This Week's Latest Tech News in Columbia, SC - Sunday April 20th 2025 Edition

Columbia's tech scene is hitting major milestones in April 2025, with its economic output reaching $51.7 billion and tech salaries averaging $96,763.

The city's transformation got a massive boost with Meta's $800 million data center investment creating 100 new tech jobs.

Innovation is accelerating with the launch of Innovation Awareness Month, spotlighting local tech talent and startups.

The USC/Columbia Technology Incubator's new 50,000-square-foot facility now offers cutting-edge resources for entrepreneurs, while the University of South Carolina's AI program expands with specialized certificates and ethical AI development initiatives.

The startup ecosystem is thriving with over 50 new ventures launched this year, supported by innovation grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Key developments include:

• New tech hub launch: The launch of a 32,000-square-foot tech hub at Gather Cola provides a dedicated space for community innovation and collaboration.
• Southeastern Technology Centers’ expansion: The recent purchase of 2221 Devine Street for $2 million means a new tech innovation center is on the horizon.
• Smart city initiatives: Expanded fiber internet coverage by Lumos is enhancing digital infrastructure across Columbia.

The momentum continues with Columbia's tech job market projected to grow 15% annually, positioning the city as a major southeastern tech hub.

Development	Lead Contact	Projected Impact
Meta Data Center	Nancy Miller	100 New Tech Jobs
USC/Columbia Tech Incubator	Richard Smith	Expanding Entrepreneur Support
Innovation Awareness Month	Daniel Lopez	Spotlighting Startups & Talent

Columbia’s accelerating tech sector is not simply a phase—it's the beginning of a transformative era for the region’s innovation economy.

The University of South Carolina (USC) is making waves in the tech world through its groundbreaking partnership with IBM and Red Hat. The collaboration, centered in USC's Center for Applied Innovation, represents a $25 million investment in developing cutting-edge solutions through research and industry partnerships.

Students now have unprecedented access to Red Hat Academy's comprehensive training programs, which include courses in Linux, cloud computing, and development technologies at no cost.

The partnership has evolved significantly since its inception, with USC joining the IBM Quantum Hub, granting access to 20 IBM quantum computing systems.

Key initiatives include the USC Cloud Innovation Lab, where students work with IBM Cloud and Red Hat OpenShift platforms, focusing on cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity.

• Hands-on training: Over 2,200 students annually participate in specialized workshops and hands-on training, with 65% coming from STEM fields, providing practical experience in essential tech skills.
• Real-world experience: The program offers real-world experience through cloud computing labs, AI workshops utilizing IBM Watson and Red Hat automation tools, and cybersecurity competitions.
• Career opportunities: Career opportunities have expanded significantly, with 70% of USC tech interns receiving full-time offers from partner organizations in 2024.
• Research collaboration: The partnership also emphasizes research collaboration in predictive analytics and IoT applications, positioning USC at the forefront of technological innovation.

As Linda Harris, Chief Innovation Officer at USC, notes, this alliance is transforming how students prepare for tech careers while strengthening Columbia's position as an emerging tech hub.

The 2025 startup landscape in Columbia is experiencing a major boost with several accelerator programs competing to nurture local tech talent. The South Carolina Research Authority leads the charge in enterprise software and manufacturing innovation, while MetaProp's 22-week program offers up to $250,000 in financing for PropTech ventures.

The new Techstart Columbia Accelerator Program adds to this ecosystem, accepting 15 startups from over 120 applications for its inaugural cohort. Techstars Columbus's success story serves as inspiration, with 24 alumni companies already leveraging AI to transform industries from healthcare to civil services.

Each participant in Techstart Columbia receives $25,000 in seed funding, plus comprehensive support including mentorship from Google for Startups partners, workspace access, and AWS credits.

• Founder Roundtables: Weekly sessions foster direct connections between startups and investors.
• Pitch sessions: These create direct pathways to investor funding and advice.
• Demo Day: The program culminates in a high-profile showcase for 200+ industry leaders.

Metric	Outcome	Period
Follow-on Funding	78% of cohort startups secured additional capital	Within 6 months
Customer Base Growth	92% of startups expanded their reach	First cohort

Lisa Patel, Techstart's managing director, envisions Columbia becoming the Southeast's premier innovation hub, fostering both capital investment and community growth.

With multiple accelerators now operating in the region, Columbia is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the Southeast's technology ecosystem, offering entrepreneurs diverse pathways to scale their ventures.

