The January edition of the monthly Chucktown U Virtual Event Series will focus on SCRA - The South Carolina Research Authority. The featured speaker will be Meghan Corsello, Senior Investment Associate at SCRA.
The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) is a state-chartered organization created by the South Carolina General Assembly in 1983 to fuel innovation-driven economic growth across the state. It does this by supporting startups, powering academic research commercialization, and strengthening the state’s technology-based industries. Although founded by legislation, SCRA is financially self-sustaining and operates as an independent, nonprofit public organization—not a typical state agency.
Mission and Purpose
SCRA’s primary aim is to accelerate South Carolina’s innovation economy. It creates conditions for new companies to form, scale, attract capital, and hire talent in high-value sectors such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, health tech, information technology, aerospace, and clean energy. It also fosters collaboration between entrepreneurs, researchers, universities, investors, and corporate partners.
SC Launch Inc. – Startup Funding and Support
Through its affiliated investment arm, SC Launch Inc., SCRA provides:
• Grants to very early-stage companies for product development, market validation, or building a scalable business model
• Seed and follow-on equity investments to help companies grow toward venture capital readiness or major commercialization milestones
• Mentoring and strategic resources connecting founders to industry experts, buyers, and talent
These investments help high-growth startups remain and expand in South Carolina, while building the state’s reputation as a competitive innovation hub.
Presenter: Meghan Corsello, Senior Investment Associate at SCRA
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Time: 12:00 Noon to 12:45 PM
Registration: Click here to register
