Tech Catalyst Fund
About the Tech Catalyst Fund
The Tech Catalyst Fund provides non-dilutive funding to early-stage medical technology startups developing solutions that improve rural health access across South Carolina. Managed and administered by SCRA through a partnership with SCDHHS, the fund supports innovative technologies focused on preventing and managing chronic diseases, improving quality of care, reducing costs, and expanding healthcare access in rural communities.
As one of five initiatives within South Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program, the Tech Catalyst Fund is designed to help address the unique healthcare challenges facing rural areas and health shortage communities across the state. By supporting the development and deployment of cutting-edge medical innovations, the fund aims to strengthen South Carolina’s healthcare ecosystem and bring meaningful solutions to those who need them most.
Application and Supporting Documents
The application will open May 15, 2026 and close June 15, 2026. Follow instructions provided to submit the completed application and budget workbook. Applications and budget workbooks submitted after June 15, 2026 will not be reviewed. Applicants that wish to provide a pitch deck preview to accompany their application are permitted to submit this along with the completed application and budget workbook. The pitch deck is mandatory for companies invited to Due Diligence.
Applications will be screened by SCRA to verify all initial eligibility requirements have been met
Applications that satisfy all core eligibility requirements will be provided to the Review Committee to complete evaluation of the application contents against review criteria at the Apply stage. The review criteria and scoring rubric are found in the Appendix.
Applicants receiving the highest scores by the Review Committee will be invited to enter Due Diligence.
Applicants that were not selected to enter Due Diligence will also be notified.
Application and Review Stages
May 15 – Jun 15
APPLY: Applicants must provide application, budget workbook, and pitch deck (optional).
Jun 1 – Jul 1
DUE DILIGENCE: Applicants must provide access to data room including all required documentation. Applicants must be available for a pre-pitch meeting with selected members of the Review Committee, if requested.
Week of Jul 6 or Jul 13
PITCH DAYS: Location: TBD, SC (in-person or virtual). Applicants that fail to attend pitch at their scheduled time will be removed from consideration
August
NOTICE OF AWARD