Professional Documents
Culture Documents
The USC / Columbia Technology Incubator focuses on helping start fast-growth companies here in the Midlands. We are successful in Economic Development because we focus on small highly technical companies, and then we actively incubate those companies towards fast growth to create high paying jobs.
5 minute ride from the University of South Carolina, located in the center of Midlands. 40,000 sq ft. building provided for $1 a year by the city of Columbia. 49 companies enrolled; 38 housed in the incubator. 31 companies graduated, with an average Employees salaries average $ 63,450 754 high-salary jobs created.
The Incubator
USC / Columbia Technology Incubator 1225 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201 803-240-4003
How do we do it?
We nurture Midlands Entrepreneurs and their new Companies by:
Providing private ofces with desks, internet and telephone; meeting rooms, a video conferencing room and a wide range of support from experience mentors and advisors. Providing administrative support and advice quickly so that entrepreneurs can concentrate on growing their businesses. Helping them to focus on Cash Management concepts. Offering information sessions and consulting services about government ordinances, regulations and business licensing. Supporting entrepreneurs to help them get ready to access capital and nd angel investors to help them along the way. Studying and critically examining business plans of our incubating companies. Requiring companies to present their progress and development initiatives to the Incubator Advisory Committee on a regular basis.
Business Consulting Technical Consulting Grant Writing help Master Agreements Educational Lunches Incubator Advisory Committee Advice
Midlands Tech Staff and Professors USC Professors / Interns Administrative Assistance Mentoring Access to Service Provider Network
USC & Midlands Technical College: Professors, Researchers, Students Entrepreneurs from counties in the Midlands US based companies coming to the Midlands International Companies
Results:
The Midlands most efcient and cost effective economic development activity: > > > > 754 new jobs created 224 Jobs (29 percent of total jobs) held by minorities 31 companies graduated from the program (27 of them are still in the Midlands) Cost per job to the State of South Carolina is only $941 per job*
The Survival Rate (at 5 years) of companies nurtured in the incubator is 89% after graduation as compared with a national average of about 50% (U.S Dept. of Commerce). The Landing Party program works! 16 landing parties, including 3 international companies, have moved into the USC / Columbia Technology Incubator.
*Cost per job for the state of South Carolina is calculated by dividing the total number of funding received from the state by total number of jobs created by the incubator.
The Incubator has the potential of signicantly changing the economic prole of Columbia; in fact it already has
Donors of Money, Services and Mentors are needed. These donations can be very rewarding for you and the Midlands.
The USC / Columbia Technology Incubator represents a best-in-class environment in the Southeast that provides nurturing and support for the development of homegrown, Midlands area companies that are based on knowledge, technology, research or intellectual property. We are viewed as an enabler of success and a source of inspiration for start-up companies during their critical early stages. Success of these companies means real and affordable economic development in our region and our state.
Our Companies
Incubation Benets
Each USC / Columbia Technology Incubator Company receives:
Mentoring and Business Consulting: The incubator offers mentoring services by its staff, members and by entrepreneurs in residence. All incubator companies are required to meet the director for monthly company progress reviews > mentoring services are provided in several areas including Strategic planning, assessment in Marketing, PR, and a host of other areas Performance management: Employee assessment, team building, coaching. Performance review and elevator pitch preparation under supervision of potential Investors (Angels or VC) Education, networking and advisory services: Business knowledge and experience through the Moore School of Business faculty and Staff Marketing and management studies through management professors from USCs Moore School of Business. PR and Promotion teams through USCs School of journalism and mass communication: The school of journalism and mass communication provides free Public Relations, advertising solutions to incubator companies (logo design, Brochures, Website). Service provider access (Attorneys, Accountants, Consultants etc.) Incubator companies network to share ideas and help exchange best practices Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce membership: FREE for incubator companies, reduced rate for incubator graduates Contacts and Mentors with city of Columbia, Richland County and Lexington County Grant writing workshops: Access to the following internal services: > > > > > > > > > > > Network Management and administration Panels for reviewing fund-raising initiatives Translation services Part-time management, marketing, accounting and human resource help Letter writing Facility maintenance Help with city licensing Graduate student consultants to tenants Mentoring and business leader access Tenent services; ofce equipment, services and supplies Equipped conference rooms
Access to Midlands Technical Colleges: > > > > Faculty, students and staff Employment services Enterprise campus facilities Other campus facilities
Access to USCs: > Faculty, students and staff > Moore School of Business: Companies can request the help of professors and students or participate in class workshops. > International MBA students who provide assistance with business plans, strategic marketing and nancial plans, investor packets and HR Support. > College of Journalism and Mass Communications: Provides public relations and advertising solutions. > College of Engineering: Provides technical help. > College of Arts and Sciences: Provides technical help. > Libraries are available for in-depth research > Colleges and other University Buildings for utilizing computer labs, conference rooms, lounges etc. > Dining halls, book stores and general infrastructure
Allows sponsors to develop long-term relationships with future business leaders and incubated companies. Encourages entrepreneurship by assisting professors and students from colleges and universities to start businesses. Enhances tax base of the state of South Carolina. Reduces brain drain by retaining talent that might go to more technologically advanced areas like Silicon Valley. Increases Career Opportunities for graduates from USC and Midlands Technical College. Helps diversify the local economy.
