SCRA Innovation Award Recipients Include 2 in Greenville County

Company of the Year: Bubble Paper

Greenville, SC – The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) recognized two leaders and a company for their role in leading the state’s innovation economy during the Founders First Summit held this week in Columbia. Among the awardees were Williamston-based Bubble Paper, which was named Company of the Year.

Bubble Paper is a manufacturer in the environmental packaging industry that provides packaging materials offering the same level of protection and temperature control as current plastic alternatives at a comparable cost. Plastic foam insulation, which is commonly used to keep food cold and protect products during shipping, has been banned in many areas, including several counties in South Carolina. Bubble Paper offers an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic foam insulation.

Founder of the Year: Scott Pancoast

Scott Pancoast, the founder and CEO of Zylö Therapeutics, was awarded Founder of the Year. Zylö Therapeutics operates in the topical solutions industry, treating several diseases. Pancoast, who emerged from semi-retirement, discovered the effectiveness of the technology and founded Zylö. The company’s drug delivery system uses patented xerogel-derived particles, called Z-pods, to topically deliver nitric oxide and other therapeutic agents that are notoriously hard-to-deliver. The technology enables a product concept called the Patchless Patch, which is an innovative and competitive response to lidocaine patches.

Applied Researcher of the Year: Joe Carson

Joe Carson, a professor of astrophysics at the College of Charleston, was honored as Applied Researcher of the Year. Carson is the founder of Pensievision, a medical device startup and SCRA Member Company. He developed a low-cost, handheld 3D imaging device that incorporates NASA satellite technology to address cervical cancer, the third most common cancer worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death in women in developing economies. Carson’s federal Small Business Innovation Research proposal received a rare perfect score from the NIH, highlighting the critical need that Pensievision is fulfilling.

Founders First Summit

The Founders First summit celebrated the work of founders growing the state’s innovation economy. The event brought together SCRA-supported and -funded entrepreneurs, startups, project leaders, and members of the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to network and learn more about how to grow their businesses successfully.

The success of these startups results in economic growth and new jobs for the state. Jobs created by these startups pay 70% higher than the state’s average, making them a vital component of South Carolina’s economy.

Keynote Speaker: Retired Maj. Gen. Mastin Robeson

The keynote speaker at the summit was retired Maj. Gen. Mastin Robeson of the United States Marine Corps. Robeson is the president of UASidekick, an SC Launch Inc. portfolio company, and the founder and chairman of the board for Upstate Warrior Solution. His remarks highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and creating opportunities for veterans and the broader community.

South Carolina’s Innovation Economy

The South Carolina Research Authority plays a crucial role in supporting and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the state. Through its programs and initiatives, SCRA provides funding, support services, and mentorship to startups in various industries, including life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and technology.

The recognition of Bubble Paper, Scott Pancoast, and Joe Carson as innovation award recipients highlights the strength of South Carolina’s innovation ecosystem. These leaders and their companies are at the forefront of driving economic growth, creating new jobs, and advancing technologies that have the potential to improve lives and contribute to the state’s competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Conclusion

The SCRA’s Founders First Summit showcased the exceptional talent and innovation happening in South Carolina. The recognition of Bubble Paper, Scott Pancoast, and Joe Carson demonstrates the state’s commitment to supporting and celebrating entrepreneurship and innovation. These leaders and their companies are contributing to the growth and success of South Carolina’s innovation economy, and their work serves as an inspiration to others in the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.