What Tech Business Ideas Are the Top Choices In Oklahoma Today?

Oklahoma is steadily becoming a promising location for tech startups, aided by a developing ecosystem that includes support from local universities and business incubators.

The state also benefits from a growing tech-savvy workforce and a lower cost of living, creating a favorable environment for innovation in the tech sector. In June of 2024, Tulsa was designated as a Tech Hub by The U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Related Story: Tulsa Nonprofit Helping Women Of Color In Tech Turn Ideas Into Profit Through 15-Week Program

Starting a tech business involves several key steps, from initial planning to launching your business.

Here are some of the growing tech fields and business ideas to consider starting in Oklahoma:

Renewable Energy Tech

1. Wind Energy Solutions: Oklahoma is a leader in wind energy. State leaders have pushed for years to keep Oklahoma ahead of the game in terms of both renewable and nonrenewable energy. Starting a business focused on wind turbine maintenance, monitoring systems, or renewable energy consulting could be highly lucrative.
2. Related Story: USDA To Invest Over $3 Million Into Oklahoma Renewable Energy Projects
3. Solar Power Solutions: While solar power still makes up a small part of Oklahoma's energy production, experts believe it is bound to grow over time. Currently, Oklahoma has 6 homes per 1,000 households powered by solar—the fourth lowest in the country. Offering solar installation, energy storage systems, or software platforms that optimize solar energy usage, could be a fertile area for major growth.
4. The OSU Institute of Technology offers courses and degree plans that explore renewable energy tech and advancement.

Agritech

1. Precision Farming: Precision farming can help farmers improve the quality of their crops or livestock by using new technologies that aren't broadly in place in some parts of the states. You could leverage data analytics, and AI to help farmers optimize crop yields, manage water usage, and monitor soil health. Or build, sell, or maintain auto-steering equipment.
2. Agri-Drones: Provide drone services for crop monitoring, pest detection, and aerial imaging.
3. Related Story: Oklahoma Farmers Use Drones To Monitor Crops, Cattle

EdTech

1. E-Learning Platforms: Design e-learning tools or platforms for K-12, college students, or professional development, focusing on accessibility in rural areas.
2. A 2020 U.S. Census report claimed that roughly 20% of children in Oklahoma are home-schooled. That's potentially 120,000 kids. This means there are a lot of families looking for easy and innovative ways to educate their children.
3. Virtual Reality Training: Offer VR-based training programs for industries like oil and gas, aviation, or health care, which have a strong presence in Oklahoma.
4. Oklahoma State University features Education Technology courses and offers a master's degree in EdTech.

Disaster Relief Tech

1. Disaster Response Drone Fleet: Develop drone-based services that deliver supplies, such as medical kits, food, and water, to areas affected by natural disasters. The drones can also be used for aerial surveillance, mapping, and locating stranded individuals.
2. Mobile Connectivity & Power Hubs: Create portable, solar-powered hubs that provide emergency Wi-Fi and phone charging stations in disaster-affected areas.

AI and Machine Learning

1. Predictive Analytics for Oil & Gas: Develop AI tools that help oil and gas companies optimize resource extraction, reduce environmental impact, or ease equipment maintenance.
2. Smart Agriculture Solutions: Use AI and machine learning to develop predictive models for crop yields, and pest weather patterns.
3. The University of Oklahoma offers an AI & Machine Learning Bootcamp

. Cybersecurity

1. SMB Cybersecurity Services: Provide affordable cybersecurity solutions tailored to small and medium-sized businesses in Oklahoma, helping them protect against data breaches and cyber threats.
2. Security Software Development: Create cybersecurity software focused on Oklahoma industries, such as energy, manufacturing, aerospace, and health care.
3. The University of Tulsa offers degrees in cybersecurity, which can help in launching a startup as well as finding a new career path.

Tech-Enabled Real Estate

1. Rural Real Estate Platforms: Develop digital real estate platforms that cater to buying, selling, or leasing agricultural and rural properties. Land.com is an example of a company in this field.

Supply Chain Tech

1. Drone Delivery Services: Explore the opportunity for drone-based delivery services for rural and remote areas, focusing on essential goods like medications and farming supplies.