Where Innovation Thrives, Works & Plays

The Innovation District is the physical campus of Innovista: 500 acres in the heart of downtown Columbia designed to be office, laboratory, home, playground and community to technology and innovation focused entrepreneurs, business and start-up companies.  Anchored by the nationally recognized research strength of the University of South Carolina, the Innovation District is a community that provides exclusive access to a skilled workforce, groundbreaking research, strategic partnerships and more.

Easy Access, Strong Infrastructure

Easily accessed by three major interstates (I-77, I-26, and I-20), the Innovation District is just minutes from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, providing easy, cost-effective air travel and more than 40 non-stop flights daily.  Amtrak provides passenger train service; Norfolk Southern Systems and CSX offer freight rail services.

Art, Culture & Entertainment

The Innovation District's ideal location in the governmental, cultural and educational hub of the state means that it's also home to a thriving arts scene, independent spirit and entertainment districts with an abundance of locally owned shops, galleries, eateries and night spots.  The Congaree Vista Guild, an organization comprised of local business owners, ensures that the entertainment district reflects the vibrancy of our progressive Southern city.

Outdoor Sports & Leisure

Runners, cyclists and nature lovers can take in the beauty of Columbia from the Three Rivers Greenway, a system of three river walks with lighted and paved trails, boardwalks and scenic overlooks that connects the City of Columbia, West Columbia and Cayce.  Plus, an array of local waterways including the Congaree, Saluda and Broad Rivers, Lake Murray and Lake Moultire are perfect for water sports and leisure activities alike.

The gateway of the Innovation District, at the corners of Assembly and Greene Streets, is the new location for USC's internationally ranked Darla Moore School of Business.  Striving for the highest LEED environmental standards and an energy consumption rating of net zero, the building highlights USC's commitment to sustainability in operations and academics.