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| | A Message from the Director
The best part of my job is the people. Getting to travel across South Carolina, sit down with the folks who are building companies, developing talent, and pushing this tech ecosystem forward; that never gets old. Hearing the wins, the growing pains, the big ideas, and the honest challenges is what keeps this work grounded and moving in the right direction. If we haven’t connected yet, let’s fix that. Whether it’s a coffee, a quick virtual call, or running into each other at an event, I want to hear what you’re working on. Reach out anytime. None of what SC Tech does is possible without our partners. A heartfelt thank you to every organization, company, and individual who shows up, engages, and invests in growing South Carolina’s tech community. We’re also excited to welcome our newest partners—Needling Worldwide as a Crescent Partner and CGI as a Palmetto Partner. Interested in becoming an SC Tech partner? We’d love to have you at the table. Reach out directly at jdement@sccompetes.org and let’s talk about how we can work together. Warmly, Jamie DeMent SC Tech Director |
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| | Opportunities for SC Tech |
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| This month we’re focusing on the why and what is SC Tech. SC Tech serves as the unified voice for the statewide technology and cybersecurity community. Our work spans workforce development, entrepreneurship, peer connection, and positioning South Carolina as a competitive hub for tech and innovation.
The numbers back it up: $51.7 billion in total economic impact, 56.7% growth in tech firm employment since 2020, and over 143,000 tech employees statewide. We work to sustain that momentum by connecting industry, education, government, and defense across the full spectrum of technology.
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| | South Carolina’s tech ecosystem has shifted from conversation to action. From cybersecurity and AI to health tech, fintech, defense tech, and advanced manufacturing, the breadth of what’s happening here is significant and growing.
Cybersecurity remains a strategic priority, driven by the state’s strong defense presence and expanding enterprise base. Emerging tech sectors are creating new opportunities for both homegrown companies scaling up and national companies looking to expand into the Southeast. Supporting local tech companies as they grow is just as important as recruiting new ones — and South Carolina’s momentum is making both conversations easier to have.
AI is accelerating all of it, but it’s one part of a bigger story: a state that is serious about building a sustainable, diverse tech economy. The opportunity now is to align, tell that story loudly, and make sure South Carolina is capturing its share of the national tech conversation. |
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| | Spread the Word! AI in the AM |
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| Join SC Competes AI in the AM, a new virtual series designed to create a simple, approachable space for South Carolina AI industry ambassadors to ask real questions about AI. Think of it as “AI office hours” short, practical sessions where participants can engage directly with AI, tech, and cyber leaders from across the state. We’ll cover everything from tools and workflows to strategy, cybersecurity, and implementation. Each session will start with a quick topic, but the focus is real conversation, no presentations, no pressure, and no dumb questions.
The series will take place every Tuesday from May 26 to June 30 and run for one hour from 8 to 9 AM. Register today and please help us spread the word to anyone who may be interested! |
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| | You’re Invited: Palmetto Tech Showcase |
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| As part of Charleston Tech Week, we’re excited to host the Palmetto Tech Showcase—an evening designed to highlight the strength of our tech ecosystem while creating intentional “collision” across industries. This is more than a networking event. We’re bringing together economic developers, manufacturers, investors, workforce leaders, and tech companies to create real connection and opportunity.
What to expect: Live demos from SC-based tech companies Fireside Chat with Kenneth Bible and JT White Curated networking Great food + waterfront views
Registration is open! Save your spot today. |
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| | Women in Industry Day Highlights |
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Last month, the Society of Women Engineers Lowcountry Chapter and Charleston Women in Tech co-hosted the eighth annual Women in Industry Day, where SC Competes’ SC Tech Director, Jamie DeMent, delivered the closing keynote.
Focused on professional growth and empowerment, the event encouraged participants to show up with confidence and make their voices heard. In her keynote, “Whose Line Is It Anyways?”, DeMent spoke about setting boundaries and defining success on your own terms, sharing her journey and encouraging attendees to embrace their “superpowers.”
Aligned with the theme “Lift as We Climb,” she underscored the importance of mentorship, advocacy, and supporting others. SC Competes is proud to support events that strengthen South Carolina’s tech workforce and long-term economic competitiveness.
Watch the full speech below: |
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| | | We Want to Hear from You!
We love celebrating the incredible work happening across our network. If you or your organization has recently earned an award, reached a milestone, completed volunteer work, made a community impact, or achieved something connected to SC Competes, or SC Aerospace, we’d love to feature it. Send a short description, photos (if available), and any relevant links to Jamie Metz at jmetz@sccompetes.org.
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