Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology


The Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology is the agency of the government of Oklahoma that is responsible for technology-based economic development. Under the supervision of the Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Innovation, OCAST is responsible for fostering innovation in existing and developing business by supporting basic and applied research. The Center is led by 21-member Board of Directors, each either appointed by the Governor of Oklahoma, with the approval of the Oklahoma Senate, or ex officio members.
The current Cabinet Secretary is Dr. Kayse Shrum, who was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt in March 2019. Under the Secretary's supervision, the Center's Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Center's programs.
The Center was created in 1987 during the term of Governor Henry Bellmon.

Leadership

The Center is overseen by the Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Innovation.

Board of Directors

OCAST is governed by the Oklahoma Science and Technology Research and Development Board of Directors. This 21-member board of directors consists of the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, the chancellor of the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the secretary of agriculture, the presidents of Oklahoma's three research universities, the president of a regional university, 12 members appointed by the Governor and two nonvoting legislators representing the House and the Senate. Members appointed by the governor serve with the consent of the senate and generally serve four-year terms.
As of May 2019, the following are the current members of the Board:
The center offers numerous programs to assist the development of the state's economy: