SCRA announces new Member Companies and grant funding
October 2, 2024
JVPro, Qatalyst Health, and Storybutton were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority Member Companies. FSI Advanced Research, LifeTagger, Little Beeings, and SMPL-C 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.
FSI Advanced Research Inc. received a $12,000 Demonstration Grant with an industry match from CeramTec in Laurens, SC, an advanced manufacturing and materials supplier of specialized ceramics. FSI Advanced Research provides expertise and training in machine vision and deep learning software, specializing in applying state of the art machine vision technologies to solve difficult industrial inspection and process control applications.
JVPro LLC has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Medical University of South Carolina-based life science startup has developed a smartphone device attachment with accompanying software to provide a less-invasive, lower-cost way to monitor disease progression and reduce preventable hospital readmissions in heart failure patients.
LifeTagger Inc. received a $50,000 Demonstration Grant. The Ladson-based information technology startup provides an app that enables businesses to deliver the best content to new and existing customers using real-time marketplace indicators. From photos, promos, and more, their dashboard makes it easier for companies to connect and engage with their intended audiences.
Little Beeings LLC received a $25,000 Academic Startup Grant. The Charleston-based life science startup has developed a subscription-based social-emotional intelligence box for children. Their product, the Beeing You Box, is a highly interactive learning product that gives parents and caregivers resources to foster social-emotional development using emotional intelligence-focused games, activities, and toys tailored to stages of social-emotional development.
Qatalyst Health Corporation has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Charleston-based information technology startup has developed proprietary software for skilled nursing facilities. Their software instantly integrates with a patient’s electronic medical records to automatically digitize and update relevant Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement forms.
SMPL-C Corporation received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Mount Pleasant-based information technology startup offers a simple and affordable SaaS platform solution for defense contractors to understand and follow Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)-mandated regulations, ensuring consistent compliance to maintain and grow their valuable DoD contracts. The platform combines advanced GenAI technology with tailored large language models specifically for CMMC, speeding up the process by 40%.
Storybutton Inc. has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Indian Land-based information technology startup has developed an audio platform and audio player for children. The platform allows children to listen to podcasts, bedtime stories, and more without using a mobile phone. Users can explore a curated library of educational kids’ podcasts, audiobooks, and stories with personalized content that makes it easy for them to choose their favorite stories and episodes.
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.
About SCRA
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.
