Up to $25K
Who: Early-stage companies
When: On a rolling basis
Why: To support critical milestones towards commercialization and advance a company’s pursuit of follow-on funding.
Grant Funding
SCRA Member Companies may apply for a variety of non-dilutive grants, each with its own eligibility and review criteria. SCRA grant funding is made possible, in part, by Industry Partnership Fund (IPF) contributions. Contributors receive a dollar-for-dollar South Carolina tax credit, making it a no-cost way to create a direct, positive economic effect and job creation.
Member Companies deemed eligible to apply for SCRA Grant Funding opportunities will be invited by their assigned manager, who will advise them during the process. It is important to note that while acceptance as an SCRA Member Company qualifies you for consideration for funding, it does not guarantee approval.
Learn More about becoming a member company
Project Development Fund (PDF) Grant
Academic Startup Grant
Up to $25K
Who: Startups advancing intellectual property from institutions of higher education
When: On a rolling basis
Why: To support critical milestones towards commercialization and advance the company’s pursuit of follow-on funding.
Acceleration Grant
Up to $50K
Who: Established, early-stage companies
When: On a rolling basis
Why: To accelerate a company to the next level of maturity and market readiness and better position the company for an SC Launch Inc. investment.
Federal Matching Grant (formerly SBIR/STTR Phase I)
Up to $50K
Who: Recipients of Federal grants focused on technology commercialization
When: On a rolling basis
Why: To support South Carolina-based startups that have received Federal grants (eg., SBIR/STTR Phase 1) and are pursuing additional Federal funding to further product development.
Industry Solutions & Academic Research
Demonstration Grant
Varies depending on impact of the project
Who: Early-stage companies and/or institutions of higher education
When: On a rolling basis
Why: To provide a valuable solution to a corporate partner and a significant growth opportunity for a small business and/or academic partner. SCRA Demonstration Grants de-risk technology trials by providing matching funds for technology demonstrations, performance testing, or to meet milestones toward the development of new or improved products or processes.
Relocation Grant
Varies depending on company size and number of SC jobs created
Who: Companies relocating to SC
When: On a rolling basis
Why: To offset costs associated with moving a technology-based company to South Carolina by reimbursing expenses for moving equipment, up-fitting facilities, etc.
Academic Matching Grant (formerly Maturation)
Up to $15K
Who: Institutions of higher education
When: Accepting applications
Why: To support translational research sponsored by the institution.
Grant Eligibility & Review Criteria
SCRA-Academic Collaboration Team (SACT) Grant
SCRA awarded $3.3M in funding to bring colleges, universities, and industry together to advance innovation.
Who: SC researchers and their industry collaborators
When: Next RFA released in 2023; award cycle is three years.
Why: To form multi-institutional research teams that are developing innovative solutions to the key challenges facing South Carolina’s industrial base, particularly in the field of advanced manufacturing. Grant are three-year awards.
Investments
As SCRA Member Companies advance in their development, they may be eligible for capital investments in the form of convertible loans or equity investments from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc. SC Launch Inc. operates in partnership with South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) to invest in high-potential technology companies. Member Companies deemed eligible to participate in SC Launch Inc.’s due diligence process will be invited, by their investment manager, who will advise them throughout the process.
