SCRA Awards $215,000 in Grants to Seven South Carolina Tech Startups

**TL;DR** The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) allocated $215,000 in grants to seven technology startups across South Carolina, supporting innovation and growth in various sectors.

The South Carolina Research Authority has committed $215,000 in grant funding to seven technology startups throughout the state. This initiative supports companies developing innovative solutions across diverse industries, from information technology to agricultural analysis and AI platforms.

SCRA is a public-private organization that fuels South Carolina's innovation economy. It provides financial backing, strategic coaching, and access to resources for member companies, including opportunities for further investment through SC Launch Inc.

Among the recipients, RFIDKNOW, a Greenville-based information technology startup, secured a $50,000 demonstration grant. The company specializes in radio frequency identification (RFID), a technology using radio waves to identify objects, and internet-of-things (IoT) products, which connect everyday devices to the internet. These products enable digital applications across various industries.

Realize Ascent Labs, located in Charleston, received a $25,000 micro grant. This information technology startup offers analytical solutions for agriculture, food, and manufacturing supply chains, including high-accuracy 3D scanning and custom fixtures.

PostPixel, a new SCRA member based in Lexington, obtained a $15,000 micro grant. Its AI-powered marketing automation platform streamlines digital marketing for home service businesses, managing content creation and lead generation.

Additional funding went to five other startups. Clutch Intelligence, a West Columbia-based company, received a $25,000 startup grant for its AI-powered voice control platform designed for gamers. Renoverse AI, from Mount Pleasant, also secured a $25,000 startup grant for its AI-powered renovation planning platform.

Charleston's Algae Integration Utility Service received a $25,000 startup grant to advance its decentralized algae production model, aiming to bolster domestic production and carbon reduction efforts. Vet Media Group, based in Piedmont, was awarded a $25,000 startup grant for its educational platform providing video training and an AI-driven research library for veterinarians.

These grants directly support the expansion and development of South Carolina's emerging tech sector. They provide capital for early-stage companies, helping them bring new products and services to market and create employment opportunities within the state. The continued investment from SCRA highlights an ongoing strategy to foster a robust ecosystem for technology and innovation across South Carolina.

The impact of these latest grants on job creation and technological advancement in South Carolina's business landscape remains a point of focus.