Former Donors
The State of South Carolina Edens and Avant McEntire Produce USC Norman J. Arnold School of Public Health McNair Law rm Center of Manufacturing and Technology Greenville Technical College Interactive Data Visualization Hunterstone South Carolina Medical Endoscopy, Inc.
USC / Columbia Technology Incubator is a non-prot organization which is a joint venture between the University of South Carolina, the City of Columbia and Supporting Donors.
The incubator provides infrastructure support and operational guidance to fast-growth entrepreneurial ventures. Cash custody and disbursements are provided by the South Carolina Research Foundation.
The USC / Columbia Technology Incubator is managed by its Managing Directors group:
Dr. Harris Pastides President University of South Carolina Designee Don Herriott Director of USC Innovista Partnership And Dr. Richard Robinson Director, Faber Entrepreneurship Center University of South Carolina Stephen K. Benjamin Mayor City of Columbia, SC
Robert M. Hitt III Secretary of Commerce South Carolina Department of Commerce Designee Charles A. (Chuck) Bundy, Jr. Manager of Business Services South Carolina Department of Commerce
John Denise President and Chief Executive Ofcer Advanced Automation Consulting, Inc.
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Incubator Advisory Council is responsible for company admissions and six month review of the admitted companies
Starnell Bates Vice President, Midlands Technical College Chair IAC Vice President for Advancement
John Cadena Manager Community/Economic Development and Local Government SCANA Corporation
Jeffrey G. (Jeff) Ruble CED, Director of Business Recruitment South Carolina Power Team
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Fastest, safest, and most economical excavation solutions using the latest in nondestructive air/vacuum technology
Air Force Excavating, LLC offers its customers the safest, fastest, and most economical underground drilling or excavation services using the latest nondestructive air/vacuum technology. Founded in 2010, the company is already marketing and selling its services and is the only company in South Carolina and the surrounding region to offer these specialized services. The companys unique equipment allows faster and safer project completion, replaces manual digging and benecially eliminates the need to use water in excavation. The company has a diverse target market that includes contractors, municipalities, universities, military bases, and utility companies. Air Force Excavating has been reaching potential customers by cold-calling and offering free demonstrations and is now readying an e-mail marketing campaign and will attend several tradeshows. The company currently has two full-time employees and would like to add a sales team in the near future to attract and retain new business. AFX plans to expand its services nationwide through franchising. Mr. Trey Millender is the President and Founder. Trey Millender trey@airforceex.com
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4) ALALA, LLC
Providing support for women and men who are cancer survivors
Alala, LLCs mission is to become a one-stop shop for women facing various health conditions in the Midlands and surrounding areas. The company focuses on women suffering from breast cancer surgery or other female challenges in a way that will offer them privacy, condence and dignity. It empowers each client to build her self-condence after initial diagnosis by offering educational resources, support and supplies for all womens cancer and health issues. In addition to its bras, compression garments and their patented SLEEV-ON, the company recently added a diabetic shoe to its product line and is currently working on patenting its diabetic sock product. Alala would also like to add a compression sleeve to its offerings and estimates that it would need approximately $50,000 to do so. In order to further assist its clients, the company also started a support group for their clients and prospective clients that meets on-site. Mrs. Kim Neel and Mrs. Sherri Norris, the partners of the business, would like to continue expanding and growing the company and product offering to meet their clients needs. Kim Neel Kim@alala.info
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6) BIOMagine, LLC
An educational software company bringing science education into the 21st century
BIOMagine is an educational software company currently focusing on serving freshman level college students studying biology. This software program is designed to serve as a supplemental study aid for students taking Biology 101 as well as the associated laboratory classes. BIOMagine sets itself apart from its competition on three levels: First, the software is not textbook dependent, allowing a broad range of students to benet from it. Second, the software is more meaningful and effective due to its interactive design i.e. students have to drag and drop items to get to the solution rather than just reading the question and clicking on the right answer. This allows students to explore biology and actually learn through trial and error exercises, rather than just memorization. Third, the software is web-based, so students can easily access it. Additionaly, with an internet access, BIOMagine also saves the cost of producing CDs. The software is currently in its development stage and has 1 of the nal 10-15 modules ready. However, this 1 module is in the process of being launched with a trail client. BIOMagine will receive helpful feedback from students and professors, which will be used in developing the nal product. The company plans to market its product to university biology department coordinators and chairs and persuade them to introduce BioMagines software into their curriculums. R.J. Sherman is the President. RJ Sherman rj_sherman@hotmail.com
