We Advance Research
SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance
We are working to advance applied research across the state through collaboration among industry, Fraunhofer researchers, and statewide colleges and universities.
SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance
The South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance (SCFUSA) is a collaborative effort between the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), the South Carolina Department of Commerce, and the Fraunhofer USA network. SCFUSA was created to advance applied research across the state of South Carolina by connecting SC companies with SC colleges and universities and the research expertise of the global Fraunhofer organization. SCFUSA provides 50% matching funds for eligible projects.
What is Fraunhofer?
The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft network is a global applied research organization with more than 90 institutes, centers, and offices each focusing on different fields of applied science. With some 30,000 employees, mainly scientists, and engineers, and with an annual research budget of about €3.1 billion, the Fraunhofer Society is the biggest organization for applied research and development services in Europe. One of the most well-known developments includes the MP3 technology used in consumer electronics and households around the world.
What You Need to Know
Matching Funds
Cash Match
SCFUSA funding covers 50% of the total project budget. The SC company applying for funding is responsible for the remaining 50% of total project costs. Vouchers are available for newly established or expanding operations in SC.
Who Can Apply?
SC Firms
Funding is available to any SC business or academic institution. This includes office or production operations, any number of employees, and any size of company. Applicants can be for-profit or non-profit entities, colleges, or universities.
What can SCFUSA do for you?
90 Centers
SCFUSA has access to 90 research centers around the globe – what do YOU need us to help with?
SCFUSA Project Collaborators
Now Accepting New Proposals!
The South Carolina Department of Commerce has made significant funding available to match private sector funding for applied research projects between South Carolina’s universities and Fraunhofer USA to promote applied research that improves the competitiveness of South Carolina companies and results in a positive economic impact within the state. Effective immediately we are accepting project proposals to collaborate with the South Carolina Fraunhofer USA Alliance. If you would like to be considered, click the button below for our process and application. Eligible applicants (see qualifying criteria) can apply for matching funds and must commit a cash match to be eligible.
SCFUSA is More Than Funding
SCFUSA is a unique funding resource for companies in South Carolina, but it’s also a thought leader for emerging technologies in the Palmetto State. Part of our mission is to make connections between academia, government, and industry and to bring to the forefront those research trends that offer the most competitive advantage for our institutions and economy. SCFUSA hosts events and workshops throughout the year, check out some of our activities below.
Innovation Day at BMW
In 2021, SCFUSA hosted an Innovation Day at BMW Zentrum Museum to showcase new technologies in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and digital twin.
Fraunhofer Headquarters
In September 2023, SC Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette visited the Fraunhofer Headquarters in Germany to learn more about the international research capabilities that are available for SC companies who engage with SCFUSA.
Rapid Innovation Workshops
SCFUSA regularly hosts one or two-day rapid innovation workshops together with industry and academia to target specific research needs. In this April 2022 Rapid Innovation Lab statewide experts in Artificial Intelligence worked towards a framework for a Palmetto AI Corridor, which is now managed by SC Competes.
Battery Symposium
SCFUSA is a statewide thought leader in emerging technologies that are driving the competitiveness of SC. In Spring 2023, SCFUSA hosted the first Battery Symposium, which was a deep dive into the manufacture, inspection, safety, and afterlife of batteries.
Check Out our SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance Webinars
With topics ranging from Industry 4.0 to Sustainability, you won’t want to miss our playlist of content. Visit the Resources & Learning Page to see all the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance webinars, and check out the full playlist of SCFUSA videos on our YouTube Channel.
SCFUSA Alliance Newsletter
Keep up to date on all SCFUSA Alliance news, events, webinars, networking opportunities and more!