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| | A Message from the Director
I’m excited for what’s ahead this fall and winter. It’s going to be a busy few months, and honestly, that’s exactly how I like it.
SC Tech continues to grow, with new partners, new voices and more opportunities to bring South Carolina’s tech community together. We’re focused on giving our tech leaders a real stage to share what they know, while keeping South Carolina AI forward and ready for whatever comes next.
That momentum is showing up across our work. SC Decoded is back this December, AI in the AM is returning for an encore this fall, and our work at the intersection of technology, defense and workforce continues to expand across the state.
We’re also excited to welcome three new SC Tech partners: TEKsystems, Real Motors, and Worthwhile. From technology talent and workforce solutions to next-generation mobility and software development, each brings valuable expertise to the table. We’re excited to add their perspectives not only to the SC Tech cluster, but across all of our SC Competes initiatives, while continuing to grow connections across South Carolina’s tech sector.
There’s plenty happening and even more ahead. Here’s a look at what we’ve been up to and what’s coming next. Let’s get into it.
Warmly, Jamie DeMent Director of SC Tech, SC Competes |
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| AI in the AM is back for an encore this fall, running Tuesdays, October 6 through November 10, from 9–10 a.m. Bring your questions, join the conversation and stay sharp.
This virtual series is designed for South Carolina’s AI industry ambassadors and anyone looking to keep pace with the rapidly changing world of AI.
Think of it as AI office hours. Short, practical sessions where you can ask real questions and get real answers directly from AI, tech, and cyber leaders across the state. We’ll dig into tools, workflows, strategy, cybersecurity, implementation and more, with each session centered on what’s most useful to the people in the room.
Every session kicks off with a quick topic, but the real value is the conversation. No presentations. No pressure. No such thing as a dumb question. |
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| | | SC Decoded + Tech Talk is back! Join us on December 3 |
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Join SC Competes on December 3 at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center in Mount Pleasant for a focused, one-day event bringing together leaders across technology, cybersecurity, defense, logistics, AI and data centers.
The day will also feature a Solutions Day, giving technology companies the opportunity to pitch solutions to real-world challenges identified by SC Competes’ logistics and aerospace partners.
Opportunities are available for sponsors, speakers and solution pitches, and early bird registration is now open. SC Competes partners with unused 2026 complimentary event registrations can reach out to Jamie DeMent at jdement@sccompetes.org to receive their promo code. |
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| | | A New View of South Carolina’s Defense Community |
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A big thank you to Dan Beatty for inviting SC Competes to participate in the ESGR Boss Lift at McEntire Joint National Guard Base near Columbia.
The Boss Lift gives civilian employers a firsthand look at the work of Guard and Reserve members, including the opportunity to experience a flight aboard military aircraft. This time, that meant a ride in a Chinook, certainly an experience to remember!
Beyond the incredible view, the day offered a valuable look at the service, skill and commitment of South Carolina’s Guard and Reserve members. Experiences like this also strengthen SC Competes’ understanding of the state’s defense community as the SC Defense cluster continues to grow, build connections and bring more organizations into the conversation. |
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| | Talking Tech on Let’s Talk Business South Carolina |
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| SC Tech Director Jamie DeMent was featured on the latest episode of Let’s Talk Business South Carolina, where she had a great conversation with Rick Jenkins about South Carolina’s growing tech sector and the role technology is playing across our economy.
From manufacturing and aerospace to defense, logistics and professional services, virtually every industry is becoming more reliant on technology, and increasingly, AI. Jamie shared how SC Tech is helping companies of all sizes navigate that shift by strengthening the talent pipeline from K-12 through higher education, supporting research and connecting businesses with the resources they need to grow.
They also dug into AI, the good, the bad and the ugly, and why South Carolina businesses should be exploring what AI could mean for their operations, even if they don’t have all the answers just yet.
Watch the full episode below! |
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| | Help Students Connect the Classroom to the Real World |
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| Could your career story inspire a student’s next step? SC Competes is still seeking industry professionals to join us for an informal Ask Me Anything (AMA) with 11th and 12th graders at Columbia High School on November 13.
Mentors will share their career experiences, answer student questions, and offer a real-world look at different pathways after high school.
We’re seeking professionals in aerospace, logistics, technology, engineering, education, and life sciences who are willing to share what they’ve learned and help students see the possibilities ahead.
Interested in participating? Contact Mendy Lewis at mlewis@sccompetes.org to learn more. |
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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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