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9) CARBONIX, LLC
Providing environmentally friendly indoor cleaning services
CarboNix is commercializing technology developed by Dr. Michael Matthews in the Department of Chemical Engineering at University of South Carolina. The technology is licensed from the South Carolina Research Foundation and it broadly pertains to cleaning and medical sterilization processes using non-toxic, environmentally friendly solvents. CarboNix is looking to offer two services: a dry-cleaning service to clean mattresses and beddings and a vacuum service to treat carpeting in an indoor environment. These services will provide a hygienic and safe method of cleaning and removing allergens and mites, thereby reducing asthma attacks. The company is still in the research phase of development and is currently working on executing human test trials with the Medical College of Georgia. Further, the company is nishing all the work on the active SBIR, completing the design and test of the carpet cleaning system, and working to submit another Phase 1 SBIR and a Phase 2 SBIR. Al Quick aquick1@sc.rr.com
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A software company developing applications for mobile phones, handheld devices and image processing
Celliz, LLC was founded in 2008 with the purpose of developing and commercializing technologies related to mobile phones, handheld devices and image processing. With the help of a $1,000 grant and ofce space from the USC / Columbia Technology Incubator, Celliz was started as a student company by engineering PhD student Vikrant Tiwari, (President) and a business school professor from the University of South Carolina. Since its inception, Celliz has received nancial grants from the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) twice (2008 and 2010). Celliz is known and respected for its innovations across the globe. As evident from the number of intellectual property applications with the USPTO ofce, its scientists and engineers are working to make tomorrows technology feasible today. It has mastered dynamic encryption, which is virtually impossible to crack, for the purpose of reliable communication between mobile phones and other hand held devices. The technologies developed by Celliz allow secure nancial transactions between two devices, distribution and validation of mobile coupons, tickets, and many other transactions. Recently, the company is focusing to develop image recognition applications to make secure digital ID on mobile phones a reality. Another product under development will ensure the availability of expert medical advice to remote or hostile locations through cell phones or other wireless devices. It is also working on an underwater robot that can operate standalone at a depth of 5,000 meters below sea level and can continuously collect data for up to 400 days without the need of any supervision. VIKRANT TIWARI TIWARIV@cec.sc.edu
An I.T. company providing innovative products and consulting services to nancial and healthcare industries
Founded in 1998, Decision Dynamics, Inc. (DDI) is a software technology company that specializes in providing innovative products and consulting services to the nancial and healthcare marketplace. Its target market ranges from small businesses to large businesses as well as government agencies. DDI partnered with healthcare professionals and organizations and entered the software market with a agship product called Disease Management Coordination Network (DMCN), a suite of healthcare products. DMCN provides a proactive system of notications that enable case workers, primary care providers, and specialists to know the status of their patients and address their healthcare needs in a timely manner. The second area that DDI specializes in is providing software to streamline vehicle titling and collateral management for nancial institutions. DDI recently began offering title services that enable lenders to automate both paper and electronic titles through Premier eTitleLien. To be successful in the highly competitive software business, DDI has differentiated itself by focusing on using better and more efcient technology to deliver products that solve real problems for their customers as well as providing excellent customer support to ensure long-term relationships. The company currently has seven full-time and seven contract-based employees. Ann Gunning is the Founder. Ann Gunning ann.gunning@dditechnology.com
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Making chemical extraction processes more efcient by using company owned and patented extraction products
Founded in 2007, DPX Labs, LLC is focusing on manufacturing disposable pipette extraction products a patented device that enables rapid and efcient chemical extraction processes. The major competitive advantage of the company lies in the unique properties of its products. These innovative products make the chemical processes quicker as compared with other products already present in the market. This enables the clients to save time and money setting the company ahead of its competitors. The company owns the patents for this technology and has been selling and marketing its products for approximately 12 months. DPX Labs target market consists of drug testing labs (forensic and clinical) and food safety labs (government and private). The company is reaching its potential clientele by presenting at scientic conventions as well as offering in-lab demonstrations. DPXs constantly increasing revenue stream is projected to reach the $1,000,000 mark in the next year. Dr. Bill Brewer (professor of Chemistry, USC), is the CEO of DPX Labs. Dr. Bill Brewer bill.brewer@dpxlabs.com
Assisting people to achieve their dreams with the help of social networking
