a group of people stand behind tables at a trades show — Members of The Innovation Foundation at OSU team pose with Oklahoma Senator Tom Dugger during the OCAST Innovation Expo held on April 10, 2024.

Innovative collaborations drive success at 2024 Oklahoma Innovation Conference and Expo

Friday, April 19, 2024

Media Contact: Cody Cramer | The Innovation Foundation at OSU | 405-613-2838 | ccramer@okstate.edu

The 2024 Oklahoma Innovation Conference and Expo brought together visionaries, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors to explore the latest advancements and opportunities in science, technology and innovation.

Hosted by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) at the Oklahoma History Center, the event spanned two days from April 9-10 and featured a diverse array of sessions, workshops and networking opportunities aimed at fostering collaboration and driving economic growth in Oklahoma and beyond. Attendees engaged with industry experts, participated in interactive sessions, and showcased cutting-edge technologies.

OCAST Executive Director Jennifer McGrail said the participation of the Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University brought a fresh perspective and amplified the diverse range of innovations on display.

students interact with innovation foundation staff — Jai Rajendran (left) and Amanda Aker (right), office of technology commercialization staff members, meet with high school students from Rock Creek Schools.

"The 2024 OCAST’s Oklahoma Innovation Conference and Expo showcased how collaboration and innovation drive economic success," said Jennifer McGrail, Executive Director of OCAST. "The partnership with the Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University added tremendous value to our event, fostering new connections and opportunities for advancement. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving innovation ecosystem in Oklahoma."

Keynote addresses from industry leaders offered insights into emerging trends, challenges and opportunities with topics ranging from the future of artificial intelligence and sustainable energy to biotechnology and health care innovations.

On the expo’s second day, more than 50 participants convened at the Oklahoma Capitol to meet with legislators and visitors, offering attendees a unique opportunity to display their groundbreaking technologies, products and services as well as discuss policy priorities, regulatory challenges and opportunities for collaboration. From startups to established companies, participants explored innovations across sectors such as aerospace, information technology, agriculture and advanced manufacturing.

Networking sessions, roundtable discussions and one-on-one meetings facilitated meaningful connections among innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and investors. Discussions centered on fostering collaborative initiatives between industry, academia, government and investment firms to drive innovation and economic growth.

"The Innovation Foundation at Oklahoma State University is proud to have played a role in such a dynamic and impactful event,” said Elizabeth Pollard, CEO of The Innovation Foundation at OSU. “The conference provided an exceptional platform for collaboration, idea exchange and partnership building, and we look forward to continuing to work together to drive innovation and economic growth in Oklahoma."