Gradient, the nation’s 6th largest innovation hub, has been named Technology Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) of the Year by the International Business Innovation Association (INBIA). Additionally, Gradient also received INBIA’s highest honor as Global ESO of the Year, recognizing it as a worldwide leading entrepreneurship center across industries.
The Technology ESO of the Year award recognizes top-performing organizations globally that specialize in supporting and scaling high-growth technology companies through best-in-class programming, mentorship, and access to capital. In addition to operating the largest tech incubator in the state of Oklahoma, Gradient supports startups, small- to medium-sized businesses, and remote workers through programming, resources, and flexible workspace.
The additional top honor, the Randall Whaley ESO of the Year Award, recognizes the leading global entrepreneurship center that demonstrates exceptional impact and plays a transformative role in economic development.
The awards were announced at INBIA’s international conference in Chicago, which brings together top incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs from around the world. Together, these recognitions place Gradient among the most impactful entrepreneurship support organizations globally.
“Receiving these awards underscores the strength of Gradient’s work and the collective impact of our community,” said Devon Laney, President and CEO of Gradient. “Gradient reflects a shared commitment to strategically investing in entrepreneurs who are fueling sustained economic and workforce growth across the region. Tulsa is proving it doesn’t just compete, but leads, as a global hub for entrepreneurship. We’re honored by this recognition and proud to share it with the entrepreneurs, partners, and supporters helping shape Tulsa’s future.”
Gradient’s recognition follows the recent release of its 2025 Impact Report, which highlighted the scale and momentum of its ecosystem, including generating $1.76 billion in regional economic impact over the past five years and supporting the creation of more than 4,400 jobs. Together, these outcomes reinforce Gradient’s role as a central driver of Tulsa’s innovation economy.
“Gradient’s global recognition reflects the strength of Oklahoma’s growing innovation economy,” said Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell. “Organizations like Gradient are critical to supporting entrepreneurs, attracting investment, and creating high-quality jobs. Receiving both of these honors highlights what’s possible when we invest in the people and ideas driving our state forward.”
Gradient brings together founders, investors, and ecosystem partners in a purpose-built environment designed to support company growth at every stage — from early validation to scaling and expansion.
As Oklahoma continues to gain national and global recognition for its innovation economy, these awards signal both the progress made and the opportunity ahead, and positions Tulsa as a serious contender in the next generation of startup and technology ecosystems.
For more information, visit www.joingradient.com or contact alison@joingradient.com or comms@joingradient.com
Gradient is Tulsa’s Hub for Innovation, where entrepreneurs, remote workers, and ecosystem partners come together to build what’s next. As the 6th largest innovation hub in America, Gradient provides intentionally designed, flexible workspace, growth-driven programming for every stage of business, and concierge connections to resources. Gradient exists to power progress – whether you’re launching a startup, scaling a company, finding your next big idea, or expanding your network. Generating over $1.7 billion in economic impact since 2021, Gradient isn’t just a place to work – it’s where Tulsa builds the future. A nonprofit organization, Gradient is supported by the State of Oklahoma, the George Kaiser Family Foundation, the FW Murphy Family Foundation, TulsaTech, the Coretz Family Foundation, the Meshri Family, Oklahoma State University, Consumer Affairs, McElroy, and the Bama Companies.