Dream Done is focusing on assisting people in achieving their goals with the use of a social network self improvement program. The program targets its clients motivation. The client enters his/her goals and starts off with an empty stadium and as (s)he gets closer to achieving the goals, (s)he earns points that can be used to add more exciting features to the stadium. Friends and family can also join the efforts of the client by following his/her progress, sending uplifting messages or videos and even purchasing motivational effects (crowd in stadium cheering, crowd making a wave, etc). Once the goal is achieved, the customer wins a gift sponsored by a company in the industry related to the clients goal (a gym membership for a weight loss goal, a gift card or account credit for a nancial goal, etc.). Dream Dones target market is high school and college students, as well as individuals in their 40-60s - both groups have more free time and enjoy the virtual motivation offered by social networks. Upgradable purchasable actions and stadium features along with a targeted advertising feature will be the companys revenue generating items and will be built into the program. The software is currently in the development phase. Dream Done is seeking the funds to hire the needed programming professionals that can bring the product to its commercialization phase. The total estimated cost to complete the development of the project is estimated to be $500,000 and will take approximately 6 months. Sam Pettee is the President. SAM PETTEE Sam@dreamdone.com
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I.T. stafng and consulting company focusing on quality, accuracy and cost effectiveness
Founded in 2009, Ganal Technologies, LLC provides IT stafng and consulting for application development, as well as operational and maintenance activities. Ganal also specializes in the implementation of CMMI, IEE, ISO and other standards used to ensure quality products and services. With its unique focus on quality, Ganal Technologies created its IT Concierge Service to provide effective feedback mechanics and identify gaps and opportunities to improve processes and practices. The company is currently focusing on organizations in SC, but plans to expand into the Southeastern US. Lana Gourdine president@ganaltechnologies.com
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Providing a web based market place for sourcing textiles from responsible manufacturers
Founded in 2010, Fabrisource, LLC is a business-to-business market place dedicated to responsible sourcing in the textile industry. The buyers are able to post their projects online and suppliers are allowed to browse the projects for free, but are required to pay a fee in order to see the details. Fabrisource offers different plans with different levels of access and is just starting to introduce the fee based feature to their website. With a current portfolio of 400 suppliers and 135 buyers spanning over 42 countries, the company offers buyers a great advantage. They are able to receive quotes, at no cost to them, from local and foreign suppliers without having to leave their ofce. The companys niche is its commitment to responsible business practices. It is currently working on allowing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to create an account and rate both buyers and suppliers, as well as report if any of them are not upholding the standards of responsibility. However, the company is seeking additional funds of approximately $25,000 to complete this rating project. Amit Rane is the Founder. Amit Rane rane@fabrisource.com
A communications and marketing rm promoting international trade in North and South Carolina
Founded in 2010, Global Carolina Communications (GCC) is a marketing and communications rm that promotes international trade and commerce in North and South Carolina through a variety of electronic and print publications. GCCs Global Carolina Business Journal (GCBJ) (www.gcbusinessjournal. com) is the only publication solely dedicated to international business in the Carolinas. GCC and GCBJ provide their readership and clients with the latest in news, press releases, and custom collaterals related to international business. GCC is moving into phase two of its development by adding quarterly industry specic print publication. In future, the company also plans to add monthly printed publications and then expand beyond the Carolinas. In order to continue this development, GCC would need approximately $100,000, which would be used to hire more full time writers as well as a sales team. With no direct competitors, GCC stands out among other local business journals (indirect competitors) by providing online web news that reaches a global audience. Scott Burgess scott@gcbusinessjournal.com
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Building interactive devices that help owners away from home to interact with their pets
Recent studies have shown that pets that have no interaction with their owners for extended periods of time are prone to destructive behavior. Founded in April 2009, Interactive Pet Solutions aim to enable passionate owners, away from home, stay connected with their pets. Companys product is a remote computer controlled device which has an integrated camera, microphone and speaker, as well as a treat dispensing device. The company will offer its customers a variety of moist treats, ingeniously packaged to retain moisture and available in cartridges which are easy to load into the dispensing unit. The company is in the nal stage of development and is in the process of ling for two patents. The production of the device will begin in the summer of 2011. Interactive Pet Solutions will sell the device online and market it by having the unit displayed at pet boutiques, groomers, and veterinary ofces. It is estimated to take approximately $3 million to bring the company to a protable stage. The COO of the company, John Wilkinson, plans to grow the business and bring the revenues above $100 million by continuing to add new peripherals to the companys product. John Wilkinson johnjwilkinson@doggievision.com
