South Carolina Business

Innovation in Manufacturing Pilot Program

The Innovation in Manufacturing Pilot Program helps South Carolina manufacturers adopt new technologies, improve operations and address specific business challenges. The program is offered through a partnership among the South Carolina Department of Commerce, the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) and the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.

Selected projects may receive support covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, not to exceed $25,000. Participating companies must provide the remaining 50% match.

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Projects may include:

  • Industry 4.0 and advanced manufacturing technology adoption
  • Semi-autonomous process optimization
  • Equipment and systems interoperability
  • Equipment tracking
  • Supply chain optimization
  • New business models
  • Innovation-based commercialization support

Who Should Apply?

The program is open to manufacturers (NAICS Codes 31-33) with a South Carolina location and 500 or fewer employees. Priority may be given to small and midsize manufacturers pursuing a first or previously stalled modernization project.
Submitted applications will be reviewed by Commerce, SCMEP and SCDEW. Companies selected to advance will take part in an SCMEP assessment to help define the project scope, expected outcomes, costs and implementation needs. 

Apply for the Innovation in Manufacturing Pilot Program
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Apply for the Innovation in Manufacturing Pilot Program

Company Information

Does your company operate a manufacturing location in South Carolina?
(Companies not located in SC are not eligible.)
Briefly describe the facility's primary products or production activities. 

Primary contact

Project Interest

Which service areas are you interested in?
Examples Include: AR (Augmented Reality), AI-supported work tools, connectivity, or digital instructions.
Examples Include: automation, controls, AI/ML, monitoring, human-machine workflows, or energy efficiency.
Examples Include: IoT (Internet of Things) Integration, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) Integration, SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), MES (Manufacturing Execution System) Connectivity, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Systems, cloud/API connections, or related cybersecurity.
Examples Include: asset location or status, condition monitoring, maintenance, or analytics.
Examples Include: forecasting, inventory, logistics, visibility, analytics, or order performance.
Examples Include: Digital Transformation, Platform and Ecosystem Development, Servitization of Products, Data Monetization, Personalization and Customization, Open-Source Collaboration, Rapid Prototyping and Testing, Virtual and Augmented Reality Experiences, Data-Driven Insights, Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics
Examples Include: product development, prototyping, validation, pricing, sales, or launch support.

Proposed Project and Business Need

Describe the capability, improvement, product, or service your company wants to implement. 

Basic Readiness

Can your company commit to: providing the match funding, assigning an internal project lead, completing an applicable assessment, dedicating staff time and resources, completing the work in approximately six months, and providing information after project closes to measure results?
I certify that I am authorized to submit this application and that the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that submission does not guarantee assessment, selection, approval, or funding.