A model to accelerate energy technology innovation

The global energy industry is under pressure to innovate. Energy companies need vetted, field-tested technologies that improve efficiency, enhance safety, and streamline operations. On the other side of the spectrum, early-stage startups developing new technologies struggle to access customers, test environments, and capital. These parallel challenges can slow crucial energy innovation, creating a commercialization gap.

One approach to addressing this challenge has emerged in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a region with deep institutional knowledge and over a century of experience in energy operations. Rose Rock Bridge, a nonprofit based in Tulsa, is a pilot deployment studio that offers a new approach to removing barriers, acting as a bridge between corporations and startups.

The nonprofit’s accelerator program differs from traditional models in its design to fast-track pilot deployments, validate technology, connect early-stage startups with corporate energy partners, and provide non-dilutive funding opportunities to accelerate commercialization.

Launched in late 2022 as an initiative of Tulsa Innovation Labs, Rose Rock Bridge brings a new perspective: the fastest and most efficient way to commercialize energy technology is to build it alongside the companies that will use it. 

Here’s what sets the program apart.

A DEMAND-FIRST FRAMEWORK

The process begins with energy companies’ needs. Working closely with corporate innovation teams to evaluate demand rather than supply, Rose Rock Bridge works with corporate partners to identify high-priority technology solutions.

Tapping into a network of more than 40 universities, Fortune 500 companies, and leading industry partners like Devon Energy, H&P, ONEOK, and Williams, Rose Rock Bridge identifies pain points in the energy ecosystem and sources emerging solutions. The goal is not simply to find exciting ideas, but technologies companies can realistically deploy in the near term to solve identified challenges with a real business case.

This year’s focus areas reflect some of the most pressing operational challenges facing the industry today:

• Operational agility and integration
• Reservoir and production enhancements
• Fluid systems
• Robotics

DE-RISK AND DEPLOY TECHNOLOGIES

Selected startups participate in a six-week accelerator focused on commercialization, working directly with industry partners through one-on-one advisory clinics and hands-on workshops designed to refine their technology and prepare it for pilot deployment.

This close collaboration allows startups to assess pilot feasibility early while building relationships. At the same time, energy companies gain a direct line to emerging technologies that could transform their operations and provide a path to business innovations at the leading edge of global trends.

The result is a win-win: startups accelerate their path to market, while corporations reduce the risk of adopting new technology.

At the end of the accelerator, participating companies showcase their solutions to Rose Rock Bridge’s corporate partners. Four startups receive $100,000 each in non-dilutive funding, along with a year of additional support focused on pilot deployment and commercialization. Startups receive additional support refining their go-to-market strategies, securing follow-on investment, and building visibility through marketing and partnership opportunities.

THE IMPACT

In just a few years, Rose Rock Bridge has incubated 33 startups, supported 16 active or in-development pilot projects, and invested more than $2 million in early-stage companies. Together, those companies now represent a combined portfolio valuation exceeding $55 million.

Behind the program is a powerful coalition of energy leaders whose combined market capitalization exceeds $140 billion. Their involvement provides both the resources and the real-world testing ground necessary to bring breakthrough technologies to life.

As the energy industry continues to evolve, programs that can connect innovation directly with deployment will play an increasingly important role. Rose Rock Bridge is proving that innovation moves faster when startups and industry collaborate early.

Jennifer Hankins is the managing director of Tulsa Innovation Labs.

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