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25) LOCCIONI
Providing engineering services for measurement systems, quality control, automation, information and communication technology, and service
Founded in 1968 in Italy, Loccioni entered the North American market by joining the USC Columbia Technology Incubator as a Landing Party in 2008. This engineering rm develops custom solutions by transforming innovation and technology into quality, comfort and safety improvement at home, in the car, at work and outdoors. Loccionis developments in measurement and testing offer an effective reply to the efciency challenges faced by many companies. A range of integrated solutions from environmental monitoring to energy-saving processes have provided companies with sensible answers to quality control and environmental concerns. Loccioni is also developing an injection delivery system to be used by injector-producing companies to optimize engine behavior in automobiles. The companys target market in North America consists of the largest players in the automotive and home appliance markets. Loccionis goal is to have a US based assembly team of approximately 10 members, which will cut down on the current delivery time. The company needs approximately $1 million in additional capital to achieve this goal. Ignazio Droghini is the General Manager of the Columbia Division. Ignazio Droghini i.droghini@loccioni.com
Makes biofuels from Waste Vegetable Oils for the state of South Carolina
Founded in 2008, Midlands BioFuels, LLC is a locally owned and operated recycling company in Winnsboro, SC. Its mission is to increase the availability of alternative fuels in South Carolina and create sustainable jobs in the biofuels industry. Midlands BioFuels offers Waste Vegetable Oils (WVO) collection services free of charge from local schools, correctional facilities, restaurants and other commercial food producers. The company then converts that used oil into Biodiesel which is available for customers in the Columbia, SC market. The companys efciently operated plant in Winnsboro, SC allows for low operational costs which lead to higher prot margins. The owners of Midlands BioFuels want their business to grow and are planning to expand their coverage area. In order to do so, ideally, the company will need to build a new plant, which would require approximately $500,000 in capital. The company is also working on developing an improved technology that will allow brown oil processing. Mr. Joe Renwick, is President and CEO. Joe Renwick biojoe@midlandsbiofuels.com
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Providing a web-based platform for buying and selling durable medical equipment
Medzooka, LLC, through its website Medzooka.com, acts as a comprehensive Internet resource for buyers and sellers of durable medical equipment. Medzooka.com uses a two-prong approach to enhance connectivity within the DME (Durable Medical Equipment) and HME (Home Medical Equipment) industries: a buyer-focused online marketplace where equipment sales are completed and an industry focused discussion forum where issues such as reform, reimbursement and competitive bidding can be discussed and researched. Medzooka.com uses customized auction software in which businesses purchasing medical equipment can post their equipment need in an environment where wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers can bid a selling price for the equipment being requested. The quotes received can be viewed by the purchaser and the auction can be ended at the purchasers discretion or at a predetermined date and time. Medzooka.coms discussion forum focuses on the durable medical equipment industry and home medical equipment industry. This allows stakeholders in the DME and HME marketplaces to discuss critical issues within the industry. From a purchasers perspective, the hours or days spent getting quotes for equipment or supplies will be eliminated. More importantly, the competition created by the online marketplace will signicantly reduce the cost of all equipment purchases. From a sellers perspective, Medzooka.com adds signicant value by offering a tool that provides the clients sales force with high lead generation at an extremely low price per lead with a high conversion rate. Companies incur no cost to post a need or bid a price on Medzooka.com. Medzooka.com charges the seller a transaction commission when equipment is purchased. Mr. Dan Nunn is President and CEO. Dan Nunn dnunn@tlchealthservices.com
28) NEXTGENEN
Developing a green fuel exible portable power supply system aimed to revolutionize portable electronics
NextGenEn is focusing on transforming the next generation of portable electronics. It is working on developing a green portable power system, as an alternative to batteries since batteries are widely recognized as the primary limiting factor in portable electronics. Its product would be the worlds only fuel-exible portable power system that can be used indoors, and in highly controlled environments. This would increase peruse lifetime by at least 50% without associated downtime to recharge and offer opportunity for enhanced device functionality by offering at least 50% greater power density. The company is currently working on completing Qi Gen 1 system computer model & simulation, completing 3D Rapid Print Prototype and securing angel funding. NextGenEn estimates that it will need approximately $500,000 - $750,000 to create its prototype. Dr. Ken Reifsnider, National Academy of Engineering, Endowed Chair of USCs Mechanical Engineering Department, and Director of USCs Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Center is the companys Chief Science Ofcer, and Mr. Chad Sands, a graduate of USCs IMBA program is the President. Chad Sands csands@nextgenen.com
