Launching Visionaries

ENTREPRENEURSHIP & START UP

In Central SC, we know that our economic future hinges not only on a diverse mix of industries and talent, but on an entrepreneurial spirit that drives us forward. That’s why we’re focused on building a business environment where start-ups can succeed. Ranked as one of the top 5 U.S. markets for up-and-coming tech talent, our Region welcomes creatives and entrepreneurs and helps business grow.

Industry Brochure

CREATING AN INNOVATIVE FUTURE

Anchored by the University of South Carolina, Columbia has quickly become a destination for young, educated workers gaining more than six-thousand millennials every year. While our city may be smaller than tech giants like Seattle and Austin, we’re big on brainpower and creativity. A low-cost of living and an atmosphere of collaboration coupled with ample co-working space and innovative programs like SC Launch makes bringing ideas to market easier and makes Central SC a hotbed of innovation.

27% tech growth in the past 5 years

Region produces 20% More software & computer science degrees relative to national average

Top 5 market for up-and-coming tech talent

UofSC ranked among top-patent producing universities in the world

65K+ enrolled in higher education

Top 5 city for millennial migration

34.3

median age, home to youngest county in the state

Top 5 U.S. city for lowest start-up cost

Proof Alcohol Ice Cream: Founded in 2015, the first-alcohol infused ice cream to hit the market can now be found in regional & national retail outlets
Surpise Van Robotics A Bii
Zverse: Serves digital manufacturers & OEM's through a revolutionary CAD platform & designer marketplace for 3D printing
Bridge to Life: Improving organ transplants with new preservation solutions; sold worldwide & used in 34 countries
Cognito Forms: Founded in 2015 & growing rapidly, easy-to-use software platform for building & customizing online forms
Bluestar Forensic: Housed in the Midlands Technical College Business Accelerator, products include blood reagents & testing agents for use by law enforcement & investigators