SCbio Launches SCbioDrive Accelerator Program with MassBio, Supporting Seed-Stage Life Sciences Startups

SCbio, South Carolina’s investor-driven economic development organization focused on the life sciences industry, has launched applications for its new accelerator program, SCbioDrive. In partnership with The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio), SCbioDrive is a biannual program designed to support seed-stage life sciences companies.

SCbioDrive aims to select up to six emerging therapeutics companies to participate in an eight-week hybrid program. The program will provide expert business curricula, industry guidance, and mentorship to help advance the companies’ platforms and technologies. The selected startups will have access to six business-focused curriculum modules taught by seasoned experts from companies such as Charles River Labs, Deloitte, Maynard Nexsen, and Medpoint. They will also have the opportunity to connect with SCbio’s global life sciences network and participate in ecosystem-wide events and 1:1 partnering opportunities.

Applications for the inaugural Fall 2024 program cohort are open until June 28. The program will run from September 23 to November 21, and the selected companies will present their businesses at an End-of-program Demo Day in Charleston, S.C.

SCbio President and CEO James Chappell emphasized the value of the program, stating, “The resources and knowledge that the SCbioDrive inaugural cohort will gain from the expert companies leading this curriculum will be invaluable. We want this program to show entrepreneurs that South Carolina is the state where businesses, at their earliest stages, are set up for success and sustained growth.”

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio) CEO & President Kendalle Burlin O’Connell praised SCbio’s adaptation of MassBioDrive, stating, “Our vision for Drive has always been to support diverse founders with exciting science no matter where they are starting their company. We’re pleased to see SCbio take the MassBioDrive model and put a Palmetto State spin on it to accelerate their homegrown startups toward success.”

SCbio is an organization dedicated to building and advancing the life sciences industry in South Carolina. With over 1,000 member organizations employing more than 87,000 professionals across the state, SCbio supports various sectors within the life sciences industry, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health, research and medical labs, bioscience distribution, and bio-ag.

For additional information about SCbio and the life sciences industry in South Carolina, visit www.SCbio.org. Startups interested in applying for the inaugural SCbioDrive program can find more details and access the application at www.scbio.org/scbiodrive.