SEBIO

About South Carolina 's Life Sciences Community

South Carolina is bringing new life science technologies including therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and bio-materials from the lab to marketplace. Enabling legislation, collaborative programs such as Health Sciences South Carolina, SC Launch, and SC BIO along with state-wide support organizations such as the Palmetto Biotechnology Alliance, research centers and new wet lab space all contribute to the growth of South Carolina's biotech industry. With a growing knowledge-based economy, three major research universities (Clemson, the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina) and national award winning support organizations for entrepreneurs and their growing companies, South Carolina provides a comprehensive ecosystem for biotech to thrive.

1. Research Universities

Clemson University ($160 million in 2004)
- University Web Site: www.clemson.edu
- Tech Transfer Web Site: http://www.clemson.edu
University of South Carolina ($129 million in 2004)
- University Web Site: http://www.sc.edu/
- Tech Transfer Web Site: http://ip.research.sc.edu/
Medical University of South Carolina ($180 million in 2004)
- University Web Site: www.musc.edu
- Research Web Site: http://research.musc.edu/

South Carolina Research Centers of Excellence Act has awarded over $110 million to the three universities since 2002 to fund endowed professorships, space, equipment, and technical research staff. The program will create a critical mass around which a Center of Excellence will be built. Life sciences grants are concentrated at the Medical University with collaborative programs involving USC and Clemson.

The South Carolina Health Sciences Collaborative joins together the universities and largest health systems to create a research foundation for medical research, including clinical trials.

The Life Sciences Act, enacted in 2004, provides incentives for life sciences companies that make large investments, $100 million and 200 new full-time jobs. For emerging biosciences companies, the Venture Capital Investment Act is a vehicle where state tax credits can fund private venture capital in the state.

2. Life Science Incubators