Current News Releases
Sept. 18, 2007
Columbia wins national award for technology-based economic development
From the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council presented the city of Columbia's Office of Economic Development with the IEDC Technology-Based Economic Development award.
The award was presented during a conference in Arizona from Sept. 16-19. IEDC is a Washington, D.C.-based non-profit dedicated to helping economic developers do their job more effectively and raising the profile of the profession.
"Economic development efforts have always played a vital role in shoring up the nation's economy, one locality at a time," said Ronnie L. Bryant, IEDC chairman. "As our population grows exponentially and as we continue to overcome challenges, both new and longstanding, these efforts have taken on an even greater importance. The award serves as a salute to pacesetting organizations like Columbia's Economic Development Department for leading the charge."
Competing against organizations serving areas with populations between 50,000 and 200,000, Columbia was a clear standout. The University of South Carolina/Columbia Technology Incubator is a collaboration of the University's Research Foundation, the city of Columbia, and other public/private partners.
The incubator is a home for companies focused on start-up technology during the critical stages of early development. The incubator gives scientists and entrepreneurs an opportunity to work together, sharing research, and developing innovations that succeed in the laboratory and the marketplace.
Since 1998, the incubator has nurtured 67 companies and helped create 484 new high-paying jobs. Incubator advisors have assisted these companies in raising $29 million in new investment capital.
The Incubator’s goal is to provide a “best-in-class” environment that supports the development of homegrown, Columbia-based companies, focused on the knowledge economy.
