SC Nexus

SC NEXUS and SCRA announce Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange project launch

ctrammell@sccommerce.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:17:45 +0000

SC NEXUS and SCRA announce Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange project launch ctrammell@scco… Wed, 02/25/2026 - 10:17

The South Carolina Department of Commerce’s SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) division, in partnership with the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), today announced the official launch of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (eiX), a strategic project aimed at strengthening the state’s position as a leader in energy innovation.

eiX is designed to accelerate the commercialization of advanced energy and grid-resilient technologies by connecting innovators with the capital, expertise and market access needed to build and scale high-growth companies. By aligning entrepreneurship with infrastructure, the project will help bolster the state’s energy systems while advancing long-term competitiveness.

SCRA is leading the eiX project, which integrates multiple components. The first to debut is the eiX Venture Accelerator, spearheaded by NextGEN, a Greenville-based entrepreneur support organization, powered by FedTech, a national venture studio, and in collaboration with the city of Greenville.

The eiX Venture Accelerator will establish a pilot venture creation and commercialization program focused on recruiting top entrepreneurs, sourcing high-potential technologies from federal labs and universities, forming investable startups and preparing existing companies for deployment within SC NEXUS’s grid-innovation testbeds.

By leveraging SC NEXUS’ existing assets, emerging and scaling startups will gain access to comprehensive business, technical and hands-on training — reducing barriers to market entry and accelerating advanced energy solutions across South Carolina.

To learn more about SC NEXUS and how to connect with Tech Hub resources, email SCNexus@sccommerce.com or visit www.sccommerce.com/scnexus. For more information about SCRA, visit www.scra.org.

QUOTES

“We are excited to see this partnership between SC NEXUS and SCRA come to fruition. Not only does the eiX program represent an important milestone for SC NEXUS, but it also enhances the support network for our state’s emerging technology companies — reinforcing South Carolina’s position as a leader in energy resiliency.”
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III

“Today marks an exciting milestone for South Carolina’s innovation economy as we officially launch SC NEXUS’ fifth component project, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (known as eiX). The eiX commercialization accelerator will transform advanced energy technologies into South Carolina companies, jobs and create long-term economic growth for our state.”
-SCRA Interim President and CEO Bill Kirkland

“With today’s energy reliability and infrastructure resilience demands, we can’t afford for proven technologies to sit on the shelf. Initiatives like eiX create the structure that moves those solutions from lab to pilot to deployment by aligning talent, capital, and test infrastructure around real market needs. We’re excited to work alongside NextGen and SCRA to strengthen a South Carolina ecosystem that can carry those technologies into real-world use, at scale.“
-FedTech COO Robyn Brazzil

Wednesday, February 25, 2026 High-Tech New program supports South Carolina's energy ecosystem through entrepreneurial trainingadvanced energy SC Nexus Press ReleaseOff

SC NEXUS receives federal approval to expand across South Carolina

asherman@sccommerce.com — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:02:31 +0000

SC NEXUS receives federal approval to expand across South Carolina asherman@sccom… Tue, 01/13/2026 - 10:02

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has approved a request to expand the geographic footprint of SC NEXUS for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) to include the entire state of South Carolina. This approval officially recognizes the initiative as a statewide Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub), marking the first statewide designation for any U.S. Tech Hub.

SC NEXUS, a division of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, was originally designated under the federal Tech Hubs program with a focus on the Midlands, Upstate and the Augusta, Georgia regions. The approved expansion aligns the hub’s official boundaries with its current operations, partnerships and impact, which now span from the Upstate to the Lowcountry.

“This approval proves that South Carolina’s advanced energy strengths extend statewide,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “From cutting-edge research and testing to manufacturing and workforce development, innovation is happening in every corner of the state. This expansion better connects these assets, strengthening competitiveness and positioning South Carolina to remain a national leader in energy innovation.”

The statewide designation formally includes major federally supported assets such as Clemson University’s Economic Development through Grid Emulation (EDGE) testbed in the Charleston region, alongside the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI) at the University of South Carolina and the Grid-Enabled Cyber Operations (GECO) Range led by Savannah River National Laboratory. Together, these testbeds anchor SC NEXUS’ statewide network of universities, utilities, manufacturers and workforce partners, creating a platform that helps companies de-risk new technologies, accelerate commercialization, strengthen domestic supply chains critical to national and energy security, and support job creation and private investment across every region of South Carolina.

