SC NEXUS and SCRA announce Entrepreneurship and Innovation Exchange project launch
February 26, 2026
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), 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 [email protected] or visit www.sccommerce.com/
“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
About S.C. Commerce
Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy — one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle — allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.
