Officials on Thursday celebrated the ribbon cutting of the Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute (OCII) at the University of Tulsa. 

OCII focuses on developing, testing and deploying cyber research outcomes and technology developments. 

“Four years ago, Dr. Rose Gamble (TU’s vice president for research and economic development) had a vision, (with) three pillars: education, business support and cybersecurity in autonomous vehicles,” OCII Executive Director David Keely said. 

“She went out. She found the resources and this institute was born about two and a half years ago...We are honored to be able to be of service to Oklahoma and to Tulsa through those three pillars...I would like to say a personal thank you to Dr. Gamble for trusting me with her vision.” 

OCII was funded by $12 million from the American Rescue Plan Act through the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, with matching funds from the George Kaiser Family Foundation. 

Research shows the global cost of cybercrime is $10.2 trillion, with an average of 2,200 cyberattacks occurring daily. 

OCII’s ecosystem connects K-12 education, higher education, industry and applied research. 

“The Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute represents a strategic investment for the future of our economy, our workforce and our competitiveness,” said Tulsa Regional Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Justin McLaughlin, who spoke at Thursday’s open house. “It strengthens Tulsa’s ability to meet one of the defining challenges of the 21st century while positioning our region to lead in one of the fastest-growing and most critical fields in the world.”