Why This Expansion Matters for South Carolina

•    Boosts South Carolina’s national competitiveness in advanced energy technologies
•    Connects statewide assets across research, manufacturing, logistics and workforce training
•    Supports economic growth in both urban and rural communities
•    Strengthens energy and national security through grid resilience, cybersecurity and supply-chain innovation
•    Creates pathways for high-quality jobs tied to emerging and energy-intensive industries

Since its designation, SC NEXUS has demonstrated strong momentum. For every $1 of federal funding invested through the CHIPS and Science Act, the initiative has leveraged an additional $1.77 in state, private and other funding. Over the same period, nine energy-related companies have announced new investments in South Carolina, representing nearly $2.9 billion in capital investment and more than 2,000 new jobs.

State leaders have strongly supported SC NEXUS and the Tech Hubs program as tools to drive innovation, workforce development and long-term competitiveness across South Carolina. “This is about making sure South Carolina is positioned to develop, test and deploy the next generation of energy technologies,” Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III said. “A statewide SC NEXUS ensures that opportunity, investment and innovation reach every region of the state.”

The geographic expansion is administrative in nature and does not change existing project scopes or budgets. Instead, it reflects the reality of a fully connected, statewide energy innovation ecosystem and reinforces South Carolina’s role as a national leader in advanced and resilient energy technologies.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Becoming the only Tech Hub with a statewide footprintSC Nexus Press ReleaseOff

SC NEXUS Tech Hub Names First Executive Director

stonnessen@trone.com — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 17:44:32 +0000

SC NEXUS Tech Hub Names First Executive Director Tuesday, August 13, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Mon, 12/30/2024 - 12:44

The SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), South Carolina’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub), named Cristina Paredes the tech hub’s inaugural executive director Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. An accomplished economic development professional, Paredes brings over two decades of experience in leadership and consulting to the advanced resilient energy consortium.

“The opportunity SC NEXUS represents for our state, nation and the world means South Carolina can lead the way in ensuring grid resiliency for a more secure future, and there is no better person than Cristina Paredes to help the tech hub continue to grow and achieve the type of speed to market necessary for not only meeting today’s power needs, but those of tomorrow,” said Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III.

Read the full announcement.

SC Nexus Tech Hub Cristina Paredes innovation technology advanced energyElectric VehiclesHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechNewsletterOff

SC Nexus Officials Welcome U.S. Economic Development Administration for Tech Hubs Tour

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:47:22 +0000

SC Nexus Officials Welcome U.S. Economic Development Administration for Tech Hubs Tour Tuesday, November 12, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 11/12/2024 - 13:47

On Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, S.C. Commerce and SC Nexus leadership welcomed Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth and other U.S. Economic Development Administration staff to South Carolina for a multi-city junket as part of the federal agency’s “Great American Tech Hubs Tour.”

Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth (second from far left) participated in a multi-city tour with SC Nexus Tech Hub consortium partners.

The tour, which was hosted by multiple higher education consortium members including Clemson University, University of South Carolina and South Carolina State University, fostered discussion about the tech hub’s inaugural projects and the growing partnership ecosystem that will be foundational to the projects’ successes. The group also had the opportunity to tour project facility spaces on two campuses.

A little more than a year after receiving federal designation as one of 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs nationwide, SC Nexus was one of only 12 tech hubs awarded the EDA’s implementation grant funding, receiving $45 million.

See more about the tour, or visit www.sccommerce.com/scnexus for additional information on the SC Nexus Tech Hub.

SC Nexus Tech Hub innovation technology advanced energy EDA Clemson University University of South Carolina South Carolina State UniversityHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechNewsletterOff

Promoting Advanced Energy as a Key to Resiliency

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:12:36 +0000

Promoting Advanced Energy as a Key to Resiliency Tuesday, September 10, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 09/10/2024 - 13:12

As utility demands rise, so too does the need for a diverse and secure power supply.

Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel recently spoke at the South Carolina Advanced Nuclear Forum, alongside utility, higher education and advanced energy partners including Governor Henry McMaster.

To support the state’s growing demand for resilient energy technologies and position South Carolina for an advanced energy future, S.C. Commerce is the lead entity for the South Carolina Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) Tech Hub.

Secretary of Commerce Harry Lightsey spoke to the South Carolina Business Review about SC NEXUS, and what the tech hub’s recent $45 million award means for the state’s efforts on promoting grid cybersecurity technologies.

