Trulite, which builds hydrogen fuel cell generators and hydrogen fuel canisters for commercial uses, is moving its manufacturing and administration to Columbia.
The announcement could mean up to 1,000 private, high-tech jobs over the next few years, company and economic development officials said.
The company could be the first big score for Columbia's and the state's five-year, $41 million push to launch a "knowledge-based" economy in the Midlands.
"They have good things in the works with major companies - legitimate prospects with legitimate companies" to purchase their products, said Neil McLean, president and CEO of EngenuitySC, an agency set up by USC and Columbia to encourage and guide high-tech investment.