Columbia, S.C. – Field Shield, Haruki, Horse Spot, Joules AI, LouLou AI, and X-ION Energy were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority member companies. Atticus Pharma, Carolina Seed Systems, PIVAI, SharpVue, The After Cancer, and VirtueRN received new grant funding.
“We welcome these new member companies and congratulate those that received funding” said SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “These new memberships and grants are a testament to our honor of working with our state’s best and brightest innovators.”
All SCRA member companies receive coaching and access to SCRA’s member benefits and startup resources, can apply for grant funding, and have the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc.
Atticus Pharma received a $50,000 academic matching grant. The Greenville-based life science startup is a spinout of Zylö Therapeutics, an SC Launch Inc. portfolio company. Atticus Pharma’s mission is to unlock the value of Zylö’s Z-pod® topical delivery platform in the pharmaceutical industry.
Carolina Seed Systems received a $50,000 federal matching grant. The Darlington-based agricultural company optimizes crop seeds using genomic technologies. The result is a superior, hybrid seed that increases value throughout the supply chain.
Field Shield was accepted as an SCRA member company. The Moncks Corner-based startup provides farmers with a smart-farm management platform that allows real-time monitoring and control of IoT devices. The company’s mission is to empower agricultural productivity, sustainability, and profitability by delivering technology that makes data-driven decisions simpler on the farm.
Haruki Health was accepted as an SCRA member company. The North Charleston-based startup offers an AI-driven resilience and recovery platform for professionals in high-stress and trauma-exposed roles (such as first responders, military, and public safety) to build mental endurance before incidents and support sustainable recovery after.
Horse Spot was accepted as an SCRA member company. The Charleston-based startup is a cloud-based show management platform designed for equestrian events worldwide, offering live scoring, rider/horse stats, and digital check-out all in one system. It empowers both show managers and exhibitors with real-time data, automated reporting, and a user-friendly interface built by industry insiders.
Joules AI was accepted as an SCRA member company. The Columbia-based startup develops autonomous AI agents for the grid-edge — enabling facilities like data centers, airports, and campuses to optimize energy, carbon, and resiliency in real time. Founded by seasoned engineers and AI experts, their platform uses reinforcement learning to dynamically orchestrate distributed energy resources, offering measurable cost savings and environmental impact.
LouLou AI was accepted as an SCRA member company. The Charleston-based startup is a hospitality-focused AI company offering a 24/7 guest-facing voice & messaging assistant tailored for hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas, and private clubs. It trains on each brand’s unique voice and integrates with reservation systems to handle inquiries, bookings, and routine guest interactions—freeing staff to focus on high-touch experiences.
PIVAI received a $25,000 academic startup grant. The Columbia-based information technology startup is developing an AI-powered pavement inspection system that provides real-time detection of potholes, road damage, signage, and vegetation without the need for costly specialized vehicles. With a patent-pending platform and active engagement with SCDOT, the company is targeting a market opportunity in road infrastructure inspection and maintenance.
SharpVue received a $50,000 demonstration grant. The Chapin-based startup’s off-grid mobile AI video surveillance solution delivers advanced security and monitoring systems that ensure safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. Sharpvue’s MAST is an enterprise-grade, open-platform mobile AI surveillance trailer that delivers securely streamed 24/7 video to their cloud-based data center.
The After Cancer received a $50,000 acceleration grant. The Charleston-based startup has developed a telehealth platform for cancer survivors that provides access to cancer survivorship care. The platform offers video consultations with oncology practitioners, provides evidence-based and reliable information, and offers group sessions and community support from other cancer survivors.
X-ION Energy was accepted as an SCRA member company and received a $25,000 academic startup grant. The Clemson University-based startup is focused on developing advanced fuel cell technologies that aim to challenge traditional battery systems. Their innovative approach leverages Clemson University’s research to create compact, high-efficiency fuel cells suitable for a range of applications, from transportation to stationary power generation.
VirtueRN received a $50,000 acceleration grant. The Chapin-based startup provides an advanced workflow solution for hospice and other health facilities to help them better manage their day-to-day durable medical equipment needs.
Grant funding is made possible, in part, by SCRA’s tax credit program, the Industry Partnership Fund, and its contributions that fuel the state’s innovation economy. Contributors to the IPF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit, making it an easy and effective way to help one of the fastest-growing segments of the South Carolina economy. Grant funding for member companies creates a direct, positive economic effect and job creation.
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Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation, South Carolina Research Authority fuels the state’s innovation economy through the impact of its comprehensive services to technology-based startups, academia, and industry. SCRA provides funding and support to accelerate the growth of academic startups; high-quality lab and administrative workspaces; facilitation and funding for partnerships between and among industry, startups, and academic institutions; assistance and funding for the relocation of technology-based companies to South Carolina; and coaching and funding for startups that may also receive investments from its affiliate, SC Launch Inc.
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