in advanced air mobility.

Oklahoma Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell is back with another episode of Innovate That! Today, we're joined by Dr. Pinkey Patel, founder and CEO of Myri Health—a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing maternal health with cutting-edge technology and personalized care.

In the latest episode of the Innovate That Podcast, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell sits down with Ron Mercer, President of Bedrock Ventures, to discuss their groundbreaking work in energy diversification.

In this SPECIAL STAFF edition of Innovate That!, your host Makeba Griffin and co-host Mark Ballard take you behind the scenes to meet the incredible OCAST staff.—both proud members of the OCAST staff—take you behind the scenes to meet the incredible team driving innovation across Oklahoma. Learn about their roles, hear fun facts about what inspires them, and discover the passion and dedication behind OCAST's mission to advance science and technology in our state.

In this episode of Innovate That, hosted by Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell, we talk with Alison Watkins, founder of Watkins-Conti Products. Alison shares the story behind Yoni Fit®, an innovative solution transforming pelvic health care, and the challenges she faced bringing it to market. Tune in to hear how she's partnering with healthcare institutions and making a difference right here in Oklahoma.

In this episode, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell talks with the co-founders of Cadenza Bio, Dr. Carol Curtis and Dr. Elaine Hamm. Cadenza Bio is a biotech company developing new treatments for diseases that damage nerves and cause inflammation. Their mission is to stop disease progression, support healing, and improve patients' lives.

Join us as Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell talks with Johnathan Burgess, Founder & Chief Executive Officer with Burgess Aerospace Innovation (BAI). In this episode you will hear how BAI is revolutionizing livestock management through aerial surveillance using drones.

Join Lt. Gov Matt Pinnell and "guests" for an insightful recap of the OCAST Innovation Conference and Expo! In this episode, you will hear from the event sponsors, guest speakers, lenders, founders and exhibitors highlighting their most impactful takeaways from the event.

In this special episode of Innovate That, join us as Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell sits down with representatives from Human Mode Robotics, LLC to discuss their innovative work in advancing capabilities in general purpose and mixed collaborative robots. Together, they delve into the company's role as presenting sponsor of the OCAST 2024 Innovation Conference and Expo, exploring the intersection of technology, robotics, and economic development in Oklahoma.

Welcome to our podcast spotlighting groundbreaking innovations in healthcare. Today, we're diving into the world of wound care with ParaNano, Co-Founder Chelsea Luxen. ParaNano Wound Care, LLC pioneers smart bandages designed to detect infections, revolutionizing wound management.

 We have an exciting lineup that explores deep into the world of innovation, workforce development, and the dynamic intersection of STEM education in Oklahoma. 

Join us as Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell talks with Nathaniel Harding, Managing Partner with Cortado Ventures. In this episode you will hear how Cortado Ventures focuses on fostering innovation, partnerships, and initiatives like the U.S. Treasury SSBCI. Cortado plays a crucial role in shaping a prosperous future in Oklahoma. 

This episode, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell and three amazing leaders kick-off Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW 2023). Discover the global impact of GEW, featuring insights from industry leaders, upcoming events, and inspiring entrepreneurial stories. Get ready for this amazing episode exploring cutting-edge ideas and the entrepreneurial spirit.

In this episode, we focus on AAON, Inc. in celebration of Manufacturing Month. We will explore how they are making a significant impact on the future of HVAC technology right here in Oklahoma.

TEDC Creative Capital, is at the forefront of driving economic growth in Oklahoma. Through partnerships, innovation support, and initiatives like the U.S. Treasury State Small Business Credit Initiative, TEDC is a catalyst for entrepreneurship and community development, shaping a prosperous future for the region. 

Step into Season 2 of the Innovate That podcast! In this episode, the Lt. Governor engages in a conversation with Anita Ly from gener8tor, delving into the realm of Oklahoma's Accelerator initiatives. Accompanying them are two participants from gener8tor's cohort, Jenae Goodin and Shawn Gaetano. Tune in to gain more insights on the accelerator programs offered in Oklahoma's ecosystem.

Join Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell as he talks aerospace in Oklahoma and its innovative future with Dr. Robert Miller, CEO of Skydweller, Inc. After listening to the podcast, you can learn more about this innovative Oklahoma company at www.skydweller.aero

In this episode of Innovate That, Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell interviews Katy and Aria, the founders of WristWorld, an augmented reality puzzle RPG using wristbands.  WristWorld is an innovative Oklahoma company, but it just happens to have been created, founded and run by high school students.  With young Oklahomans like Katy, Arya and their team leading the way, innovation in Oklahoma has a very bright future.  Learn more at http://wrist.world

What happens when two engineers who love data come together with an idea to be able to determine a person's susceptibility to disease and how certain treatments might affect their body based on their genetic makeup?  AJ Rosenthal joins Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell to discuss how a question from his young son led to he and business partner Warren Gieck pursuing bioInformatics and launching their company General Genomics, Inc.   

The global water crisis claims about 3.4 million people every single year. That's because 2.1 billion people lack access to clean water and on top of that 34% of the world's population lack improved sanitation facilities.   However, Water4, an Oklahoma nonprofit has made it its mission to make those statistics a thing of the past. Water 4 believes that this crisis cannot be solved with charity alone, but rather action, education, and implementation of clean water standards on the ground in these affected areas. That's why they take the solution to the communities affected and partner with them to maintain their own clean water systems which helps to create a water infrastructure that is sustainable. And they do this with parts manufactured in Oklahoma City.  Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell talks with CEO and President of Water 4, Matt Hangen to learn more.  Its quite a story of how a local nonprofit is using innovation to change the world and give people in other countries a chance at entrepreneurship. 

