SCRA lures Sabal to state

Agency's investments bring technology start-ups to South Carolina and help guide state into the knowledge economy. 

 

Published: Monday, October 16, 2006 - 6:00 am     Greenville News

 

SCRA hasn't been a high-profile organization. But the agency -- the South Carolina Research Authority -- was largely responsible for an announcement Tuesday that Sabal Medical Inc. is moving to South Carolina. It's also credited with adding 15,000 jobs and $6.9 billion to the state's economy since it was created in 1983, according to a study by Charleston Southern University. That's quite a punch for a nonprofit organization the General Assembly created with $500,000 and a mission of creating high-tech jobs.

 

SCRA and Sabal Medical Inc. announced Sabal will use $150,000 from SCRA's SC Launch! to move to Charleston from Washington. At the same time, Sabal announced a partnership with Greenville Hospital System to test Sabal's new automated medication cart and accompanying software.

 

The system controls access to medication storage and is connected to a computer system linked to the hospital. It provides information about the patient, the orders and the nurse, then dispenses the right medication. It promises to improve patient safety by reducing the chance an error will be made when medication is distributed. In a news release, GHS CEO Michael Riordan praised the technology: "Such leading-edge technology gives our patients access to the latest patient-care advances."

 

Bringing leading-edge technology, manufacturers and researchers to South Carolina is exactly what SC Launch! was created to do. The benefits of Sabal's move go beyond helping an already excellent hospital system improve its care. It's part of the prescription for improving South Carolina's economy.

 

This state's transition to a knowledge-based economy will require the consistent linkage of innovation to investment. SCRA and SC Launch! are an important part of that chain. SC Launch! is a collaborative between SCRA and the research foundations of Clemson University, the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina. It provides up to $200,000 to bridge the gap between start-up and the point where larger-scale "angel" investors or venture capitalists will get involved. That helps start-ups traverse the phase when the initial investment has been spent but investors still want more results before taking the leap.

 

SC Launch! also provides counseling, facilities and mentoring. SCRA and SC Launch! are important ventures and will play a significant role as South Carolina enters the knowledge economy. Also important are companies such as Sabal Medical that are willing to invest in South Carolina's work force and the state's growing commitment to a thriving knowledge-based economy.