An idea –no matter how good it is– helps no one if it isn’t nurtured and allowed to grow. For a knowledge-economy such as Columbia’s to thrive, the right soil conditions must be created to make sure that great ideas can happen. That’s why we have created an innovation pipeline and our partners have helped enact knowledge-based legislation as support so ideas can come to life. Columbia’s knowledge-based economy is being built on focus. We collaborate and have continuous interaction between local institutions of higher education, research centers, the entrepreneurial community, and groups managing investment capital. Together, these groups are building the foundation that can be applied to our technological focus. There are three fundamental components that make up this foundation: discovery, development, and deployment.
The first of these to be recognized is the opportunity presented by the hydrogen economy and more specifically hydrogen & fuel cells. The result is the USC Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative, a joint effort between EngenuitySC, The University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia, and the SCRA.
In addition, growth areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, just to name a few, are being examined to determine whether they align strategically with the vision and assets of the community.
Click on the tabs for more information about how each stage of the innovation pipeline creates opportunities for people with an entrepreneurial spirit.