Learn more about SC NEXUS.

advanced energy Ashely Teasdel nuclear technology SC Nexus Tech Hub Harry Lightsey cybersecurityAdvanced ManufacturingElectric VehiclesHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechNewsletterOff

S.C. Commerce selects first executive director of the SC NEXUS Tech Hub

echilders@sccommerce.com — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:31:09 +0000

S.C. Commerce selects first executive director of the SC NEXUS Tech Hub echilders@scco… Thu, 08/01/2024 - 14:31

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today announced Cristina Paredes will serve as the first executive director of the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS), South Carolina’s Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub). Paredes, a veteran economic development professional, brings more than two decades of experience in leadership and consulting, spearheading policy development, and initiating projects to drive economic growth.

Most recently, Paredes worked as a senior consultant at Florida-based VisionFirst Advisors, where she guided clients through strategic business expansion and location decisions, enhanced economic competitiveness, and navigated local government processes.

As the director of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, Paredes played a pivotal role in steering the community through its most significant economic growth phase, a feat that earned her national recognition. She oversaw major expansion projects, such as the Amazon Robotics Fulfillment Center and Danfoss Turbocor’s new manufacturing and research facilities, which led to the creation of over 2,900 new jobs.

Additionally, Paredes worked with community leaders to secure U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) funding for a regional innovation laboratory, demonstrating her ability to develop collaborative structures and policies that expedite technology deployment. Her proven track record of working with university partners at Tier I research institutions and business leaders will maximize SC NEXUS’ effort to quickly commercialize advanced energy and grid resilient technologies.

The EDA’s Tech Hubs program is designed to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

Last fall, the EDA designated 31 entities across the country as federal tech hubs, including SC NEXUS. The designation allowed the tech hubs to apply for approximately $500 million in grant funding. In July, SC NEXUS received $45 million in implementation grant funding, making it one of only 12 tech hubs to receive funding.

Paredes is pursuing a Master of Legal Studies degree from Texas A&M College of Law, specializing in Environmental and Energy Law and Policy. She holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University. She begins her new role Sept. 3, 2024.

Thursday, August 1, 2024 Accomplished Economic Developer Cristina Paredes to head state’s effort to become a leader in advanced energy Commerce News SC NexusS.C. Commerce selects first executive director of the SC NEXUS Tech HubPress ReleaseOff

FDI in Action at SelectUSA Investment Summit

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:30:09 +0000

FDI in Action at SelectUSA Investment Summit Tuesday, July 9, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 07/09/2024 - 12:30

With a focus on FDI and promoting the benefits of doing business in South Carolina, S.C. Commerce representatives led a diverse state delegation at the 2024 SelectUSA Investment Summit June 23-26, 2024, in National Harbor, Maryland.

The entire South Carolina delegation poses at the state’s booth during the SelectUSA Investment Summit.

On Tuesday, June 25, a special FDI announcement was the focus of celebration at the South Carolina booth. Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel, U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Bauer, Schneider Electric President of North American Operations Aamir Paul and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Arun Venkataraman announced a substantial $23.8 million investment by Schneider Electric, growing the company’s presence in Richland and Oconee counties.

Headquartered in France, Schneider Electric is a global leader in energy management and automation, currently employing more than 1,200 South Carolinians. The company is also a proud SC NEXUS Tech Hub consortium member.

At left, South Carolina Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ashely Teasdel speaks during Schneider Electric’s expansion announcement at the SelectUSA Investment Summit Tuesday, June 25, 2024. At right, Deputy Secretary Teasdel poses with U.S. Ambassador to France Denise Bauer, Schneider Electric President of North American Operations Aamir Paul and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service Arun Venkataraman.

FDI GBD international SelectUSA Tech Hub SC Nexus Ashely Teasdel Schneider Electric energyElectric VehiclesHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechNewsletterOff

SC NEXUS Tech Hub One of 12 Receiving Federal Funds

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:59:26 +0000

SC NEXUS Tech Hub One of 12 Receiving Federal Funds Tuesday, July 9, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 07/09/2024 - 11:59

On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) named the SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) one of 12 tech hub recipients of the agency’s implementation funding round. SC NEXUS will receive $45 million from the federal agency, divided among four of the six projects included in S.C. Commerce’s phase two funding application.

“South Carolina is the place for businesses to excel from launch to legacy – the funding for and work through SC NEXUS will enhance speed to market when it comes to developing and deploying technologies that will help our state, the nation and the world meet the ever-growing energy needs,” said Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III.

