SCRA Technology Ventures Announces USAP Awards

Three Companies Receive University Start-up Assistance Program Awards

COLUMBIA, SC –  SCRA Technology Ventures today announced thatAdditive Drug Delivery Devices (AD3), ConnecTiss and VRM Labsrecently received University Start-up Assistance Program (USAP) funding. All of these companies are based on innovations licensed from Clemson University and are located in South Carolina’s Upstate. 

AD3‘s patent-pending fibers give sutures and surgical meshes the ability to elute antimicrobials for an up to three months. AD3‘s unique fibers can be tailored to integrate into existing product lines of established brands, enabling licensers to leverage their original brand equity while differentiating and improving the efficacy of their devices. This technology was developed in collaboration with MUSC clinician and is co-owned by both Universities.

ConnecTiss is an early stage medical start-up developing novel cosmeceuticals designed to inhibit elastin loss; a key constituent of connective skin tissue.  ConnecTiss believes its elastin restorative technology has the potential to become the standard of care ingredient in a multitude of “anti-aging, anti-wrinkles” skin care products worldwide.

VRM Labs is working to increase health and wellness of animals by using natural products, rich in antioxidant activity, to preserve food quality and to improve the animal’s ability to combat oxidative damage. VRM Labs’ natural product is able to preserve freshness just as well as the less-desired synthetic alternatives, in a variety of food products ranging from animal feeds to the foods we consume every day.

“We are delighted to support these companies through the SC Launch program,” said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. “These USAP grants will help commercialize these innovative technologies that are emerging from Clemson, and ultimately help to further South Carolina’s Knowledge Economy. We extend our sincere congratulations to these three companies, and look forward to many future successes.”

About SCRA

http://www.scra.org/
SCRA Technology Ventures helps innovative companies grow and develop new technologies, creating jobs and advancing the Knowledge Economy throughout South Carolina. This SCRA business sector provides support and mentoring to early stage, start-up technology companies through its flagship SC Launch. Since 2006, SCRA has deployed over $81 million in funding and infrastructure to support over 290 high-tech, early-stage enterprises and has directly invested over $18 million in South Carolina start-ups, attracting over $301 million in private investment. SCRA Technology Ventures also supports commercialization and growth by facilitating the transfer of intellectual property and accelerating the transition of inventions to the marketplace.

Multiple economic impact studies show SCRA’s cumulative output on South Carolina’s economy to be over $16.6 billion, and that the company has helped create approximately 15,000 technology-related jobs in the state, with annual wages averaging between $55,000 and $77,000.

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Clemson University Research Foundation

The Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF) is a nonprofit corporation that facilitates the transfer of Clemson University’s intellectual property to the private sector for commercial development and societal benefit. To learn more about CURF services and to view current technologies available for license, visit www.clemson.edu/curf.

Clemson University
Ranked No. 21 among national public universities, Clemson University is a major, land-grant, science- and engineering-oriented research university that maintains a strong commitment to teaching and student success. Clemson is an inclusive, student-centered community characterized by high academic standards, a culture of collaboration, school spirit and a competitive drive to excel.