SCRA Announces Funding for Rural Health Innovation

The  South Carolina Research Authority today announced funding available to technology startups focused on improving rural health access. The program,  Tech Catalyst Fund, is one of five initiatives within South Carolina’s Rural Health Transformation Program, administered by the  Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. SCDHHS has contracted with SCRA to manage and administer the Tech Catalyst Fund, leveraging SCRA’s expertise in fostering innovation, supporting startups, and driving economic development through technology investments.

“We look forward to partnering with SCRA to promote consumer-facing, technology-driven solutions to drive development and innovation across rural South Carolina,” said SCDHHS Director Eunice Medina.

Funds will go to tech startups developing technologies that address the challenges and unmet needs of rural South Carolina. These funds will focus on prevention and management of chronic diseases, while increasing quality, affordability, and access to care.

“Being selected by SCDHHS to help address chronic disease in our rural communities — both across South Carolina and throughout the nation — signifies our continued commitment to health technology innovation statewide,” said SCRA President and CEO Bill Kirkland. “Over the past several years, we have witnessed remarkable innovation statewide, and we are confident this program will serve as a vital catalyst in advancing the latest solutions to reduce chronic disease and ease the significant burden it places on our state. The Tech Catalyst Fund will drive the development and deployment of medical innovations, bringing meaningful change to those who need it most.”

The Tech Catalyst Fund will deliver non-dilutive funding to early-stage medical technology companies dedicated to addressing the growing healthcare challenges and rising costs facing rural South Carolina communities. Supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Fund places a strategic emphasis on the prevention and management of chronic diseases — helping to improve the quality, affordability, and accessibility of care for those most vulnerable.

Visit  scra.org/techcatalyst for detailed information on eligibility, application requirements, due dates, and frequently asked questions and answers. Interested applicants should contact  techcatalyst@scra.org.