The Columbia Convention Center was buzzing with opportunity on April 18th, 2025, as it hosted the city's largest-ever Cybersecurity Job Fair, showcasing Columbia's projected 16% growth rate in cybersecurity jobs by 2025.

Drawing over 1,200 attendees, from entry-level seekers to seasoned pros, the event tackled the massive demand for cyber talent, with starting salaries ranging from $52,733 to $102,700.

More than 30 leading employers participated, including IBM Security, CyberGuard, and Dominion Energy, with nearly 500 on-site interviews scheduled. The fair highlighted Columbia's thriving tech ecosystem, where the average tech salary of $96,763 sits 78% above the state average.

Employers were particularly keen to fill positions in ethical hacking, network defense, and cloud security, reflecting the region's evolving cyber needs. The event's success underscores South Carolina's robust tech growth, which contributes $51.7 billion to the state's economy.

With 90% of organizations reporting unfilled cybersecurity positions and the sector projected to add over 31,600 new tech jobs by 2032, the fair's massive turnout signals a bright future for cyber professionals in Columbia.

"The talent pipeline in Columbia is expanding fast—events like this are essential to meet our cybersecurity needs," noted Karen Johnson, a Dominion Energy recruiter, reflecting the city's emergence as a southeastern cyber hub.

• Cybersecurity job growth: Columbia is set for a 16% increase in cyber jobs by 2025, indicating expanding opportunities for tech talent.
• Employer participation: Over 30 tech employers engaged directly with job seekers, facilitating hundreds of on-site interviews.
• Top hiring areas: Focused roles include ethical hacking, network defense, and cloud security, pointing to evolving tech demands.
• Economic impact: South Carolina's tech sector adds $51.7 billion to the economy, supporting strong market growth.
• Tech salary premium: The average tech salary in Columbia is 78% higher than the state average, drawing talent to the area.

Key Metric	2025 Figure	Impact
Projected Cyber Job Growth	16%	More jobs for tech professionals
Average Tech Salary	$96,763	Attracts top talent
New Tech Jobs by 2032	31,600+	Strong long-term outlook

Dominion Energy has announced a major smart grid modernization plan for Columbia, SC, aiming to upgrade the city’s power infrastructure over the next three years.

The initiative includes a multi-phase rollout of technology like advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), automated distribution management systems (ADMS), and smart transformers.

Dominion’s upgrade brings more than just new tech—it’s focused on real-world results: more reliable power, quicker outage restoration, and tools that help businesses and residents better manage their energy use.

For example, the installation of over 2 million smart meters in other regions enables customers to see detailed energy information, while Dominion’s team can more quickly pinpoint and respond to outages, minimizing the impact on daily life.

The company’s Small Business Energy Solutions program, recently recognized with the SMB Engagement Award by the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative, brings additional benefits such as financial support for energy upgrades and advice from local experts, especially targeting lighting and HVAC improvements for local businesses (read more about these award-winning energy efficiency efforts).

A key part of the smart grid upgrade includes ongoing investment in smart meter technology, giving customers in Columbia ways to track and control their power use and helping Dominion deliver more reliable service (learn about smart meter upgrades).

These steps support broader company goals to reach net zero emissions by 2050 while providing consistent, quality energy service. Dominion’s grid transformation is more than a technology change—it’s laying the foundation for a secure, modern, and customer-focused energy future in Columbia (see Dominion's vision for grid transformation).

This week, Columbia’s tech community celebrated the debut of several AI startups at Innovation Mall, highlighting the city’s emergence as a significant regional tech player.

The sector’s momentum aligns with reports that Columbia has experienced a surge in tech-driven economic output, with over a 35% increase in new ventures and a 15% annual growth rate in tech jobs, propelled by both local accelerator programs and major federal grants.

At the April 17th launch, startups such as HealthBotics, GraceAI, RetailMind, ServeSwift, and DataSunrise introduced AI solutions targeting healthcare, education, retail, logistics, and cybersecurity.

HealthBotics is working with clinics on predictive analytics to cut ER wait times and reduce misdiagnosis rates, echoing wider efforts in the city to improve healthcare operations and data management through AI—a trend reflected in the $12 million recently secured by local AI healthcare startups across Columbia’s fast-expanding tech hub.

Innovation Mall provides these startups with access to cloud computing credits, expert mentorship, and collaborative R&D spaces, benefiting from broader city and national initiatives.

Programs like Google for Startups Cloud reinforce Columbia’s ecosystem by offering cloud credits and support specifically for AI-focused businesses, helping them scale efficiently and keep costs down in their critical first years with additional startup resources.

