Home to more than 245 companies from 24 countries, Upstate South Carolina provides an exceptional business climate for some of the world's most forward-thinking companies. Many of them are world leaders in the development and application of cutting-edge technologies in automotive, advanced materials, biosciences and energy sectors. As international investment has grown, so have the outreach opportunities for the international community here in the Upstate. This region offers international schools, sister cities programs and most importantly, the International Center for the Upstate.