SUPPORTING GROWTH IN LIFE SCIENCE
Upstate South Carolina’s BIO ecosystem continues to grow due in part to strong industry leadership and legislative support. The past few years have brought new research & innovation campuses, a new medical school, growing collaborations and supportive public policy. One of the biggest impacts to deal flow was the passing of the 35% tax break for angel investors. Since 2013, the number of investors has grown 600% and resulted in the creation of 315 jobs and $63.3 million in total capital.
SCBIO continues to support and advance South Carolina’s life science industry through collaboration, advocacy, workforce development, enhanced purchasing power and education. The organization works towards ensuring that South Carolina’s companies, research institutions, and citizens reap the economic and societal benefits of a world-class life sciences cluster.
GROWING SEGMENTS
Medical Devices
South Carolina boasts significant business activity within the medical device sector and a particularly robust medical device manufacturing supply chain. From 2007-2010, companies in medical devices and equipment added 15% more jobs and 13% more companies in South Carolina. Select companies: St. Jude Medical, Covidien, Poly-Med, Inc.
Clinical Research
The Upstate has a strong network supporting clinical research as well as a growing patient catchment area. It is home to a variety of incubation spaces and over 700 clinical trials are being conducted at any time in a variety of disciplines. Major areas of focus: oncology, companion diagnostics, genetics and medical devices
Pharmaceuticals
Upstate South Carolina has an established base of pharmaceutical manufacturers comprised of bulk manufacturers, chemical processors, generic and proprietary drug makers and packagers. Select companies: Capsugel, PL Developments, Nutra Manufacturing
GROWING COLLABORATIONS
Biomaterials & Devices
Clemson University Biomedical Innovation Campus (CUBEInC)
One of the nation’s leading research institutions in medical device technology.
Focus: Developing high-impact medical technology and devices for disease management Cancer Treatment & Research
Institute for Translational Oncology Research (iTOR)
One of the nation’s top phase 1 clinical research units for ongoing drug development.
Focus: Developing and delivering personalized cancer therapies
Genomics & Genetics
JC Self Research Institute Campus At Greenwood Genetic Center
Worldwide experts in the field of autism and X-linked intellectual disabilities
Focus: Identifying causative genes and mutations and understanding the mechanisms, causes and preventions of intellectual disabilities and birth defects
Innovation Corridor
Innovations in Medical Economic Development (IMED)
Greenville Health System’s research development corporation recently unveiled plans for a community project focused on growing this industry, IMED (Innovations in Medical Economic Development).
Focus: Linking health research, clinicians, academics and manufacturing to change the landscape of the Upstate market.
Digital Health Accelerator
The Iron Yard in Spartanburg
One of the nation’s top 6 health accelerators. Since 2012 Iron Yard Ventures has invested in more than 50 companies that have since gone on to secure over $60 Million in follow-on funding.
Focus: Nurturing digital startups involved in the health industry, spanning from wellness apps to enterprise software.
GROWING WORKFORCE
The Upstate has over 30 institutions of higher learning and
is within 150 miles of major research universities such as University of North Carolina, Duke and Georgia Tech. The region is also home to one of the nation’s newest medical schools, University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Greenville.
Clemson University recently opened a new human genomics graduate research campus on the grounds of the 41-year-old Greenwood Genetic Center-- one of the first centers devoted solely to researching genetically inherited birth defects.