Up to nine jobs will be added at technology and entrepreneurship corporation i2E over the next 12 months, said Tom Walker, i2E president and CEO. The new positions are funded by a $1 million federal grant designed to accelerate growth of advanced technology startup companies and new high-tech jobs in Oklahoma.

Along with matching funds from local partners that include the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, the city of Oklahoma City, the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, the Oklahoma Business Roundtable and the Presbyterian Health Foundation, i2E will use the EDA grant to create new and expand existing services for area entrepreneurs.

"These grant dollars, along with the match from our local partners and annual state funding from the Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology will help us grow the number of people at i2E who work directly with entrepreneurs," Walker said.

i2E mentors many of the state's technology-based startup companies as a private, nonprofit corporation. It currently employs 13 people at its Oklahoma City and Tulsa offices. The company has posted job openings on its website at www.i2E.org.