From staff reports LAWTON — FISTA Innovation Park, a center for technological advancement and innovation based in Lawton, is a finalist for the Municipal Innovations Award sponsored by the Oklahoma Municipal League, FISTA officials said in a news release.
The award recognizes superior and innovative efforts, provides a way for Oklahoma’s best public service ideas and demonstrates that people who are involved with local government are committed to their communities.
'Being nominated for the Municipal Innovations Award is a tremendous honor and a testament to the incredible work happening at FISTA,” said FISTA President and CEO Dr. Krista Ratliff. “This highlights our commitment to transforming challenges into opportunities, and we're so excited to see Lawton on the map as a leader in innovation and technological advancement. We’re excited about the future and what we can achieve together for our community.”
The winner will be announced Sept. 12 at the Oklahoma Municipal League’s annual conference in Tulsa.
Growing an innovation hub In 2020, the global pandemic reshaped retail, leaving many shopping malls deserted, according to the news release. Instead of letting these spaces decay, the city of Lawton seized the opportunity to innovate by transforming the vacant Sears space in Central Plaza into FISTA, the Fires Innovation Science and Technology Accelerator.
FISTA now serves as an environment for defense contractors and tech companies to collaborate, fostering strategic, synergistic partnerships and driving innovation in the aerospace and defense sectors, according to the news release.
Though FISTA has been operational for about 16 months, the innovation hub has already doubled its footprint and is set to triple in size by the end of its second year, officials said. The hub’s rapid success has attracted national attention, with 17 tenants and new leases signed with companies from across the U.S. These companies will have custom-built spaces opening soon, expanding FISTA’s influence even further.
Beyond boosting the defense and technology industries, FISTA is making a tangible impact on the Lawton community, officials said. This year, FISTA will receive over $30 million in grants for community projects like a STEM lab for youth, all at zero cost to local citizens.
“The facility is not only creating high-level jobs but also preparing the next generation for future careers through internships and educational partnerships,” officials said.
They said FISTA’s success showcases the power of innovation, turning a declining retail space into a thriving hub that benefits both industry and the local community.