The launch has already led to the creation of 60+ tech jobs, pilot programs with organizations like Prisma Health, and AI-powered tools implemented in local schools.

This aligns Columbia’s approach with global trends, where organizations such as the AI for Good Innovation Factory offer pitching and mentorship to foster AI startups addressing community needs on the international stage.

The table below breaks down how these startups are applying AI, from HealthBotics' patient care analytics to ServeSwift’s route optimization and DataSunrise’s advanced threat detection.

With growing community support and partnerships, Columbia is carving a path as a collaborative and innovative hub for practical AI solutions.

Startup	Industry Focus	AI Application
HealthBotics	Healthcare	Predictive analytics for ER wait times and misdiagnosis reduction
GraceAI	Education	Personalized learning platforms powered by adaptive AI
RetailMind	Retail	AI consumer insights and sales optimization tools
ServeSwift	Logistics	Route optimization systems for delivery efficiency
DataSunrise	Cybersecurity	Advanced threat detection and automated risk analysis

• HealthBotics enhances patient care. Its main idea is the use of AI to boost healthcare efficiency and reduce mistakes in diagnosis.
• GraceAI innovates education. The startup's purpose is to apply AI-driven personalization to learning systems.
• RetailMind refines sales strategies. Their core theme is using AI to interpret consumer data for smarter retail decisions.
• ServeSwift accelerates logistics. The company focuses on improving delivery through AI-powered route optimization.
• DataSunrise strengthens cyber defenses. The startup's key idea is providing advanced AI detection of security threats.

“Innovation is at the heart of Columbia’s growth, and these AI startups are proof that our community is driven to solve real-world challenges through technology,” said Sarah Hernandez, a lead mentor at the event.

Midlands Technical College (MTC) made headlines this past weekend with its Robotics Workshop Weekend, attracting over 250 participants from across South Carolina to the Columbia campus.

This immersive event targeted students, educators, and career changers, giving them exposure to the fundamentals and practical applications of robotics. Beyond hands-on labs, attendees got to hear industry-focused keynote sessions including topics on automation trends, career opportunities, and emerging tech.

As Dr. Nancy Lopez, Robotics Program Coordinator at Midlands Tech, observed:

Events like these are essential in building Columbia’s next wave of tech innovators—you gain experience, inspiration, and connections.

The workshop’s mission was shaped by three central goals:

• Demystifying Robotics: The main idea is making robotics accessible and less intimidating for people of all skill levels.
• Building Industry Links: Fostering professional connections between learners and local tech companies to support collaboration.
• Emphasizing Hands-On Skills: Delivering practical experience by using real-world equipment relevant to today’s workforce.

The event featured high attendance and strong engagement: participants rotated through interactive labs on robotic arm assembly, AI-powered robots, sensors, and IoT integration.

The structure of these sessions reflected approaches similar to those in MTC’s Mechatronics Associate Degree and Mechatronics Certificate programs, which prepare students for work in automated manufacturing by combining electrical systems, pneumatics, PLCs, and robotics.

These programs offer both two-year degrees and shorter-term certificate pathways, supporting those wanting to explore or advance their careers in automation. Events like this echo the national focus on STEM skills seen during initiatives such as National Robotics Week 2025, which highlight hands-on robotics experiences and underline the significance of exploring tech-driven fields.

A post-event survey showed 87% of attendees felt more confident with robotics, underscoring how local learning opportunities help foster technical growth and community connections in Columbia.

Columbia’s tech community is thriving in 2025, reflected by a substantial uptick in both the number and diversity of conferences and networking events designed for professionals, students, and tech enthusiasts alike.

This year, Columbia’s calendar features an impressive lineup of more than 40 tech-focused gatherings, a growth that aligns with a broader regional push to establish the city as a Southeastern innovation leader.

Notable events include the SC Competes Spring Summit from April 29 to May 1, where industry leaders, researchers, and workforce development advocates such as David Lee converge to discuss innovations in logistics, batteries, and AI. The annual SCRA Summit, held April 8-9 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, delivers multi-track sessions supporting technology startups through every stage, while providing platforms for live company pitches and expert networking.

Additionally, the SC Assistive Technology Expo, scheduled for March 24-25, highlights advancements in accessible technology and brings together a spectrum of stakeholders committed to inclusion in the tech workforce.

Learn more about SC Competes Spring Summit, explore the SCRA Summit details, or find information on the SC Assistive Technology Expo.

