INNOVATE® South Carolina

In the heart of South Carolina’s booming Upstate region, where aerospace, manufacturing, and technology sectors thrive, First Class Recruiting is building more than just careers – it’s building futures. Helmed by U.S. Air Force veteran and industry trailblazer Lindsay Hansel, this boutique executive search firm has become synonymous with precision...

Pomega Energy Storage Technologies In a world racing to decarbonize and decentralize energy, Pomega Energy Storage Technologies has emerged as a linchpin in America’s clean energy transformation. Headquartered in Virginia and South Carolina, this forward-thinking battery energy storage company delivers scalable, safe, and sustainable energy solutions—100% Made in the USA....

In today’s rapidly evolving workforce landscape, the need for skilled, job-ready employees has never been greater. Industries are facing critical labor shortages and actively seeking workers who can contribute from day one. At the same time, students and job seekers are increasingly looking for fast, flexible training that leads directly...

The McNAIR Aerospace Center, in partnership with the USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, engages university students in innovative, industry-led research in fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, automation, 3D printing, and materials manufacturing. This world-class, hands-on education, along with our commitment to cutting-edge innovation, actively creates leaders...

Clemson University stands at the forefront of automotive and manufacturing innovation, serving as a vital asset for both research and workforce development for South Carolina’s economic engine. Clemson is home, for example, to the nation’s only graduate program in automotive engineering, offering M.S. and Ph.D. degrees that prepare students to...

The successes of Tri-County Technical College over the past 63 years area testament to the power of the strong relationships and partnerships the College shares with business, industry, and educators in the community. These relationships and partnerships transform the lives of TCTC students and help to build stronger communities. Health...

The South Carolina Research Authority has the distinct honor and responsibility to fuel South Carolina’s innovation economy. In 2024, it contributed over $1.33 billion to the state’s economy and supported 6624 South Carolina-based jobs. The average annual salary of these jobs was almost $92,000, 71% higher than the statewide average....

Founded in 2000 and officially incorporated in 2005, Software Projects Consulting is the realization of an ambitious vision by its founder, Frank Muehlenkamp. Frank sought to create something unique—a company driven by an innovative symbiosis of Engineering and Business principles and methodologies to yield innovative and highly effective results to...

Benore Logistic Systems, Inc. stands as a testament to unwavering commitment, family heritage, and industry-leading innovation. Founded with a vision to redefine logistics, the company has grown into a powerhouse, seamlessly integrating transportation, warehousing, and supply chain solutions for some of the world’s leading industries. From its inception, Benore Logistic...

The SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance (the Alliance) is South Carolina’s unique applied research partnership designed to help companies innovate faster, de-risk new technologies, and strengthen the state’s competitiveness in advanced industries. Managed by the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) and its applied research arm, Palmetto Applied Research Council,...

For more than 40 years, Lockheed Martin has proudly called Greenville, South Carolina home, embedding deep local roots while contributing to global security. Known as the “Global Home of the F-16” and proud winner of “The Coolest Thing Made in South Carolina,” the site produces the F-16 Block 70/72 –...

In the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, Benedict College is redefining the landscape of higher education by fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. At the forefront of this transformation is the Burroughs Enterprise, Startup, and Technology (B.E.S.T.) Innovation Lab, a dynamic hub that empowers students, faculty, and entrepreneurs to...

AstenJohnson’s Clinton, South Carolina location is making a significant capital investment to expand its advanced high-speed weaving capabilities and fully transition away from traditional production methods. This upgrade is designed to maximize asset utilization, standardize manufacturing processes, and elevate product quality while improving overall operational efficiency. The investment fundamentally changes...

In 2019, the vision for Technologists Aspiring Through Servant Leadership (TASL), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in Charleston, SC. Founded by Khanh Tran, TASL’s core mission was to address a critical need: preparing aspiring technologists, especially veterans and individuals from non-traditional backgrounds, for successful careers in the global digital...

150+ Programs Eight Schools of Study make up a curriculum that is continously reviewed and optimized to meet workforce demand. Students are known by their name, not a number, with an average class size of 17. Over $150,000 in Scholarships Affordable tuition ensures students can complete their programs without substantial...

Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately-owned company, has been a trusted name in South Carolina’s business community since its founding in 1950. Established in Columbia by W.T. Cassels, Sr., the company began with 14 trucks, 20 associates, and a $5,000 loan. From the very beginning, Cassels emphasized a simple yet powerful...

Since 1947, Denmark Technical College has been a lifeline for education and economic mobility in South Carolina’s rural corridor. Established as a training center for African American veterans returning from World War II, Denmark Tech has grown into a proud HBCU with a legacy of service, resilience and transformation. For...

In a manufacturing world grappling with worker shortages, rising costs, and the relentless complexity of “high-mix, low-volume” production, one Greenville-based startup is quietly reimagining what it means for humans and robots to work together. Drobot Inc. is pioneering a new generation of Collaborative Mobile Robots (CMRs) – machines designed not...

The South Carolina Small Business Development Centers (SC SBDC) advances the state’s economic development by providing entrepreneurs world-class consulting services, access to a wellspring of resources and affordable training programs. The SC SBDC operates as a cohesive network, offering clients at every stage of the business lifecycle (from pre-venture and...

Transform SC was launched in 2013 as a collaboration of business leaders, educators, students, parents, and policy makers transforming the public education system so every student graduates prepared for careers, college, and civic life. During its initial phase, Transform SC partnered with more than 70 schools from 29 districts, including...

Originally founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1929, PIA has offered industry-leading aviation training for nearly a century. As the organization’s newest campus, PIA Myrtle Beach first opened its doors in January 2012 in the same building that once housed the avionics facilities for the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base. This...

IN AN INDUSTRY OFTEN DEFINED BY POWER AND PRECISION, KION NORTH AMERICA STANDS APART FOR SOMETHING MORE INTANGIBLE: ITS COMMITMENT TO CONTINUOUS INNOVATION. FROM ADVANCED ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING TO A CULTURE THAT VALUES CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING, KION NA’S APPROACH IS ONE OF GLOBAL COLLABORATION, LOCAL EXECUTION, AND DEEP CUSTOMER FOCUS. AT...

In business, location is everything. The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s vision is to embrace the future while ensuring the state’s sustainable growth and creating economic opportunity for all South Carolinians — from launch to legacy. South Carolina’s prime East Coast location and strong transportation infrastructure give companies efficient, reliable...

SC Aerospace, an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), supports the entire aerospace and aviation industry in South Carolina, with our various open-source studies and research, webinars and conferences, and educational initiatives reaching a far-flung ecosystem that is shaping our future workforce. In one of our recent...