South Carolina Research Authority awards $125K in grants to four AI and tech startups
What's the deal? The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) has awarded a total of $125,000 in grant funding to four early-stage companies working in AI, cybersecurity, and edtech. The grants were announced on May 12.
Tada AI, a Rock Hill-based intelligent automation startup, received the largest award — a $50,000 acceleration grant. It builds AI tools that eliminate manual data entry and streamline payroll, HR, and back-office tasks.
Three other startups each received $25,000 startup grants: CAMA Security (cybersecurity for embedded systems and IoT devices), Pathly (AI-powered career guidance for high school students), and Vet Media Group (an educational video platform for veterinarians).
SCRA also accepted two new member companies — Baysys Solutions and Digital Site Box — which gain access to coaching, startup resources, and the potential for investment from SCRA's affiliate, SC Launch Inc.
Why now? SCRA's grant programme is part of a broader push by South Carolina to nurture homegrown tech companies. The authority provides non-dilutive capital at the earliest stages, when startups often struggle to attract private investment. The latest batch reflects growing state-level interest in AI applications across industries — from logistics to veterinary medicine to K-12 education.
What could go wrong? Grants of $25,000 to $50,000 are modest sums that can help startups reach early milestones but won't sustain them for long. Each of these companies will need to secure follow-on funding or revenue quickly. Operating from smaller South Carolina cities like Rock Hill, Lancaster, and Piedmont could also limit access to talent and investor networks compared with larger tech hubs.
The signal: State-backed innovation programmes like SCRA's are increasingly focused on AI-native startups, even at the seed and pre-seed level. The diversity of sectors represented — payroll automation, hardware-level cybersecurity, student career planning, and veterinary education — shows how AI is permeating niche verticals well beyond Silicon Valley. For founders outside major metros, these grants serve as critical first cheques that validate ideas and open doors to larger capital.
Read more: scra.org
