Rock Hill Named Among Six South Carolina Innovation Hubs

Rock Hill will host one of six new Innovation Hubs under a statewide initiative announced Thursday by the South Carolina Research Authority, placing York County at the center of an effort to accelerate the state’s technology economy.

SCRA, a public nonprofit chartered by the state in 1983, said on April 23 it is launching a network of Innovation Hubs in Rock Hill, Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Aiken, and Florence. The hubs are intended to serve as regional centers for collaboration, resource sharing, and support for emerging technology companies as they grow from early ideas into established enterprises.

Grant Funding Opens In May

To jumpstart programming at the hubs, SCRA will begin making grant funding available to entrepreneurial support organizations in May. Eligible nonprofit organizations, including accelerators, incubators, colleges, universities, and industry associations, may apply for grants to develop programming that helps early stage technology companies accelerate their work.

Grant funding will support a range of activities, including mentorship programs, pitch competitions, technical workshops, investor matchmaking events, and specialized training in areas such as product development, market strategy, fundraising, and intellectual property.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. SCRA said priority will be given to proposals that demonstrate strong potential for measurable outcomes, including job creation, new company formation, and increased private investment.

State Leaders Back Initiative

Gov. Henry McMaster framed the hubs as a next step in the state’s innovation strategy.

“South Carolina has built a strong foundation for innovation, and this is the next step in accelerating that momentum,” McMaster said. “By connecting entrepreneurs with the resources they need, we will expand opportunity and keep our state competitive. These innovation hubs will play a critical role in strengthening our economy, creating jobs, and ensuring South Carolina continues to lead the way in innovation.”

SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland said the hubs represent a strategic investment in the state’s technology sector.

“South Carolina’s tech ecosystem is poised for significant growth, and these Innovation Hubs represent a strategic investment in our future,” Kirkland said. He added that equipping entrepreneurs with tools, networks, and expertise will help turn bold ideas into thriving companies that create quality jobs and drive economic prosperity across the state.

MUSC President David J. Cole said the coordinated network strengthens the state’s commercialization pipeline.

“The South Carolina Research Authority’s coordinated network of Innovation Hubs is another critical step forward for our emerging innovation ecosystem in South Carolina,” Cole said. He said the investments will empower entrepreneurs and help ensure that innovations developed at MUSC benefit patients, create jobs, and drive the state’s knowledge economy forward.

Building On SCRA’s Statewide Mission

SCRA said the hub initiative builds on its longstanding mission to accelerate applied research, innovation, and entrepreneurship throughout the state. By focusing resources on six strategic markets, the authority aims to ensure that communities across South Carolina benefit from a connected technology economy.

SCRA provides funding and support for academic startups, lab and administrative workspaces, partnerships between industry and academic institutions, and coaching for startups that may also receive investments from its affiliate, SC Launch Inc.