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Forest Products Innovation Corridor

Building the Future of the Southeast's Forest Bioeconomy

The Forest Products Innovation Corridor is a WU+D-led regional initiative bringing together South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina to create new markets, accelerate innovation and strengthen the forest economy for generations to come.

From forest to market. Together.

A Regional Movement. A Shared Vision. A Stronger Forest Economy.

The Southeast has one of the world's most productive forest systems, a strong manufacturing base, leading research institutions and a deep culture of entrepreneurship.

Yet innovation too often happens in silos.

The Forest Products Innovation Corridor connects the people and organizations shaping the future of forests, manufacturing, materials and rural economies. By working across state lines and industry sectors, FPIC helps move promising ideas from research and development into commercial opportunities.

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What We're Building

FPIC is creating a connected innovation ecosystem where industry, academia, government, investors, landowners, entrepreneurs and economic developers work together to:

  • Expand markets for forest products
  • Accelerate the commercialization of new technologies
  • Connect innovators with industry and investment
  • Support entrepreneurship and startup growth
  • Strengthen rural economies and workforce development
  • Advance sustainable and circular manufacturing
  • Build partnerships that benefit forests, businesses and communities

Areas of Opportunity

FPIC brings regional attention and collaboration to emerging opportunities across the forest bioeconomy, including:

  • Mass timber and sustainable construction
  • Advanced wood products
  • Biomaterials and sustainable packaging
  • Renewable chemicals and biofuels
  • Circular manufacturing
  • Carbon-smart products and markets
  • Artificial intelligence and digital technologies for forestry
  • Investment, commercialization and entrepreneurship

Led by WU+D. Built Through Collaboration

Clemson University's Wood Utilization + Design Institute serves as the institutional home and regional catalyst for FPIC.

WU+D advances innovation in wood and renewable bio-based materials through research, design, industry collaboration and workforce development. Through FPIC, WU+D is extending that work across the Southeast by connecting complementary strengths, expanding partnerships and helping transform forest-based innovation into market opportunity.

Who Belongs in This Conversation?

If your organization has a stake in the future of forests, manufacturing, innovation, sustainability or rural economic development, you belong in FPIC.

Industry. Startups. Landowners. Investors. Universities. State and federal agencies. Economic-development organizations. Technology developers. Architects. Builders. Manufacturers. Nonprofit organizations.

Join the Movement

The next chapter of the Southeast's forest economy will be built through collaboration.

Join the Forest Products Innovation Corridor and help shape a stronger, more innovative and more sustainable forest bioeconomy.

Connect with FPIC
Explore partnership opportunities
Join the FPIC network

Forest to market. Together.

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Agenda

The Forest Products Innovation Corridor will bring leaders from industry, academia, government, conservation and investment together in Greenville, South Carolina, September 9–11, 2026, for its inaugural convening. Over three days, participants will explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the Southeast’s forest bioeconomy, from emerging markets and innovative forest products to commercialization, investment, policy and regional collaboration.

The program features keynote speakers, panel discussions, company innovation pitches and networking opportunities designed to connect ideas, resources and partners across South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina. View the full agenda for session details, speakers, locations and event times.

View the FPIC Inaugural Kick-Off Convening Agenda (PDF)
View the FPIC Speakers (DOCX)
Sunlit rural road curving through a wooded area, with a yellow left-turn warning sign on the right shoulder.

Wood Utilization + Design Institute

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