SCRA announces new member companies and grant funding
September 7, 2023BagValet, FRD Accel, and Health Evolve Technologies were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority Member Companies. Aravis BioTech, CloseWise, Ortho-Dx, and Sagacity Solutions received new grant funding.
All SCRA Member Companies receive coaching, access to experts in SCRA’s Resource Partner Network, eligibility to apply for grant funding, and the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc.
Aravis BioTech, LLC received a $50,000 Federal Matching Grant. The Greenville-based life science company is developing a medical device implant that will monitor the healing of hip surgery patients. The device informs the provider and the patient about when and how to begin weight-bearing activities. This device is also designed to reduce complications and manage care for insurance purposes.
BagValet, LLC has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Charleston-based mobile luggage storage solution provider aims to assist travelers in bridging the gap between lodging accommodations and flight times by providing daily luggage storage with the convenience of door-to-door service.
CloseWise, LLC received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Lexington-based information technology company provides a notary database and scheduling software developed for signing agents, signing services, and title and escrow companies in order to digitalize the signing process.
FRD Accel, LLC has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Charleston-based life science company was formed by the Medical University of South Carolina’s Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization. Their technology, BabyStrong, consisting of an earpiece and controller, uses vagus nerve stimulation to promote feeding in newborns, especially premature babies, that are having feeding difficulties. The BabyStrong system can eliminate the need for a gastric tube, resulting in earlier discharge from the hospital and reduced stress for the baby and family.
Health Evolve Technologies, LLC has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Columbia-based information technology company builds patient-centered technologies that provide comprehensive and simple tools that equip patients and position providers with clinical insights needed for a personalized care experience.
Ortho-Dx Inc. received a $25,000 Project Development Fund Grant. The Hilton Head Island-based life sciences company has developed a wireless sensor system to monitor the stability of surgically placed orthopedic implants utilizing near-field inductive technology.
Sagacity Solutions, Inc. received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Greenville-based startup developed a platform that helps venture capital firms request, collect, and analyze portfolio company performance data, thereby freeing up team members’ time to make more informed decisions.
SCRA welcomes these new Member Companies and congratulates those that received funding.
Grant funding is made possible, in part, by the Industry Partnership Fund (IPF) 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.