In this episode, the Lt. Governor talks with Sharon Harrison and Michael Grant about workforce development in Oklahoma. Their Workforce OMA committee was created to identify and drive initiatives for manufacturer's workforce challenges in the state of Oklahoma. Listen in to learn about the program and hear how it is helping out this important Oklahoma industry. 

In this episode, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell talks with Craig Shimasaki of Moleculera Labs. Dr. Shimasaki is an author, entrepreneur, and great spokesman for the Oklahoma Innovation Model. Learn about what precision medicine is, how his company is researching possible future COVID treatments and listen to his advice to fellow biotech entrepreneurs. The biotech industry benefits the State of Oklahoma because of companies like Moleculera Labs. 

Welcome to 2022! In this episode Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell sits down with Katy Boren, the CEO of the Oklahoma City Innovation District. They discuss the past, present and future of the district and highlight the game changing vision of this area just east of downtown OKC. Learn more at https://okcinnovation.com/.  

In this installment the Lt. Governor talks with Bradley Davis, the founder and CEO of Podchaser. Bradley discusses his company, the path of a startup business and the differences between states and their process for investing in early stage businesses. Listen to learn why Bradley chooses to call Oklahoma his home and to find out what advice he would offer to any up and coming entrepreneur. 

In this episode the Lt. Governor welcomes Jennifer Ellis to the show. Jennifer is the CEO of Cosmetic Specialty Labs which is located in Lawton, Oklahoma. This company offers turnkey manufacturing for cosmetics and over the counter drugs. Listen in to learn about their history, what it is like producing products for clients and about some of the benefits the State of Oklahoma can offer new and existing businesses.  

In this episode, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell talks to Jay Martin, founder of Martin Bionics. Together they discuss his latest innovation which was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2020. They also discuss the impact OCAST and the innovation model has had on his company and industry and the importance of utilizing resources that are offered to innovators in the State of Oklahoma. We are also happy to announce our new sponsor, The Oklahoma Business Roundtable. This great organization has partnered with OCAST to bring you this episode. Thank you for listening!  

Part 2 of our conversation with with Heather McDowell of OCAST, Jenny Cothran of The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and Jessica Stewart of the New Product Development Center. This episode talks about the future of industry in Oklahoma, the growing role of women in manufacturing and how the innovation model benefits the people of our state.    

In this episode we continue our exploration of the Oklahoma Innovation Model. This time, the Lt. Governor sits down with Heather McDowell of OCAST, Jenny Cothran of The Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance and Jessica Stewart of the New Product Development Center. This discussion talks about what support the State of Oklahoma offers those who are inventors or manufactures committed to doing business in the state.   

The growing market share of electric vehicles is rising at a staggering pace, and Oklahoma City is lucky to have a company located here that has positioned itself as a key stakeholder in the supply chain. In this episode, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell welcomes Dirk Spiers, President of Spiers New Technologies. SNT specializes in the battery packs located in electric vehicles. Listen in to hear Dirk talk about their process, the different ways they utilize battery packs and his vision for the future of this rapidly growing industry.  

In this episode, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell interviews Sharina Perry, creator of Utopia Plastix. Utopia has created a way to use plants in the manufacturing of plastics. This method helps the plastics to become more eco-friendly and has the potential to change how plastic is created. Learn about Sharina's mission and how it helps guide her through the trials of being an entrepreneur. 

This episode is part 2 of the Lt. Governor's conversation with OCAST, i2E and OK Catalyst. The discussion of how the innovation model works is continued with great information about how the programs work, what steps can be taken by potential clients and what to expect throughout the process once projects are chosen to be funded. 

In this installment Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell begins a four part discussion on the Oklahoma Innovation Model (OIM), also known as "The Pipeline". The OIM is the backbone of tech-based economic development in Oklahoma and there are 5 total companies that make it work. In this roundtable discussion we hear from Connor Cox from OCAST, Stacey Brandhorst from i2E and Daniel Moses from OK Catalyst about how these companies work together to help businesses grow in Oklahoma. 

In this episode, Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell discusses the product "Sign Dart" with Justin Presley of Ram Jack. This project has the potential to save the government millions in costs to repair damaged or eradicated signs along the many roads across the country. They talk about the importance of relationships, the value of research and development, the importance of resources and why this manufacturing giant chooses to call Oklahoma home.  

In this episode we visit the Oil and Gas industry to learn about how one company is testing a product which would lower noise and pollution levels for manufacturing companies. Ron Key discusses the project and the potential of this technology to help over a multitude of industries. 

Lt. Governor Pinnell is joined by Shoaib and Michael of Xplosafe, a company located in Stillwater Oklahoma that specializes in the manufacturing of explosive detection products. The conversation revolves around why they chose Oklahoma as a global headquarters and how the business climate in Oklahoma is friendly enough for any company to prosper. 

In this episode the Lieutenant Governor sits down with Dr. Richard Kopke from the Hough Ear Institute in Oklahoma City. This company has been a worldwide leader in the search for the cure to hearing loss. Dr. Kpoke discusses their revolutionary new pill which is currently being referred to as HNPN-1010. This product is a pill that in lab testing has shown to help restore hearing loss by re-growing hairs within the inner ear. If this product is proven successful, it could be a cure for hearing loss associated with age and environmental factors.