Gradient's CHROMA 2026 Brings Global Tech, Enterprise and Investment Leaders to Tulsa

"From regional potential to global impact. That idea is at the center of CHROMA this year," said Devon Laney, President and CEO of Gradient. "Our region has the talent, companies and industry strengths to build businesses of global significance. Strong ecosystems are built through density and proximity, and CHROMA creates both through intentional programming."

Connecting Founders with Global and Regional Leaders

CHROMA Matchmaking will connect founders directly with enterprise leaders and investors through curated one-on-one meetings designed to create opportunities for partnerships, pilots, investment and growth.

Participating organizations include Microsoft, NVIDIA, Williams Ventures, Lumen Technologies, ONE Gas, Zeeco, Cherokee Nation, Cortado Ventures, Flyover Capital, Serac Ventures and more. 

"Founders in this region do not need another room where everyone talks about access. They need the people who can actually open the door," Laney said. "That is what we want CHROMA to do."

The mainstage program will feature Fast Company and Inc. contributor Abigail Bassett, former TechCrunch journalist Jeff Taylor and News on 6 anchor Erin Conrad as moderators. Additional programming includes Brandon Krieg, co-founder of Stash, and a closing keynote from Alex Banayan, #1 bestselling author of The Third Door.

CHROMA is also designed for curious minds across the region who want to better understand how technology, business and innovation are changing Tulsa and the Heartland. Attendees do not have to be founders to participate in the conversation.

Startup World Cup Tulsa Regional

CHROMA will conclude with the Startup World Cup Tulsa Regional, where 10 startups will deliver four-minute pitches. One company will advance to the Grand Finale in San Francisco for the opportunity to compete for a $1 million investment prize.

"For a founder, September 24th could start with a conversation with a Fortune 500 company, lead to feedback from an investor or potential customer, and end with a pitch that could take their company to a global stage," Laney said. "That kind of proximity is intentional."

CHROMA 2026 at a Glance

• Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026

• Location: Gradient 

• Expected attendance:  300+

• Startup showcases: 20+

• Startup World Cup finalists: 10

• Programming: Mainstage conversations, keynotes, startup showcases, curated 1:1 matchmaking and the Startup World Cup Tulsa Regional

• Tickets and information: chroma.joingradient.com

CHROMA takes place during Tulsa Tech Week.

About CHROMA

CHROMA is Gradient's flagship innovation gathering, bringing founders, investors, enterprise leaders, technologists and curious minds together in Tulsa. Presented by Stride Bank, CHROMA features mainstage conversations, startup showcases, curated matchmaking and the Startup World Cup Tulsa Regional. Learn more at chroma.joingradient.com.

About Gradient

Gradient is a Tulsa-based innovation hub where founders, companies, remote workers and community leaders come together to work, build and grow. Recognized by InBIA in 2026 as Global Entrepreneurship Support Organization of the Year for Technology and Global Entrepreneurship Center of the Year, Gradient operates from 112,000 square feet in Tulsa's historic OTASCO warehouse and is home to Oklahoma's largest state-certified business incubator. Learn more at joingradient.com.

SOURCE Gradient