Oklahoma City Innovation District Hosts Sold-Out Annual Breakfast and Presents Inaugural Innovation Impact Award at Innovation Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – The Oklahoma City Innovation District (OKCID) celebrated its Annual Breakfast with a sold-out event, marking the first time the gathering was held at the recently opened Innovation Hall. The event brought together key leaders, industry experts, and community stakeholders for a morning of insight, recognition, and strategic visioning for the future of Oklahoma’s economy.

Matt Pinnell | Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma

Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, Matt Pinnell, opened the event with remarks emphasizing the critical role of innovation and the importance of fostering spaces that drive progress in the state. Jeff Seymour, President and CEO of OKCID, built upon this theme, discussing the district’s strategic efforts to build an economy of the future and equip residents with the tools and resources necessary for workforce development.

Carly Collins, Senior Director of Programs and Outreach, highlighted the district’s robust ecosystem and announced the second-annual Aerospace Week and the inaugural Bio Week. Attendees were treated to a dynamic drone fly-through video of Innovation Hall, funded by Stride Bank, showcasing the state-of-the-art venue and its offerings for meetings, events, and community engagement.

Monique Walker, Manager of Partner Engagement and Special Projects, presented a recap of the district’s most successful Innovation Week to date, accompanied by a video sponsored by Stride Bank. She also outlined the district’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) strategy, detailing funding allocations to organizations making a tangible impact, including:

Jessica Johnson, Principal of Thelma Parks Elementary, shared the real-world impact of the TIF on her school, citing a 25-point average increase in third-grade OSTP ELA scores among participating students.

Koey Keylon, Executive Director of BioTC, reflected on BioTC’s rapid growth and the innovative training pathways set to strengthen the region’s biotechnology workforce.

Sharina Perry, Founder/CEO of Utopia Plastix and 2025 Innovation Impact Award Winner, shakes hand of OKCID CEO Jeff Seymour

A major highlight of the morning was the presentation of the inaugural Innovation Impact Award to Sharina Perry, Founder and CEO of Utopia Plastix. Perry’s groundbreaking work in developing a durable, natural, and affordable alternative to traditional plastic is setting a new standard in sustainability. Utopia Plastix’s products are made with crops that can absorb carbon at rates four to five times higher than trees. Attendees received a Utopia Plastix water bottle in a biodegradable swag bag that enriches the soil when decomposed.

OKCID’s Annual Report was also distributed in the swag bag and can be viewed online.

Thank you to our generous sponsors who made this event possible and continue to support the district in it’s mission.

Innovative Sponsors

Ecosystem Sponsors

Collaborative Sponsors

Ambassador Sponsors

i2E, OMRF, OCAST, Inasmuch Foundation, Presbyterian Health Foundation, Distek Inc., Miles Architecture, Tinker Federal Credit Union, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Greater OKC Chamber, Thermo Scientific, OSU-OKC, Waters, Cytiva

For more information about the Oklahoma City Innovation District, upcoming events, or Innovation Hall bookings, please visit www.okcinnovation.com.

Media Contact:
Emma Anderson
Marketing Manager | Oklahoma City Innovation District
emma.anderson@okcinnovation.com
734-756-5943