Revolutionizing Resources: The Impact of i2E and the OCN on Startups
An Interview with Darcy Wilborn
Written by Dennis Spielmann
Darcy Wilborn serves as the Vice President of Operations at i2E, where she has dedicated over a decade to supporting entrepreneurs on their journeys. Starting as an administrative assistant, she has risen through the ranks to become an integral leader in the organization. She works across internal and external communications at i2E to support entrepreneurs and start-up companies receiving i2E programs, services, and capital.
“We help entrepreneurs and early-stage start-up companies that are anywhere from an idea on a napkin, usually through those first early customers,” said Darcy Wilborn.
Over the past 25 years, i2E has evolved alongside Oklahoma’s entrepreneurial landscape, adapting to meet the needs of a rapidly changing innovation ecosystem. Originally established as the Oklahoma Technology Commercialization Center, i2E has expanded its offerings to support start-ups more holistically. As Darcy Wilborn explained, “We’re in a completely different entrepreneurial environment,” and this shift is evident in initiatives like the Oklahoma Commercialization Network, which leverages partnerships and state resources to provide a collaborative, statewide approach.
The Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCN) is a transformative initiative powered by the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology (OCAST) to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By uniting over 37 partners, including organizations like Verge in Oklahoma City, Gradient (formerly 36 Degrees North) in Tulsa, and REI Oklahoma, the network ensures entrepreneurs can access a wide range of resources, such as coworking spaces, legal support, workshops, and funding opportunities. Designed to eliminate redundancies and increase collaboration, OCN helps start-ups seamlessly connect with the services they need at each stage of their journey. This network democratizes access to resources, making them more transparent and easier to navigate. For Oklahoma, the OCN represents a significant step forward in supporting innovation, fostering economic growth, and attracting and retaining top entrepreneurial talent in a competitive global landscape.
“I think the thing I’m most excited about is the additive effect,” said Wilborn. “Entrepreneurs are given a menu of resources and get to self-identify and choose those that are most impactful for them. It really changes the game and democratizes how they can access the resources rather than one organization helping ’em with this and then six months later another organization helping ’em with this.”
To learn more about i2E and the Oklahoma Commercialization Network (OCN), entrepreneurs can visit the i2E website at i2E.org/network. The site offers information about i2E’s programs, partner organizations, and available resources. Entrepreneurs can fill out an inquiry form on the website or through any partner organization’s site to connect with the network. i2E’s team works closely with start-ups to understand their goals and provide tailored recommendations for resources, programs, or mentorship opportunities that align with their current stage of growth. Whether they’re looking for training, coworking spaces, funding, or legal assistance, i2E and the OCN streamline access to essential tools to help start-ups succeed.
At the February Power Lunch, Wilborn will discuss how all the partners have come together with these resources to make them more transparent and easier to find.
“I’m hoping to empower folks to come talk to us if there are entrepreneurs at the luncheon that maybe talked to i2E five years ago as we’re a different i2E now,” said Wilborn. “I’d love to have another conversation as part of the statewide network. There are just a lot more tools in our toolkit than we had certainly 25 years ago and even five years ago. The resources for entrepreneurs across the state have really blossomed into this full suite, and I don’t know that everyone knows that.”
Don’t miss your chance to hear from Darcy Wilborn at the February Power Lunch on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, from 11:30 am. at the Metro Technology Center Economic Development Building (1700 Springlake Drive, Entry 13, Oklahoma City). Join OVF to network, learn, and grow with Oklahoma’s vibrant business community.
“I hope everyone comes out,” said Wilborn. Public-private partnership is so important for a state like Oklahoma especially. Our ability to attract and retain brilliant entrepreneurs is crucial. And so I hope everyone comes out and learns more about how the state is supporting entrepreneurship.”
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