Business 2013 Look Ahead: Year looks promising for tech companies, jobs
BY ROBERT EVATT World Staff Writer
Sunday, January 06, 2013
1/06/13 at 4:05 AM
Original Print Headline: Year looks promising for innovative tech companies, jobs
Tulsa may not be Silicon Valley, but 2013 should be a good year for local tech companies.
Scott Meacham, the new CEO of i2e, the not-for-profit entity that works to encourage the growth and establishment of tech companies, said he's already seeing innovative new companies in the works.
"We've got some great success stories in the making," he said.
The organization has provided support for new tech companies over the years and is working with 10 in the Tulsa area now, he said.
Outside of the organization, Meacham said aerospace and energy will continue to be the main drivers of tech jobs. Aerospace drives employment with maintenance and design, while the renewed emphasis on energy exploration has companies hoping to refine new techniques.
"Energy companies in Oklahoma in general are in a semi-boom because of new technology for drilling wells and fracking," Meacham said.
Additionally, the number of software design companies in the area should continue to grow, thanks to a gradually strengthening tech reputation.
"The tech environment is a lot better in Oklahoma than it is in other places," Meacham said.
