IT BEGINS WITH A STORY
In 1666 Isaac Newton developed many of his most important concepts regarding calculus, gravity and physics...while in quarantine at his home due to an outbreak of the plague.
In fact, the year was so pivotal he labeled it his “year of wonders.”
While the global pandemic of 2020 created tremendous suffering, it was also an innovation tipping point; an opportunity to think about the future in new ways.
The Oklahoma Wonder Grant was birthed in this environment…answering Isaac Newton’s call to innovate in the midst of turmoil, turning today’s challenges into the seeds of a brighter tomorrow.
The Oklahoma Wonder Grant is a program designed to seed innovative ideas in Oklahoma businesses, non-profits and public organizations; challenging them to look for new ways to solve problems.
The Oklahoma Wonder Grant is a program designed to seed innovative ideas in Oklahoma businesses, non-profits and public organizations, challenging them to look for new ways to solve problems.
THE INAUGURAL OKLAHOMA WONDER GRANT
The inaugural Oklahoma Wonder Grant was conceived in the spring of 2020 by Oklahoma City-based Trifecta Communications, a provider of augmented, virtual and mixed reality experiences (AR/VR/MR), and the Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth
(I-CCEW) at the University of Oklahoma.
The first grant offered $15k towards the creation of an AR/VR/MR project. Applicants were asked to focus on the creative use of the technology while furthering their organization’s mission.
THE FIRST OKLAHOMA WONDER GRANT WINNER
The first grant was well received with nearly twenty applicants from across the state of Oklahoma. They represented industries ranging from manufacturing and education to history and on-site entertainment.
A diverse panel of judges was assembled to score the entries and select a winner. Watch the video to hear comments from the judges.
THE COLTRANE GROUP, 2020 OK WONDER GRANT WINNER
FROM GRANT TO GROUP
"What if we could do more of these grants and add to an ecosystem of innovation in Oklahoma?"
That question was raised in the midst of the first grant competition. It was answered with the foundation of the Oklahoma Wonder Grant Group.
THE WONDER GRANT GROUP
The mission of the Wonder Grant Group is to foster innovation in Oklahoma through the awarding of grants and the orchestration of related panel discussions, seminars and high-profile speakers. Members of the Group have the unique opportunity to provide input and direction within this mission.
WONDER GRANT GROUP MEMBERSHIP
Administered by I-CCEW, membership into the Wonder Grant Group is accomplished in one of three ways:
1
Organizations that have offered a Wonder Grant
2
Organizations that have won a Wonder Grant
3
Members of the Wonder Grant Judging Panel
The Group will continue to grow over time as more grants are offered, more organizations win grants and more thought-leaders are added to our selection panel.
WONDER GRANT SELECTION PANEL
The inaugural judging panel serves as the foundation for the Wonder Grant Group and will expand over time. Ultimately, key members of the panel will be selected to judge specific grants related to their fields and areas of expertise.
Director of OKC Programs,
I-CCEW
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WONDER GRANT GROUP
We’re seeking like-minded organizations with an interest in seeding Oklahoma innovation while contributing to an ecosystem of out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving.
If this sounds like you, there are three ways to become a member.
1. APPLY TO OFFER A WONDER GRANT
Do you have an innovative product or service that would benefit fellow Oklahoma businesses, non-profits or public agencies?
Would you be willing to offer that product or service as a one-time grant?
If so, we’d love to talk with you.
An online application is on the way. In the meantime, please contact Susan Moring at smoring@ou.edu.
2. APPLY FOR A POSITION ON THE SELECTION PANEL
Does your vocation or position provide a unique thought-leader vantage point in your field? Are you willing to contribute your time to periodically judge entries and provide input on speakers and panels? If so, we’d love to talk with you.
An online application is on the way. In the meantime, please contact Susan Moring at smoring@ou.edu.
3. WIN AN OKLAHOMA WONDER GRANT
In the coming months and years, the Wonder Grant Group will present a wide array of grant offerings dealing with technology, innovation and out-of-the-box thinking…all focused squarely on Oklahoma. The Ronnie K. Irani Center for the Creation of Economic Wealth at the University of Oklahoma will administer the program and provide a support structure for continued growth.