Senate Republican Co-Chair Applauds Innovation Expansion Program’s Role in Creating Nearly 1,000 Jobs Statewide

Oklahoma City — The Senate LEAD Committee is recognizing the major impact of the 2025 Oklahoma Innovation Expansion Program (OIEP), which is driving strong returns for taxpayers and communities statewide.

According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the 2025 OIEP cycle received 266 applications, with 201 companies approved for funding. These projects are expected to create 967 new jobs, support $82 million in capital investment, and generate $52 million in new payroll over the next 12 months. The economic impact is projected to exceed $278 million, with awards benefiting 64 communities across Oklahoma.

Senator Kristen Thompson, R-Edmond, serves as Co-Chair of the Legislative Evaluation and Development (LEAD) Committee, which provides oversight of economic development investments made by the state.

“This is exactly the kind of return taxpayers deserve,” said Thompson. “Through the LEAD Committee, we’re focused on making sure every dollar the state invests is backed by real data, real jobs, and real impact. The Innovation Expansion Program is a model of what smart, results-driven economic development should look like.”

OIEP was created in 2020 to support high-impact new capital investment in existing Oklahoma companies, helping diversify the state’s economy, boost productivity, and create new jobs.

To learn more about the LEAD Committee, visit: oksenate.gov/committees/lead

To read more about the 2025 OIEP announcement from the Department of Commerce, visit: okcommerce.gov

- END -

For more information, contact: Kristen Thompson (405) 521-5592 or email kristen.thompson@oksenate.gov