INNOVATE® South Carolina

Innovations of the World

INNOVATE® South Carolina

Introducing INNOVATE® South Carolina: Celebrating Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Palmetto State

INNOVATE® South Carolina is the latest addition to the globally recognized INNOVATE® series by Innovations of the World, dedicated to showcasing the remarkable innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of South Carolina. Known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and Southern charm, South Carolina is also emerging as a vibrant hub for cutting-edge innovation, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial success.

The INNOVATE® series is a high-quality coffee table book and digital platform that celebrates the visionaries, trailblazers, and game-changers shaping the future of various regions across the globe. INNOVATE® South Carolina will capture the essence of this dynamic state, highlighting its thriving ecosystems in industries such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, and clean energy, as well as its flourishing startup culture. From established corporations driving large-scale innovation to nimble startups disrupting industries, this project will shine a spotlight on the people, companies, and organizations pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in South Carolina.

Through engaging stories, expert insights, and beautiful visuals, INNOVATE® South Carolina will present a unique perspective on the state’s innovative ecosystem. This project is a celebration of the entrepreneurs, innovators, and business leaders who are not only driving local economic growth but also making an impact on a global scale.

Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or simply someone passionate about innovation, INNOVATE® South Carolina will offer an inspiring look at the transformative ideas and ventures that are defining the future of the Palmetto State. Join us as we explore and celebrate South Carolina’s innovation story!

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Thought Leaders

Featured Innovators

Featured Innovators

BIORN GROUP CYBER

TECHNOLOGISTS ASPIRING THROUGH SERVANT LEADERSHIP (TASL)

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...

QUERRI

CHARLESTON-BASED AI SOFTWARE COMPANY DISRUPTING DATA CULTURE

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace, businesses face a crucial dilemma – either harness the power of AI-driven insights or risk being left behind. For too long, the world of data has been dominated by complexity, requiring specialized technical skills that keep decision-makers...

MASC

Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence: The Maritime Association of South Carolina’s Journey into the Future.

The Maritime Association of South Carolina (MASC) is proud to celebrate a century of service to the maritime community in 2026. For almost 100 years, MASC has been at the heart of South Carolina’s dynamic maritime industry, forging strong connections, advancing critical issues & paving the way for a prosperous...

JTEKT North America

Looking for Trouble, Delivering Solutions

At JTEKT North America, innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s an invitation. An invitation to businesses facing their toughest challenges. When it comes to solving the problems that seem unsolvable, JTEKT isn’t shy about one thing: we’re actively “looking for trouble.” Not the kind of trouble that comes with poor...

IT-oLogy

Promote. Teach. Grow.

USC and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina partnered with IBM in December 2008 to form the Consortium for Enterprise Systems Management. The Consortium was formed in part to encourage young people to learn the skills needed to manage enterprise systems, large-scale computers that process high volume transactions. Since its inception,...

Catch Talent

We focus on understanding the career needs of individuals in the workforce.

Real Relationships Matter Catch Talent is a high-touch recruiting agency that delivers end-to-end talent acquisition solutions to growing technology, financial services, healthcare, digital & creative, professional services, and government contracting companies. Headquartered in Charleston, SC, Catch specializes in the full talent attraction life cycle by sourcing and recruiting qualified candidates...

Sunland Logistics Solutions

Leveraging an Innovative System to create Supply Chain Value for Customers & Create Mutual Value for all Stakeholders

Sunland Logistics Solutions is a 3PL partner leveraging leading technologies and lean principles to help shippers and manufacturers improve performance, innovate, and drive value in their supply chains. Specializing in supporting companies in the chemical, industrial, automotive, beverage, and retail industries, Sunland is positioned to become a flexible extension of...

Jenno Co.

We help teams understand their market, articulate their value, and bring their bold ideas to life.

Working in a space where passionate problem solvers and innovative risk-takers intersect is a privilege you must experience to understand. It means you’re part of a community. Even if that community spans regions, disciplines, and industries, the passion we bring to improving both the present and the future is what...

Drobot

Human-Centered Automation, Born in South Carolina

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...

Frampton Construction

Building Value Across the Southeast

Commercial construction plays a critical role in shaping South Carolina’s economy and the communities it serves. From advanced manufacturing and industrial facilities to office, medical, and distribution centers, Frampton Construction delivers projects that support growth, innovation, and long-term resilience. Founded in 1993 as Frampton & Associates, Inc., Frampton Construction is...