For those seeking practical connections, these events regularly host:

• Networking mixers and job sessions connect attendees with major employers and startups, fostering professional growth and career advancement throughout Columbia.
• Expert panels address emerging technological fields like generative AI, IoT, and cybersecurity, offering critical insights into workforce development trends.
• Startup competitions provide opportunities for funding and mentorship, giving local entrepreneurs pathways to launch and grow their businesses.

Here’s a quick look at upcoming signature events in 2025:

Event Name	Date	Main Focus
SC Competes Spring Summit	April 29-May 1	Innovation, AI, Workforce
SCRA Annual Summit	April 8-9	Tech Startups, Networking
SC Assistive Technology Expo	March 24-25	Accessible Tech, Inclusion

As the local event landscape expands, Columbia residents of all backgrounds—including leaders like Susan Gonzalez—can find ways to learn, network, and progress their careers—demonstrating the city’s growing role as a center for tech-driven opportunity in 2025.

CyberGuard, originally founded in 2011 in Orange, CA, and now a key player in the Columbia, SC tech scene, continues to expand its footprint in cybersecurity services and compliance consulting for local businesses, healthcare entities, and public sector clients.

In April 2025, CyberGuard announced its move to a 20,000-square-foot office in Columbia's downtown Innovation District, highlighting the firm’s growth amid increasing cybersecurity needs statewide.

The staff has grown by 45% since 2023, reaching over 130 professionals—a trend driven by surging demand for managed security solutions and tailored IT compliance services.

CEO Michael Lee noted,

“Our new headquarters will empower our rapid hiring, expand training labs for upskilling staff, and double our Security Operations Center capacity. We’re committed to safeguarding Columbia’s digital future.”

In South Carolina, the establishment of organizations like the SC CIC Task Force underscores the region’s coordinated effort to protect local infrastructure, raise awareness, and enhance incident response capabilities, indicating a rising need for cybersecurity providers like CyberGuard to partner with public agencies and local businesses focused on security.

Several factors contribute to CyberGuard’s expansion:

• Rising demand: The central theme is the growing need for IT security services. More organizations are seeking IT security audits and managed services; CyberGuard’s client base has increased 60% over two years, matching a broader trend of companies wanting to better understand and implement cybersecurity strategies through assessments and audits.
• Strategic partnerships: The main idea here is that collaborations foster local resilience. Alliances with educational institutions and engagement with groups like the SC CIC Task Force help build diverse talent pipelines and foster local resilience.
• Service innovation: The focus is on expanding technical solutions. With offerings such as SOC 2 compliance, penetration testing, and vulnerability management, CyberGuard is expanding its workforce and infrastructure to support advanced technical solutions and compliance needs for regional organizations.

Metric	2023	2025
Employees	90	130+
Client Contracts	180	288
Office Space (sq. ft.)	8,000	20,000

As the cybersecurity landscape evolves with increasing incidents, CyberGuard maintains its commitment to best-in-class audits and risk management, supporting clients across South Carolina with services that adapt to regulatory requirements and sector needs.

This move reinforces Columbia as a growing hub for cybersecurity innovation and collaboration , strengthening resilience in the region.

The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) continues to drive innovation in Columbia's tech landscape by investing in Internet of Things (IoT) startups through its SC Launch Inc.

program. In April 2025, SCRA awarded substantial funding to local companies, providing both capital and access to an extensive network of resources. Recent SCRA-backed initiatives not only offer early-stage non-dilutive grants—typically up to $50,000 per company—but also connect founders with experienced mentors and ongoing networking opportunities.

• Investment in startups: SCRA supports a range of local companies with both capital and network access, such as funding allocations of $500,000 to SmartGridSense, $400,000 to MedWear Connect, and $350,000 to AgriNode, according to John Martin.
• Industry Partnership Fund: The Industry Partnership Fund provides grants and stimulates a positive ripple effect in South Carolina’s innovation economy, states Charles Gonzalez.
• Comprehensive support system: Program recipients join a broader support system that includes coaching, eligibility for additional grants, and potential further investments, as described by Michael White.
• Resource library: Companies gain access to a specialized library covering legal, marketing, financial, and technical services built for tech ventures.
• Networking and knowledge sharing: SCRA hosts annual summits and monthly gatherings to grow founders' networks and celebrate achievements across the tech sector.
• Strategic partnerships and growth commitment: SCRA builds a strong foundation for Columbia's status as a tech innovation hub by fostering academic partnerships and continuous hands-on support.