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Northeast Speech-Language Pathology, LLC (NESLP) provides professional and reliable services to children and adults with speech, language, and swallowing disorders. NESLP strives to deliver evidence-based practices via utilization of technological advances. The company seeks to employ students/staff from local colleges and universities to facilitate the implementation of a technology-based speech therapy program. Specically, NESLP provides rehabilitative services using various types of technology inclusive of assistive/adaptive technology, web-based interactive programs, authentic interactive software programs, application software, and telespeech services. Northeast Speech-Language Pathology consults, completes initial screenings, evaluates, diagnoses and treats individuals with speech, language and swallowing disorders. NESLP collaborates with schools, medical practices, and health-care facilities regarding client services. Skilled speech therapy services are provided in individual and small group settings and are rendered in the clinical setting or the natural environment of its clientele. NESLP also secures contract services with private and public schools and healthcare facilities. The company currently provides services in Richland County, SC and the surrounding areas. The company accommodates the needs of the pediatric and geriatric populations within these areas. While some speech therapy companies target only the pediatric population, NESLP is committed to reaching out to both children and adults with disorders of speech-language pathology regardless of their age. Mrs. Lashawn Bridges is the President. Lashawn Bridges lbridges@neslp.com
A software rm aimed at providing I.T. solutions and training in open source technology
Founded in 2008, Palmetto Computer Labs, LLC is currently focusing on providing open source technology solutions as well as training and workshops for teaching open source technology. The company is also working on organizing a large software conference, POSSCON (Palmetto Open Source Software Conference). PCLs revenue is driven by mainly two sources: customized software programming depending upon the need of the clients, and conducting training and workshops. To reach its full potential and offer a broader range of services, the company would need approximately $250,000. This capital would be used to hire additional experienced skilled employees. PCLs target market is any company which is using software in its operations and is looking to save money while maintaining functionality. Mr. Todd Lewis is the President. Todd Lewis todd@palmettocomputerlabs.com
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31) NUQOOL
Commercializing pollutant-free and economical air conditioning technology
Founded in 2007, NuQool is focusing on utilizing its unique, pollutant-free airconditioning technology to create a cleaner, morelivable environment by developing and producing highly saleable, innovative products and systems that are eco-friendly, affordable and economical to operate. Its four inventions all have high sales appeal, and are patent-pending. The company has completed the proof of concept and rst prototypes and is currently working on the second prototypes. The new prototypes will be full-size products resembling the nal products. Once completed, the product will maintain an outdoor temperature comfort of about 80 F under worst conditions, without added humidity in the air. The products (QoolBreeze and QoolAide) also have the capacity to heat, enabling a year-round use. NuQools development is currently on hold due to the lack of funding. The company estimates to need approximately $170,000 to build a high-end prototype and approximately $400,000 - $500,000 to bring it to the market. While producing and marketing these products independently is one option, NuQool also seeks to license and/or to partner with market leaders who are willing to invest and commercialize this technology. Mr. Lew Wayburn is the CEO. Lew Wayburn Lew@ISBConcepts.com
Assisting students by providing resources over internet for their success in the competitive job market
ProPowerLINKS.com strives to provide a professionalism resource for the success of college students and young professionals faced with a competitive job market. With the current economic downturn leading to a heavy decrease in jobs, and the number of college graduates increasing each year, college students have never faced a tougher job market. In order for students to succeed, they must focus on differentiating themselves from their peers and create their own unique brand that distinguishes them from the rest. ProPowerLINKS ambition is to help college students and to quickly grow and become a one-stop-shop for all professional needs. ProPowerLINKS.com provides videos, articles, blogs, and comments from other users to learn from. In addition it offers discounted professional products, seminars and tools among other services. The company was founded in 2008 and launched its website in January 2011. The company will need approximately $20,000 - $30,000 to build to a protable operation. Alan Brylawski, the CEO, envisions that the company will become the leading resource in professionalism training and job placement for recent graduates, focusing on entry level positions. Alan Brylawski alan@propowerlinks.com
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Consulting company dealing with Business operations and Intellectual Property protection
