The InnoVision Awards hosted another sold-out Forum with over 70 attendees at Winthrop University, bringing together business leaders, innovators, and technology professionals to explore how the region can thrive in an AI-driven economy.
Sponsored by Comporium and hosted by the Winthrop Region SBDC, Rock Hill EDC, SCRA, and Winthrop University, the event showcased the powerful synergy across Rock Hill and York County as organizations collaborate to advance the region’s economic future.
Among the attendees were representatives from Rock Hill EDC, York County EDC, Tech Founders of York County, Winthrop University’s Business Dean and Provost, and area business leaders—all united in their commitment to positioning the region as a tech hub.
Winthrop Launches South Carolina’s First AI Degree Program
In major news, Winthrop University announced new degree programs for fall 2025, including South Carolina’s first stand-alone undergraduate program in artificial intelligence. Additional offerings include degrees with concentrations in FinTech, software engineering, and game design. Read more about Winthrop’s innovative programs.
Success on Stage
Thank you to our moderator, intellectual property attorney Doug Kim of Kim, Lahey & Killough, and our distinguished panel:
Keith Luedeman, tech entrepreneur and growth strategist
Derek Wang, Co-Founder & CEO of Taalk.ai
Marcus Benjamin, Senior tech executive and SCRA Board of Trustees member
Susie Shannon of SC Competes
Attendees learned that in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, simply using AI isn’t enough—businesses must restructure around AI to remain competitive. The good news? Companies can start small in-house without hiring expensive outside firms. Empowering employees with the confidence to implement AI solutions is key.
Entrepreneurs and startups noted that companies ignoring AI risk being left behind. Investors now expect to see how businesses leverage AI in their strategies.
Panelists reminded the audience that AI executes tasks, but humans provide the critical thinking and emotional intelligence. Organizations must design AI solutions tailored to their specific business needs and client requirements. It is important to strategize where AI fits within a company while also maintaining the social skills essential for business success.
Attendees were inspired by South Carolina Competes’ growth perspectives in the state, and the secondary school initiatives implementing AI certifications – yes, Microsoft Azure certificates – that South Carolina students will be able to acquire by the end of middle school through the Palmetto AI Pathways Pilot Program.
Coming Events
As the tech industry increasingly says “Yes to York County,” the region is preparing for tech-focused growth with upcoming events including:
- SCRA Fundraising and Capital Planning Workshop – October 28th
- South Carolina Competes Spring Summit at Winthrop – Details coming soon!
Thank you to our sponsors Comporium, and our hosts Winthrop Region SBDC, Rock Hill EDC, SCRA, and Winthrop University for making this event possible.