SC Decoded ’24 Recap
Written by Jamie DeMent, Director of SC Tech, SC Competes
SC Tech, an initiative of SC Competes, recently held its 3rd annual SC Decoded Conference on September 10-11 in North Augusta, SC. The theme, “The A, B, C & D’s of Technology in South Carolina: AI, Broadband, Cybersecurity, and Defense,” sparked insightful discussions around the present and future of tech in our state. And you can’t forget E and Q – energy and quantum – when discussing what’s next for the Palmetto State.
The SC Decoded 2024 saw over 220 attendees, including 40 passionate students, along with 11 exhibitors and 8 sponsors. Held at the Crowne Plaza, the atmosphere was buzzing with vibrant conversations, keynotes, panel discussions, and what I like to call “riverside chats.” Some key themes that emerged include:
- AI and Cybersecurity must advance together—if you’re sharpening your AI skills, make sure your cyber skills are evolving just as quickly.
- Next-gen inclusion—the presence of over 40 students gave us fresh insight into how future generations are embracing AI. Their enthusiasm was contagious and their perspectives invaluable.
- Quantum tech—South Carolina is already making strides in quantum computing, positioning us well in this game-changing field.
- SC Tech also launched its 2024 Economic Impact Study, showcasing the state’s impressive growth in tech. It’s clear—tech is everywhere, SC needs to continue building its tech talent pipeline to keep up with demand.
We owe a huge thank you to North Augusta and the Aiken region for hosting us. A recurring conversation throughout the two days? North Augusta is not only a stunning spot for business, but also a growing hub for tech, cybersecurity, and defense, bolstered by Meta’s recent announcement to build a data center in Aiken County.
Thank you to everyone who attended SC Decoded 2024. We couldn’t have done it with our amazing sponsors. Thank you again to our headline sponsor Check Point, and Comcast, Savannah River National Lab, Bank of America, Western Alliance, inSpring, Dart Points and DC Blox.
We look forward to staying connected and supporting South Carolina’s innovative technology ecosystem.