University of Tulsa unveils new cyber range to protect state, educate students
The University of Tulsa’s Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute this week announced a new cyber range designed to expand services and protect the state from digital threats.
“The OCII Cyber Range will play a pivotal role in supporting Oklahoma businesses, fostering collaboration between academia, industry and government and preparing the next generation of cybersecurity experts,” Rose Gamble, UTulsa’s vice president of research and economic development, said in a press release.
According to a news release, the university partnered with SimSpace, a cyber range firm, to develop its new facility. The university said it will work use the space to work with businesses, consultants, small businesses and government agencies.
It’s funded by $12 million from the American Rescue Plan Act via the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology, and with matching funds from the George Kaiser Family Foundation.
“I am very excited about this major accomplishment in the advancement of The University of Tulsa’s Oklahoma Cyber Innovation Institute, which was partially funded through the state Legislature’s investment of ARPA dollars,” state Rep. Meloyde Blancett said in the release. “Already a national leader in cyber training and security, UTulsa’s new initiative will significantly advance capabilities to produce an even larger highly skilled and sought after state cyber workforce. We will see the financial benefits of our investment in the university’s work for a very long time.”
The university plans to integrate the cyber range into its cybersecurity coursework beginning in the spring 2025 term.
