Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology

Supports Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology through state-backed grants for manufacturing, startups, and workforce growth.

Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) is Oklahoma's technology-based economic-development agency. Established by the state legislature in 1987, it operates under the Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Innovation and is overseen by the nine-member OSTRaD board.

Its direct cash grant lines are narrow but focused. Industry Innovation Program awards can reach $500,000, and the STEM Intern Partnership Program reaches $30,000. The agency's program set is aimed at aerospace and defense, biotechnology and life sciences, and energy diversification, with additional support for manufacturing, startups, inventor assistance, STEM internships, and federal funding access.

OCAST's delivery model relies heavily on partners for non-cash support. Capital access, manufacturing technical assistance, prototyping help, SBIR proposal support, and inventor services flow through organizations such as i2E Inc., the Oklahoma Manufacturing Alliance, OSU NPDC, and OK Catalyst, while the agency itself remains the public front door for companies that need state-backed innovation funding.