SCRA Announces New Member Companies and Grant Funding

SCRA

Summerville, S.C. – Jaya Biosciences and OrthoTract Innovations were accepted as South Carolina Research Authority Member Companies. ElectroWire received new grant funding.

All SCRA Member Companies receive coaching and access to SCRA’s Member Benefits and Startup Resources, can apply for grant funding, and have the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc.

ElectroWire Corporation received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant. The Lexington-based medical device company is seeking to simplify access to the left atrium of the human heart with its ElectroWire transseptal system.

Jaya Biosciences Inc. has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Greenville-based life science startup is developing central nervous system-directed gene therapies for genetically defined neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s, frontotemporal dementia, and Parkinson’s diseases. Jaya’s therapies have the potential to restore the normal lysosomal gene function and prevent disease progression.

OrthoTract Innovations LLC has been accepted as an SCRA Member Company. The Greenville-based life science startup has developed the RamTractor device, a novel surgical retractor that addresses critical unmet needs in limb surgery by enhancing efficiency and patient safety. The device increases access to the surgical site, increases stability, and eliminates the need for an assistant.

SCRA welcomes these new Member Companies and congratulates the one that received funding.

Grant funding is made possible, in part, by SCRA’s tax credit program, the Industry Partnership Fund, and its contributions that fuel the state’s innovation economy. Contributors to the IPF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit, making it an easy and effective way to help one of the fastest-growing segments of the South Carolina economy. Grant funding for Member Companies creates a direct, positive economic effect and job creation.

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About SCRA
https://scra.org/

Chartered in 1983 by the State of South Carolina as a public, nonprofit corporation, South Carolina Research Authority fuels the state’s innovation economy through the impact of its comprehensive services to technology-based startups, academia, and industry. SCRA provides funding and support to accelerate the growth of academic startups; high-quality lab and administrative workspaces; facilitation and funding for partnerships between and among industry, startups, and academic institutions; assistance and funding for the relocation of technology-based companies to South Carolina; and coaching and funding for startups that may also receive investments from its affiliate, SC Launch Inc.

Media Contact
Adrianne Grimes
Director of Marketing and Communications, SCRA
843- 277-7295
adrianne.grimes@scra.org

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Paige Durham

SCbio is pleased to welcome Paige Durham to the team as communications coordinator to creatively and effectively communicate the value of the life science association’s programs and initiatives.

Durham will be responsible for developing and distributing high-quality content across multiple communications channels to build, advance and grow South Carolina’s life sciences industry, a key business sector for economic prosperity for the Palmetto State.

“SCbio is excited to welcome Paige to our team as our new communications coordinator. Paige brings fresh ideas and a strong background in communications that will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our engagement with our audience,” said SCbio President and CEO James Chappell. “We are confident that her skills and experience will be crucial in advancing our communication strategies and supporting our mission.”

Before joining SCbio, Durham was the Membership and Communications Manager at the South Carolina Pharmacy Association (SCPhA), where she used her photography, design and writing skills to create content tailored to pharmacy professionals. Durham’s effective communication skills guaranteed the delivery of brand-specific material that captured the eye of her audience.

During her time at SCPhA, Durham created and edited the Palmetto Pharmacist Journal, using her creative vision to showcase members, educational institutions and industry news. Her communications efforts successfully gained new followers for the organization over the course of a year, increasing brand visibility and promoting the pharmacy profession.

Durham holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality and tourism management and a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the College of Charleston.

Tamia Sumpter

Tamia is a driven senior undergraduate Bioengineering student currently enrolled at Clemson University. With a strong foundation in her field, she has honed her skills through hands-on experience in research and development at Eli Lilly & Company. During her time in the ADME department, Tamia contributed significantly by working on siRNAs and their applications in finding In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation (IVIVC). Looking ahead, Tamia has set her sights on a promising career in law. She aspires to specialize in Intellectual Property Law, with a particular focus on serving as in-house counsel for leading medical device or pharmaceutical companies. Her enthusiasm for this role is palpable as she prepares to embark on her legal journey! She is also a proud member of the Omicron Phi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., PEER Mentor for Clemson PEER/WiSE, and currently serves as the President of Clemson Bioengineering Organization (CBO). With her unique blend of scientific knowledge and legal interests, Tamia is poised to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare and life sciences industries.