The funding for SC NEXUS projects will better position the tech hub as it leverages the region’s dynamic manufacturing base, superior research capabilities, and proven record of public-private collaboration to commercialize emerging energy storage materials and manufacturing techniques.

Read the full SC NEXUS funding announcement here, or learn more about the SC NEXUS Tech Hub.

EDA SC Nexus Tech Hub innovation advanced energyAutomotiveElectric VehiclesHigh-TechNewsletterOff

SC NEXUS one of 12 tech hubs to receive millions in federal funding

ctrammell@sccommerce.com — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:33:00 +0000

SC NEXUS one of 12 tech hubs to receive millions in federal funding ctrammell@scco… Tue, 07/02/2024 - 11:33

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS) today received $45 million in implementation grant funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs program, which is designed to scale up the production of critical technologies, create jobs in innovative industries, and strengthen U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

Last fall, the EDA designated 31 entities across the country as federal tech hubs, including SC NEXUS. The designation allowed the tech hubs to apply for approximately $500 million in grant funding. SC NEXUS is one of only 12 of the 31 tech hubs receiving funding.

“Today is a transformative day for South Carolina and SC NEXUS, and its efforts to strengthen our state’s energy future and economic competitiveness,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Once again, our ability to collaborate and utilize our greatest resource – our people – has been recognized through the awarding of this funding.”

Of the six SC NEXUS projects submitted for funding consideration, the EDA awarded federal funding to four projects, including the:

Grid Enabled Cyber Operations Range project led by Savannah River National Lab – $9,995,816. This project will establish a cyber testing range for grid connected equipment, with both grid operator training and equipment testing benefits.
Economic Development Through Grid Emulation (EDGE) project led by Clemson University – $12.5 million. This project will upgrade the North Charleston eGRID facility’s power and voltage testing capabilities for grid-connected equipment.
Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation (CIBI) project led by the University of South Carolina – $10,218,140. This project will establish a stationary battery manufacturing pilot line in Columbia.
The Education and Workforce Center project, led by the SC Technical College System – $12,637,190. This project will enhance awareness of South Carolina’s energy-focused industries and job opportunities, identify, and develop the skills necessary for success in these roles, and provide critical support services to ensure advanced energy workers have access to these opportunities.

While the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange (eiX) project, led by the South Carolina Research Authority, did not receive federal funding, further development of and securing funding for this project remain a top priority.

Also, the previously announced H2 Testbed project did not receive funding. SC NEXUS will not be moving forward with the project as described in the funding application. The project is currently in redevelopment, and new information will be shared as it becomes available.

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.

For more information about SC NEXUS or how to join the tech hub, visit scnexus.org.

FIVE FAST FACTS

SC NEXUS received $45 million in implementation grant funding through the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) Tech Hubs program.
SC NEXUS is one of only 12 federally designated tech hubs to receive funding.
The EDA awarded funding to four of the six projects SC NEXUS submitted for funding.
SC NEXUS will be given priority for future EDA funding opportunities.
For more information on SC NEXUS, visit scnexus.org.

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 SC NEXUS awarded $45 million to advance cyber-secure grid resilience technologies (GRT)SC Nexus Press ReleaseOff

For Business Growth and Success, SelectUSA

stonnessen@trone.com — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:51:31 +0000

For Business Growth and Success, SelectUSA Tuesday, June 11, 2024 stonnessen@trone.com Tue, 06/11/2024 - 11:51

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is pivotal to South Carolina’s economy, accounting for more than 30% of announced economic development investments in 2023 alone. Today, over 1,100 internationally owned operations exist statewide — even for those with locations throughout the world, South Carolina-based operations stand out in helping drive global success.

To share the benefits of locating in South Carolina with the world, S.C. Commerce and economic developers from across the state are heading to SelectUSA Summit, the nation’s largest, concentrated showcase of the benefits of investing in the United States.

Meet with state and economic development leadership at Booth 1010 in the exhibit hall to explore South Carolina’s strategic approaches to support FDI and new and existing industry growth, from launch to legacy. Be on the lookout for S.C. representatives at the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs) booth in the U.S. Government Pavilion who will share more about the South Carolina Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy Tech Hub.

FDI GBD international SelectUSA Tech Hub SC NexusAdvanced ManufacturingAdvanced MaterialsAerospaceAgribusinessAutomotiveDistribution & LogisticsElectric VehiclesExportingHeadquarters and Corporate OfficesHigh-TechLife SciencesOffice & Shared ServicesRecyclingResearch & DevelopmentSmall BusinessNewsletterOff