The home of an electric grid simulator operated by Clemson University, located at the former U.S. Naval Base in North Charleston. Federal funding announced Tuesday, July 2, 2024 will allow for upgrades to the system. (Provided by Clemson University)
COLUMBIA — A conglomerate of South Carolina colleges, a federal nuclear research laboratory and the state’s economic development agency won a $45 million federal grant to establish a technology hub focused on developing new energy technologies.
The hub, known as SC Nexus, was one of just a dozen federally recognized tech hubs awarded federal funding Tuesday after more than a year-long application process with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
The U.S. Commerce Department designated a total of 31 hubs across the country with the aim of creating more high-paying technology jobs and making the nation more competitive in high-tech industries. But only 12 of those hubs went on to receive federal financial backing.
“We’re incredibly excited. Today really is a transformational day for South Carolina and for Nexus,” said Ashely Teasdel, deputy secretary with the S.C. Department of Commerce. “This effort is really about strengthening the state and America’s economic competitiveness and national security.”
The effort has been a priority for Gov. Henry McMaster and members of the state Legislature, with $15 million set aside as a one-time expenditure in the proposed budget, and $5 million in recurring support.
SC Nexus will spend its federal funding on four projects:
The Department of Commerce will be setting up a division to oversee the Nexus projects, and will continue to seek additional funding. Two of the initially planned six projects did not receive federal grants, and those projects are being reviewed. At least one will not move forward as initially planned.
“This is just the beginning for us, and we’re excited about the growth potential, the economic competitiveness that we’re going to have and then have a really, really big hand in national security too,” Teasdel said.
The Department of Commerce did not have a total cost estimate for all six of the projects readily available on Tuesday.
“Out of hundreds of applications, our state was chosen as one of twelve tech hubs to receive funding to focus on the increasing energy demands and needs of our nation,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “Hats off to the South Carolina Department of Commerce and all those involved in putting this application together.”
by Jessica Holdman, SC Daily Gazette
July 2, 2024
by Jessica Holdman, SC Daily Gazette
July 2, 2024
COLUMBIA — A conglomerate of South Carolina colleges, a federal nuclear research laboratory and the state’s economic development agency won a $45 million federal grant to establish a technology hub focused on developing new energy technologies.
The hub, known as SC Nexus, was one of just a dozen federally recognized tech hubs awarded federal funding Tuesday after more than a year-long application process with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
The U.S. Commerce Department designated a total of 31 hubs across the country with the aim of creating more high-paying technology jobs and making the nation more competitive in high-tech industries. But only 12 of those hubs went on to receive federal financial backing.
“We’re incredibly excited. Today really is a transformational day for South Carolina and for Nexus,” said Ashely Teasdel, deputy secretary with the S.C. Department of Commerce. “This effort is really about strengthening the state and America’s economic competitiveness and national security.”
The effort has been a priority for Gov. Henry McMaster and members of the state Legislature, with $15 million set aside as a one-time expenditure in the proposed budget, and $5 million in recurring support.
SC Nexus will spend its federal funding on four projects:
The Department of Commerce will be setting up a division to oversee the Nexus projects, and will continue to seek additional funding. Two of the initially planned six projects did not receive federal grants, and those projects are being reviewed. At least one will not move forward as initially planned.
“This is just the beginning for us, and we’re excited about the growth potential, the economic competitiveness that we’re going to have and then have a really, really big hand in national security too,” Teasdel said.
The Department of Commerce did not have a total cost estimate for all six of the projects readily available on Tuesday.
“Out of hundreds of applications, our state was chosen as one of twelve tech hubs to receive funding to focus on the increasing energy demands and needs of our nation,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham in a statement Tuesday afternoon. “Hats off to the South Carolina Department of Commerce and all those involved in putting this application together.”
SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. SC Daily Gazette maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seanna Adcox for questions: info@scdailygazette.com. Follow SC Daily Gazette on Facebook and X.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. AP and Getty images may not be republished. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of any other photos and graphics.
Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the SC Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.
SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the SC Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues.
SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
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The South Carolina Daily Gazette is a nonprofit news site providing nonpartisan reporting and thoughtful commentary. We strive to shine a light on state government and how political decisions affect people across the Palmetto State. We do that with coverage that’s free to both readers and other news outlets.
We’re part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website.
© SC Daily Gazette, 2024