Founded in 2005, Sequentus, LLC focuses on offering consulting services for various aspects of business operations in todays global and diverse marketplace. Many companies nowadays face mutigenerational, multicultural, and multinational challenges. Sequentus seeks to teach its clients how to not only effectively deal with these challenges but turn them into strengths. The company has determined to bring information technology into the business process of engineering organizations and offer corporate development services for companies looking to protect their intellectual property. The company also trains staff on how to properly plan and deliver projects, insuring that customer expectations are met. Sequentus is currently working on obtaining funding that will allow it to bring in a more seasoned manager to take over the lead of its student staff. Operations are on hold until the required funding comes through. Mr. Tom Militello is President. Tom Militello tom.militello@gmail.com
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Serving businesses present in the Midlands of South Carolina by providing reliable computer and networking services
Since 1995, Tec Support Group has been serving the technology needs of the Midlands of South Carolina. The company joined USC/Columbia Technology Incubator to get to the next level in terms of growth. Its mission is to provide reliable, convenient computer and networking service and repair. The company strives be a complete, end-to-end technology provider. Its goal is not just to sell a computer or a support contract it wants to build a relationship with its client based on mutual trust and respect. Tec Support Group helps businesses in Columbia and Metro areas in South Carolina as well as remote business locations. Its service covers everything from spyware and virus removal to software installation, network and security setup, maintaining mobile devices, and increasing PC performance. The companys target market is medical and businesses with ten or more computers. It strives to set itself apart from its competition by providing quality customer service and fast response to problems. It currently has seven full-time employees and its 2010 revenue was $450,000. Mr. Wayne Surett is the President. Wayne Surrett Wayne.Surrett@tsgamerica.net
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An I.T. management and training company aimed at maintaining the technical infrastructure of companies
Founded in 2009, Tekk Solutions, LLC is an information management and training company focusing on offering its services to small to medium sized businesses. Tekk Solutions offers around the clock services to owners who want to focus their attention on developing their business and not on their companys technical infrastructure. Tekk Solutions also offers training through after-school programs, teaching students to understand and use technology. The two partners of Tekk Solutions, Mr. Ricky West and Mr. Chris Williams, were recently granted accreditation to issue training certicates for their computer training courses. Tekk Solutions future plans include the creation of a computer laboratory and developing their College PC Geeks service line. The computer lab would allow Tekk Solutions to offer its services to individuals desiring to take computer training courses but who dont have the means to buy their own computer. PC Geeks is a service targeting college students needing technical support. Tekk Solutions has found this service to be in high demand. Ricky West ricky@tekksolution.com
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TRY Railroad Engineering Services, is a start-up business that is striving to introduce a new method for disassembling and rebuilding trains in a way that is safer, cleaner and more efcient than methods that have been in use for over 180 years. The basic focus of the company is an invention, patent pending, that uses robotics to do the unsafe tasks formerly done by railroad workers. The invention also eliminates the need for diesel locomotives, and thus eliminates the diesel fume pollution that locomotives produce. Additionally, the invention reduces damages to railroad cars and their contents, and the tracks that rail cars ride on. The company has found a large corporation, Lockheed Martin, which is interested in pursuing development of this concept by assisting TRES, LLC, in building or funding a prototype of the invention. The company believes that a working prototype of the invention will be an integral selling point to impel the railroad industry to adopt this new methodology for disassembling and rebuilding trains. Mr. Thomas Chase is the President. Thomas Chase tomchasenumber1@yahoo.com
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Provider of interactive web-based services including web design, web development, hosting and maintenance
Webnet Media Group is a full service web development, web design, hosting and maintenance company determined to be a one-stop shop for businesses and organizations that are in need of web-based services. Initially targeting only small to midsize businesses, Webnet Media Group has grown to serve large business customers as well. In an industry where companies generally have a short life spam, Webnet Media sets itself apart with a ten year long history. It has a strong reputation of providing stable and consistent services. The company is currently working on developing two new products. The rst one is content management software that will be packaged to sell. It is currently in production and will be tested and repackaged. The second one consists of mobile applications and is still in the research and development phase. Ms Angel Ellis is the President. Angel Ellis aellis@webnetmg.com
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A software design company offering software applications for trafc signal asset management and trafc engineering
