Grant Award To Establish State as a Regional Tech Hub

Federal grant funding totaling $45 million will allow SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) to scale up the state's technology hub, creating jobs, closing infrastructure gaps in rural communities, ensuring access to reliable, low-cost electricity and strengthening the nation's ability to compete worldwide.

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) award officially designates South Carolina as one of 12 tech hubs nationwide. The City of Greenville offered strong support for the proposals during the application process and celebrated the effort led by Gov. Henry McMaster and the SC Assembly. "We are dedicated to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship," Mayor Knox White said. "We have partnerships with universities and colleges for internships, research collaborations and workforce development. We have streamlined permitting processes, reduced regulatory barriers and invested in infrastructure upgrades to attract and retain technology companies."

Four projects received funding, including:

• $9.9 million for development of a grid-enabled cyber operations range, led by Savannah River National Lab
• $10.2 million to establish a stationary battery manufacturing pilot line, led by the University of South Carolina (USC)
• $12.5 million for a Clemson University project to upgrade North Charleston's eGRID facility power
• $12.6 million for a SC Technical College System education and workforce center, to develop the skills necessary for career success in energy-related industries

Part of the S.C. Department of Commerce, SC NEXUS is a consortium that consists of more than 50 public and private member entities. As a federally designated tech hub, SC NEXUS will be given priority in future EDA funding opportunities.