SCRA funds additional $1.5 million in response to COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) and its investment affiliate, SC Launch, Inc. have dedicated an additional $1.5 million in funding to support businesses that are providing coronavirus-related solutions and to help their current portfolio companies continue to meet their financial goals during this time.

Companies receiving funding to provide COVID-19 solutions are:

• Blue Eye Soft (COVID-19 detection and diagnosis)
• Carolina Diagnostic Solutions (pulmonary self-monitoring tools)
• Citibot (citizen engagement solution)
• Elastrin Therapeutics (treatment of lung-related illnesses)
• Pure Aqua Solution (destruction of pathogens including COVID-19)
• Precision Genetics (COVID-19 testing)
• Resiliency Technology, Inc. dba SHARPEN (mental health support for healthcare workers)
• Zylö Therapeutics (treatment of COVID-19 and other lung related illnesses)

Additional companies have received investments to help them continue growing their companies in spite of the pandemic. These are:

• ActiveEd (Walkabout app promoting learning and physical activity)
• BandwagonFanClub (fan demographic reporting to elevate event experiences)
• Ellipsis Technologies (anti-fraud and other cybersecurity tools)
• Global Transplant Solutions (organ preservation products)
• PEC360 (patient experience software)
• REsimplifi (commercial real estate property search)

“Our mission of fueling South Carolina’s innovation economy includes answering the call to help during this COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our current client companies were already providing or developing solutions related to COVID-19 while others quickly pivoted to address the pandemic. We are proud to be able to provide the support necessary to maximize the impact of these solutions,” said Bob Quinn, Executive Director of SCRA.

In addition to investing financially, SCRA is also involved in other initiatives to help fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff members are serving on various taskforces and committees with health systems and economic development organizations. Other SCRA-supported companies are providing solutions to the pandemic including Modjoul, which has developed an employee health screening platform, Humimic Medical and ZVerse, which are producing protective shields, and Vikor Scientific, which is providing respiratory pathogen testing. Lastly, SCRA is sharing COVID-19 resources online and through social media.

About SCRA

Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation SCRA is a state-chartered organization that fuels job creation and grows South Carolina’s innovation economy. Through SCRA’s programs, SC Academic Innovations, SC Facilities, SC Launch and SC Ventures, researchers, developers and early-stage companies are receiving mentoring and funding, and may be eligible for an investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch, Inc.