SCRA’s influence goes beyond investment; recipients become part of a broader system that features coaching, grant eligibility, and even further investment consideration from SC Launch Inc., strengthening their potential for long-term success.

Startup Name	Sector	Funding Amount
SmartGridSense	Utility Monitoring	$500,000
MedWear Connect	Healthcare IoT	$400,000
AgriNode	Precision Agriculture	$350,000

To learn more about SCRA’s latest member companies and grants, visit their official announcement, explore their startup resources directory, and read about their ongoing impact and events in their latest news releases.

The University of South Carolina (USC) is celebrating its students’ recent success at the 2025 National Collegiate Hackathon, where Team “CodeCarolina” earned top honors for their project, “SafeNeighbor,” a real-time AI and IoT-powered neighborhood safety app.

Their work reflects a larger trend in which student hackathons have become vital platforms for showcasing emerging tech talent, promoting collaboration, and driving inventive solutions to real issues.

As described in recent industry analyses, hackathons like this are critical for helping students develop practical skills, secure professional connections, and innovate in areas such as smart cities—precisely the kinds of impacts “SafeNeighbor” demonstrates with its integration of live crime data, community reporting, and predictive analysis features.

Key highlights from USC’s hackathon participation include:

• Social Impact victory: CodeCarolina won first place in the Social Impact category, besting 87 teams working on technology for community benefit.
• Valuable resources for development: The team was awarded a $20,000 development grant and $5,000 in AWS credits, enabling project growth—an example echoed by other innovative university hackathons like USC’s “Data for Good” event, detailed here.
• Expert recognition and mentorship: A distinguished panel of industry judges from Google, Red Hat, and IBM honored their work, mirroring standards in national health innovation and social impact hackathons (see National Academies here).
• Invitation to a major summit: CodeCarolina received an invitation to present “SafeNeighbor” at the upcoming National Tech Innovation Summit in Washington, D.C.

Team Name	Project	Category	Prize Won
CodeCarolina	SafeNeighbor	Social Impact	$20,000 grant + AWS credits

Sophomore Karen Harris, a member of CodeCarolina, shared that this win highlights their dedication to meaningful, community-driven tech solutions.

The team’s achievement is not only a win for USC but also underscores how Columbia continues to foster innovation through events that give students practical challenges and the chance to see their work make a real difference.

Columbia, SC’s tech environment continues to accelerate in both scale and diversity, with 2025 marking even stronger momentum. This year, the local tech sector generated $51.7 billion in economic output—driven by a 15% annual job growth rate and an average tech salary that is 78% higher than the state average.

Over 50 new startups joined the ecosystem, bolstered by innovation grants of up to $15,000, a dedicated 12-week acceleration program at TechColumbia, and collaborations with institutions like the University of South Carolina and Midlands Technical College.

Columbia’s commitment to clean energy and resilient infrastructure has also drawn international players; PHENOGY AG, a Swiss-based battery storage company, chose the city as its U.S. headquarters, pledging long-term workforce partnerships with local schools and research bodies (PHENOGY AG growth strategy).

On a broader scale, the federally led SC NEXUS tech hub secured $45 million, empowering Columbia to pioneer advanced energy solutions and grid security—an initiative projected to create 14,000 jobs statewide by 2030 (SC NEXUS tech hub).

Additionally, legislative action is keeping pace with tech advancements, as South Carolina legislators prepare new laws on AI, cybersecurity frameworks, and digital identity protection to ensure safe digital growth (legislative update on AI and cybersecurity).

Key milestones for 2025 include:

• Major Investments: Over $50 million in new tech investment is fueling innovation and jobs in Columbia.
• Job Growth: A 15% annual growth in tech jobs is pushing local employment past 10,000 employees.
• Startup Activity: An active startup scene is evident, with 50+ companies launched and robust mentorship programs led by Matthew Garcia.
• Expansion: Major expansions in cybersecurity, AI, clean energy, and education partnerships led by Mary Jones mark Columbia's diverse tech portfolio.

Here’s a quick snapshot of Columbia’s tech growth:

Category	2024	2025	% Growth
Tech Investments ($M)	35	50	43%
Tech Jobs	8,700	10,000	15%
Startups Launched	18	50+	178%

Columbia’s tech ecosystem is not just growing in numbers; it’s reinforcing a culture of innovation, sustainability, and workforce development. With integrated efforts in education, policy, and industry, the city stands out as a place where technologists and startups can shape the future—together.