Zach Hargett, SCBIO Technology &Innovation Manager
In South Carolina, life sciences are booming, driven by an expanding base of diverse companies, outstanding research universities like Clemson, excellent healthcare systems, a rapidly emerging innovation ecosystem and the leadership of SCBIO. A recent study documents that life sciences in South Carolina involves over 850 firms in 42 of 46 counties and generates a $12 billion annual economic impact: Life sciences, the fastest-growing segment of the state’s knowledge economy, is thriving globally.
CEO Sam Konduros, a Clemson graduate, said recently that SCBIO is “passionate about our mission to build, advance, innovate and grow the life sciences industry and ecosystem in South Carolina. We undertake this bold journey shoulder to shoulder with extraordinary partners, collaborators and stakeholders to move our state forward and to drive innovation, investment, job creation, economic diversification and quality of life for our citizens."
Earlier this year, SCBIO welcomed over 660 industry stakeholders, university faculty and students from around the state and nation to SCBIO’s Virtual Annual Conference, themed The Power of Us. Over two days, state and national presenters shared how the industry is advancing innovation, developing talent and creating partnerships to fuel a brighter tomorrow. According to Morgan Nichols, SCBIO’s Corporate Affairs & Investor Relations Manager and a Clemson alumna, “The SCBIO 2021 Virtual Conference produced a crescendo of positive momentum, connectivity and energy within the state. Life sciences have been on the front lines battling COVID-19 since last spring, and the conference was a perfect tribute to all those who stepped up for others this past year.”
SCBIO has benefited from partnering with universities, including Clemson. Erin Ford, SCBIO EVP and COO, noted, “I’m thankful for Dr. Martine LaBerge’s leadership at Clemson over the years. Her guidance and insight continue to be an important resource and inspiration for SCBIO and me personally as we develop programs to grow the industry and engage students.” Recent SCBIO programs include a platform to support young innovators and entrepreneurs, strategies to better prepare students to enter South Carolina’s life science industry, and advocacy work to promote women in STEM.
Often, these SCBIO initiatives are led by Clemson students and graduates. Zach Hargett, SCBIO Technology & Innovation Manager and a Clemson BIOE alumnus, leads SCBIO’s innovation platform, which assists innovators and entrepreneurs in advancing development efforts by leveraging SCBIO’s partnerships, network and internal engineering team. “SCBIO is more than a cheerleader for innovation, it’s a resource and partner for young innovators and entrepreneurs,” said Hargett. “2021 is going to be an exciting year as our engineering team is tackling several pilot projects while building scalable strategies and partnerships to accelerate innovations through South Carolina’s ecosystem.”
Amanda LeMatty, SCBIO Senior Intern and Clemson BIOE student, noted that her SCBIO internship has provided “hands-on experience working with industry professionals to bring solutions from concept to creation while allowing me to leverage skills I’m learning about in classes.” Ashlea Willis, Clemson microbiology senior and SCBIO intern, has worked closely to plan student-focused events that enable them to connect and engage with industry leaders. “These opportunities are so important for students like me who want a career in life sciences, but aren’t sure what options exist,” said Willis.
In 2021 and beyond, SCBIO will continue serving as a connector between students seeking to learn about the industry and industry leaders seeking next generation talent. Besides providing students with free SCBIO memberships, another major initiative is SCBIO’s Women in STEM. Its 2020 kick-off was a Young Women in Life Science Conference attended by 650 high school girls. Besides learning about life sciences, they connected with 75 industry leaders in a networking session. LeMatty said, “As a woman in STEM, I understand the importance of introducing girls to life sciences at a young age and showing them the amazing opportunities for their future. I’m proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative and excited to help SCBIO build on this momentum.”
SCBIO remains committed to its mission to build, advance, innovate, and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry. With many mission-centric initiatives and plenty of work to do, SCBIO is excited to continue to partner and collaborate, at Clemson and beyond, to showcase The Power of Us in South Carolina.
“SCBIO is excited to continue to partner and collaborate, at Clemson and beyond, to showcase The Power of Us in South Carolina.” - Zach Hargett
“As a woman in STEM, I understand the importance of introducing girls to life sciences at a young age and showing them the amazing opportunities for their future.” -Amanda LeMatty