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

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

Microsoft, Google, NVIDIA, Fast Company, TechCrunch and News on 6 join founders, investors, enterprise leaders and the broader community on September 24

TULSA, Okla., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gradient will host the second annual CHROMA on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The one-day innovation gathering will bring approximately 300+ founders, investors, enterprise leaders, technologists, journalists, students, professionals and community members together for mainstage conversations, more than 20 startup showcases, curated business matchmaking and the Startup World Cup Tulsa Regional.

Tickets, programming and event information are available at chroma.joingradient.com.

"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.

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.