FUELING INNOVATION IN UPSTATE SC

Innovation is the nucleus of Upstate South Carolina. Our industries are R&D powerhouses, generating patents and leading technology advancements in manufacturing, supported by one of America’s highest concentrations of engineering talent.

Deemed “The New Startup South” by Bloomberg, our region is small in size though strong in spirit, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Research and Development in South Carolina

The creators behind many of Upstate South Carolina’s most innovative products – from Ryobi power tools to digital health platforms – thrive in an ecosystem that values research and development and cross-industry partnerships. With top-tier engineering talent and a strong academic community attracted by the region’s vibrant quality of life, companies here are pioneering advancements across fields from genetic discovery to autonomous vehicle technology.

Thriving Innovation Clusters

Innovation in the Upstate region is fueling company growth, driven by cutting-edge R&D and some of the top business accelerators in South Carolina. Research campuses driven by industry needs propel groundbreaking discoveries, including:

• Clemson University’s Sonoco Institute – Home to one of the only packaging design degree programs in the U.S.
• Greenville Technical College Center for Manufacturing Innovation (CMI) – Advancing the use of robotics in manufacturing.
• Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR) – Conducting world-class automotive research and development.
• International Transportation Innovation Center (iTiC) – Providing a secure and collaborative environment for automotive testing and validation.
• CUBEInC – Enhancing healthcare and education through tech advancements.
• Greenwood Genetic Center Partnership Campus – Pioneering breakthroughs in life sciences through industry collaboration.
• McNair Center for Aerospace Innovation and Research – Advancing education, research, workforce development, and aerospace industry engagement.

Some of the Top Business Incubators in South Carolina

In addition to its academic research and industry partnerships, the Upstate region is also home to a growing number of business incubators, co-working spaces and technology training resources:

• The NEXT Innovation Center – a business incubator for entrepreneurs, startups and small technology businesses.
• Next Manufacturing – a facility offering flexible short-term leases and a strong support system to both start-ups and well established manufacturing firms.
• Spartanburg Community College’s Spark Center – building community partnerships to foster a stronger business environment.
• A growing number of collaborative, flex-term and low-cost collaborative working spaces such as Endeavor and THRIVE, among many others, are offered in the Upstate region.

Assets like these contribute to South Carolina’s growth in technology occupations, and CompTIA ranks South Carolina #6 for net tech employment jobs added in 2024.

Looking for a business incubator or technology accelerator? Let our team connect you to an innovation space that suits your needs.

Support for Innovation and Business Growth

South Carolina and the Upstate have resources geared toward supporting innovation for businesses of multiple sizes.

NextGEN (Greenville Entrepreneur Network) guides and supports high-growth, high-potential entrepreneurs in the Upstate. They provide programs such as an Accelerator, Entrepreneur in Residence and Venture Mentor Service, as well as events and networking.

The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) fuels innovation in South Carolina through multiple initiatives:

• SC Facilities – Providing high-quality labs and office spaces for tech startups and academic institutions.
• SC Industry Solutions – Facilitating partnerships among startups, industry, and universities.
• SC Launch, Inc. – Offering mentorship and funding for technology-based startups, with investment opportunities as SCRA’s investment affiliate.
• SC Academic Innovations – Funding multi-institutional research to accelerate university-based startups.

From working with entrepreneurs, to engaging industry, the SCRA is passionate about fueling innovation that creates opportunities.

Supporting Economic Growth & Innovation in South Carolina

SCRA is a driving force behind South Carolina’s innovation economy, providing critical funding, industry connection and company support, resulting in:

• $5.22 million in grants & investments awarded in FY24 to help advance research capabilities, commercialize technology, expand product offerings, fund relocation costs, and more.
• 6,624 South Carolina-based jobs supported by SCRA operations and programs in FY24.
• $91,714 average salary of SCRA Member Companies, 71% higher than the average state salary.
• 86 active engagements with researchers and academically affiliated startups managed by SCRA.
• $2.92 billion in follow-on funding has been raised by SCRA Member & SC Launch Portfolio companies since 2006.
• 207 active SCRA Companies, including 147 SCRA Member Companies and 60 SC Launch, Inc. Portfolio Companies.

Learn more about the SCRA and how they fuel South Carolina’s Innovation Economy.