Design Information Technology (Design IT) is an innovative software design company that offers software applications for trafc signal asset management and trafc engineering. The Company is headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina and will provide its products and services throughout the U.S. The Companys software solutions represent an affordable means of increasing business productivity and efciency while managing growth. The software applications are delivered through the Software as a Service (SaaS) model in order to make the software affordable for organizations of any size. Design IT will provide two main applications including a trafc signal asset management tool and a sign asset management tool for trafc engineering organizations. The software tools help engineering organizations know when the last time a signal was serviced and what services have been performed on each signal. This allows for safer and more reliable trafc signals which prolongs their lifespan and diminishes overall operational expenses for the organizations. These software applications are delivered over the web through a standard internet browser. This lets customers access their data whether they are in the eld, the ofce, or at home. Design IT hosts the application and data on its own servers in order to reduce the customers total cost of ownership while still giving them complete control over who has access to the data. This permits organizations to collaborate easily with users that are in the organization as well as those that are outside of the organization. Design IT sells two software applications for the management of trafc assets. In addition it plans on selling advertising space on these applications for vendors that would like to target these same customers. Patty Langland plangland@designinfotech.com
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54) DINOBRITE
A start-up company that makes videos for its clients
Dinobrite sells conceptual creativity and video production capabilities to its clients. Although the company provides a service to its customers but, at the end of each project there is a product, and essentially, the video is what the customer pays for, not the service. Dinobrite could accurately be described as a mix of a service company as well as manufacturing company. Each of the video created by the company is unique. Ultimately, the need for something unique is what binds all the customers that have used, and will use, Dinobrite. Unlike a traditional video production company, Dinobrite doesnt merely show up and shoot video; instead the company works with the client to understand the purpose and need for the video(s), and then apply creativity and technical knowledge to every step of the process (brainstorming, writing, pre-production, shooting, and editing). The target market for Dinobrite is a client who knows their needs and will allow Dinobrite to create a concept and then execute it in the form of a video. Dinobrites primary markets are businesses and organizations. The size of the primary market client varies from Large organization (a Corporation, University, Professional Sports Team), to Small organization (simple organizational structure, 5-40 employees), to Individuals (freelancers, special service providers, local musicians). Joey Thompson dinobrite@gmail.com
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55) TIMEBUG
A start-up venture aiding users to manage their day to day activities through a software application
Timebug is a time management application built on a social network and designed to manage the daily activities of users. Timebug uses a time management method that makes use of an individuals network and personalized constraints to generate custom built schedules. The mission of Timebug is to improve the overall quality of life for each of its users by providing an adaptive structure to their time. Although not yet a legal entity Timebug plans to incorporate itself as a Limited Liability Company ran by its founder Kareem Holloway. Timebug is fortunate to have the support of a diverse group of advisors to offer assistant as Timebug develops its competencies and strategies. To date Timebugs advisors at DSP Start-Up are conducting a patent search on its behalf. Currently Timebug is in the process of developing a prototype of its two core features, which is projected to be complete by January of 2012. Timebug is also attempting to build a relationship with the University of South Carolina in order to receive aid in the development of its programs and serve as the testing site for its operational process. Timebugs main function is to aid users with managing day to day activities through the use of time management. Timebug is able to do this by offering its two core features, namely its Schedule Generator and Independent Network System. These two features were designed to address the current problems with the time management process and the privacy issues surrounding social networks. Kareem J. Holloway kareemholloway@yahoo.com
I believe the USC Columbia Technology Incubator is one of the most powerful and cost effective economic development tools in South Carolina. They provided AAC with the infrastructure and support we needed as a young company, allowing us to focus on taking care of our customers and building an outstanding team.
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Contact: Ron Loewen Executive Director 803-931-2544 ron@loewenconsulting.com Agata Chydzinski Director of Operations 803-545-4423 agata@dssit.com 1225 Laurel Street, Columbia, SC 29201
*This brochure was designed and printed at not cost to USC / Columbia Technology Incubator, courtesy Tomlin & Company, Inc.
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