South Carolina Innovation Awareness Month returns for a fourth year, kicking off with a sold-out statewide breakfast celebration
The InnoVision Awards organization, in partnership with a growing coalition of South Carolina innovation leaders, today announced the launch of the fourth annual South Carolina Innovation Awareness Month (IAM), returning throughout April 2026. The month-long celebration began with an exclusive IAM 2026 Kickoff Breakfast convening entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and business leaders committed to advancing South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem. Lt. Governor Pamela Evette was the keynote speaker.
“South Carolina’s success is driven by the strength of our people and our ability to turn ideas into opportunity. Innovation Awareness Month highlights the work happening across our state to advance new technologies, support businesses, and attract investment,” said Lt. Governor Pamela Evette, keynote speaker for the kickoff breakfast. “By supporting innovation, we are ensuring South Carolina remains competitive and prepared for the future.”
Now in its fourth year, IAM was born from a 2023 proclamation by Governor Henry McMaster declaring April as Innovation Awareness Month in South Carolina, a recognition of the state’s growing role as a national hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and research-driven economic development. Since that proclamation, the initiative has expanded each year, bringing together a broader coalition of institutions that are reshaping what South Carolina’s future looks like.
The IAM 2026 Kickoff Breakfast also featured remarks from national, state, and institutional leaders, including William “Bill” Kirkland, Interim President & CEO, South Carolina Research Authority, Julie Kunkle, Director of Global Business Development, South Carolina Department of Commerce, Todd Headley, CEO, Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization, MUSC, Susie Shannon, President & CEO, South Carolina Council on Competitiveness, Elizabeth Dougherty, Regional Outreach Director, U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, Hunter Freeman, Attorney, Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm, InnoVision Awards Chair, and Doug Kim, Immediate Past Chair, InnoVision Awards; Founding Attorney, Kim, Lahey & Killough Law Firm, which provided the breakfast.
InnoVision Awards announces 2026 Call for Entries
The South Carolina InnoVision Awards announced a call for entries for its 2026 awards cycle at the event, with nominations and applications open through May 31, 2026. Founded in 1999, the volunteer-led nonprofit is dedicated to advancing innovation and technology across South Carolina, recognizing businesses, organizations, and individuals who demonstrate excellence in six categories: Small Business, Sustainability, Technology Application, and Technology Development and two new categories: Community Enrichment and Emerging Technology. Finalists will be celebrated at the Annual InnoVision Awards on November 5, 2026, in Greenville, SC. To apply, nominate or learn more, visit innovisionawards.org/submissions.
About MUSC
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, MUSC is the state’s only comprehensive academic health system, with a unique mission to preserve and optimize human life in South Carolina through education, research, and patient care. Each year, MUSC educates more than 3,200 students in six colleges – Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, Health Professions, Medicine, Nursing, and Pharmacy, and trains more than 900 residents and fellows in its health system.
About S.C. Commerce
Welcome to South Carolina. The new headquarters of American innovation. As the state’s lead economic development agency, the South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) works to recruit and support companies of all sizes in their quest to launch, expand and build a legacy. With proactive, strategic initiatives that help the agency create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, S.C. Commerce champions new and existing businesses and partnerships that fuel emerging and established industries alike. S.C. Commerce is the principal collaborator for SC NEXUS, a consortium of state leaders in government, utilities, higher education and other stakeholders exploring advanced energy. Recognized for its pro-business climate and policies that have attracted global brands and industry leaders, South Carolina is committed to maintaining the state’s long-term competitiveness while building a modern economy, one that is diverse, supporting businesses at every phase of their lifecycle, allowing people to live and work where they love. For more information, visit www.sccommerce.com.
About SCRA
Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation, South Carolina Research Authority fuels the state’s innovation economy through the impact of its comprehensive services to technology-based startups, academia, and industry. SCRA provides funding and support to accelerate the growth of academic startups; high-quality lab and administrative workspaces; facilitation and funding for partnerships between and among industry, startups, and academic institutions; assistance and funding for the relocation of technology-based companies to South Carolina; and coaching and funding for startups that may also receive investments from its affiliate, SC Launch Inc.
About InnoVision Awards
Founded in 1999, InnoVision Awards is a grassroots, volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing innovation and technology across South Carolina. Through its statewide events and prestigious annual InnoVision Awards, the organization recognizes and celebrates outstanding leadership, innovation, and technological excellence achievements by businesses, individuals, and organizations driving progress in the region.