Build Carolina

An agile approach: Academy, Apprenticeship, Advisors

Bridging talent, training, and opportunity across the Palmetto State The team at Build Carolina sees possibilities all around. They see massive talent and drive across South Carolina—from individuals eager to build new careers in technology to companies working to innovate and grow. They see a future shaped by meaningful, sustainable...

Pittsburgh Institute for Aeronautics

Keeping America’s Aviation Industry Flying High

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...

Dartpoints

Building the Backbone: Dartpoints' Mission to Distribute High-Density Computing and Distributed Infrastructure

DartPoints is transforming South Carolina’s digital economy through innovative strategies that combine high-density computing with edge data infrastructure. By focusing on optimizing data center performance and placing resources where they are needed most, DartPoints empowers businesses, municipalities, and institutions to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world. “Our mission is to...

ZF Transmission Group

ZF Brings Innovation and Next Generation Mobility to South Carolina

It is incredible to think that in the span of only 125 years the world has been completely transformed by the advent of modern transportation. It has opened the world to travel, commuting to work, moving goods and services in what used to take weeks or even months to a...

GSP International Airport

Reaching New Heights

Our History Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), Upstate South Carolina’s commercial service airport, was established in October 1962. At the time of its opening, the idea of regional collaboration was not a common one among cities, counties, politicians, businesses, or economic development organizations. Without a major interstate roadway to connect the...

Gnosis Freight

The Operating System for International Logistics

In the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, a quiet revolution in global trade is underway. Gnosis Freight, a software company founded just a few miles from the port, is building the digital infrastructure that powers the world’s most complex supply chains. Global freight runs on shipping containers – but despite...

Mill Village Ministries

Flourishing Takes a Village

Mill Village Ministries is a family of nonprofit social enterprises that was founded in 2012 by Furman University Alum Dan Weidenbenner. Weidenbenner serves as the Executive Director of the West Greenville based “umbrella” nonprofit. The organization is a faith based family of enterprises that aims to elevate the whole community...

Denmark Technical College

Reimagining the Rural College Landscape

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...

McNair Aerospace

USC Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

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...

Charleston Regional Development Alliance

Innovating Charleston: 30 Years of Bold Ideas and Big Wins

The Charleston region is one that’s on the move. For the past 30 years, the Charleston Regional Development Alliance (CRDA) has worked with its partners in government, academia and business to improve the three-county Charleston region’s economy now and into the future. The Charleston Regional Development Alliance serves as a...

Citibot

Revolutionizes how local governments interact with their residents.

Local governments have struggled to engage residents, ensure accessibility, and provide timely responses to community needs for a long time. In 2016, Bratton Riley founded Citibot to revolutionize how local governments interact with their residents. With a deep-rooted passion for public service and a desire to foster community connections, Riley...

DC BLOX

DRIVING DIGITAL INNOVATION AND EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Every morning, the sun rises over a small, unassuming building nestled near the shores of Myrtle Beach. From the outside, it could be anything—a warehouse, a power station, just another part of the city’s horizon. But inside, this facility is something extraordinary: a new kind of port, not for ships...

Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College

Driving Economic Growth and Career Success Through Innovative Education

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...

Spartanburg Community College

Chasing Dreams, Transforming Futures

Helping Students Dream it. Chase it. Live it. Spartanburg Community College (SCC) transforms lives and communities through accessible, high-quality education and workforce development. Committed to fostering student success and economic growth, SCC equips learners with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. With five campuses across Spartanburg, Cherokee,...

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The Publisher

Glen Edwards

Glen Edwards was born and raised in Philadelphia. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University and served in the United States Marine Corps Services. For the next 10 years, Glen worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Philadelphia, counseling underprivileged children in North and West Philadelphia. In 1983, Glen left the court and went to work... click to read more

The Publisher

Glen Edwards

Glen Edwards was born and raised in Philadelphia. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University and served in the United States Marine Corps Services. For the next 10 years, Glen worked as a Juvenile Probation Officer in Philadelphia, counseling underprivileged children in North and West Philadelphia. In 1983, Glen left the court and went to work... click to read more

Other Ecosystems