Columbia, S.C. – PIVAI, Topline, and UpAhead were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority Member Companies. BIDR, LCIX Editions, and Volare Boats received new grant funding.
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.
BIDR LLC, DBA Event.Gives received a $25,000 Startup Grant. The Mt. Pleasant-based information technology startup is a fundraising event management platform that enables nonprofits and organizers to create seamless ticketing, donor engagement, auctions, raffles, and donations, all powered through mobile-friendly tools. The platform delivers an affordable, highly customizable solution that integrates peer-to-peer campaigns, real-time analytics, and strong partnerships to help boost fundraising outcomes.
LCIX Editions received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Mt. Pleasant-based startup empowers authors with AI-powered tools, editorial services, and global distribution across print, e-book, and audiobook formats via its proprietary BookStream™ and DistroLogic™ platforms. LCIX seamlessly manages the process from manuscript to publishing by accelerating innovation in AI-optimized content creation, metadata management, logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment, helping storytellers scale their reach and impact.
PIVAI was accepted as an SCRA Member Company. 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.
Topline was accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Charleston-based information technology startup has created an AI-powered professional services marketplace that seamlessly connects clients with experts and firms. Leveraging their database of more than 250 million verified professionals, the platform uses AI-driven matching to streamline the hiring process, eliminating commission-based middlemen and ensuring faster, more efficient connections.
UpAhead was accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Columbia-based information technology startup has developed an academic planning platform that eliminates the need for students to manually track assignments. By securely transforming complex course syllabi into a streamlined, gamified interface, the platform helps students stay organized, manage their workload more effectively, and achieve stronger academic outcomes.
Volare Boats received a $50,000 Demonstration Grant. The Johns Island-based advanced materials and manufacturing startup has developed a vessel platform that can service a range of maritime applications, such as recreational, commercial, and industrial, with its flexible design, dynamic performance, and superior technology. The fully electric vessel will be equipped with a hull specially built for EVs to maximize efficiency, and will include an integrated steering, trim, and drive system.
SCRA welcomes these new Member Companies and congratulates those that received funding.
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.
Media Contact
Adrianne Grimes
SCRA Director of Marketing and Communications
