Innovation Lives Here: Inside the South Carolina Research Authority w/ Adrianne Grimes

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What if your tax dollars could directly fund life-saving innovations happening right in your backyard? For South Carolinians, this isn't just a possibility—it's a reality through the South Carolina Research Authority.

Adrianne Grimes, Director of Marketing and Communications at SCRA, joins the Charleston Marketing Podcast to pull back the curtain on how this unique organization is transforming healthcare, manufacturing, and technology across the state. Despite its name, SCRA doesn't conduct research—they fund and support the brilliant minds who do, ensuring groundbreaking innovations actually make it to market.

From a device helping premature babies learn to feed properly to 3D imaging technology revolutionizing cancer diagnosis, the innovations supported by SCRA solve real human problems. The organization maintains six innovation centers across South Carolina, providing specialized facilities for researchers and tech startups who might otherwise leave the state. The impact is measurable—jobs supported by SCRA typically pay 72% higher than the state average.

What makes Adrianne's perspective particularly fascinating is her own remarkable career journey. Before championing innovation at SCRA, she managed communications for Tim Scott's first congressional campaign, rolled out the Affordable Care Act across two states, and advocated for telehealth solutions in rural South Carolina areas where medical care is sparse. Her story exemplifies the diverse opportunities available in marketing and communications when you're willing to pivot and embrace new challenges.

Whether you're an entrepreneur looking for support, a professional seeking career inspiration, or simply a curious South Carolinian wondering how to make your tax dollars work harder, this conversation offers valuable insights into the innovation ecosystem that's quietly transforming the Palmetto State. Visit SCRAorg to discover how you can redirect your tax dollars to fund the next generation of groundbreaking ideas.

Show Notes:

https://www.scra.org/get-to-know/who-we-are/our-team/

https://www.scra.org/get-support/lease-space/

https://musckids.org/about-us/news/2018/09/05/using-new-therapies-to-teach-critical-skills

https://www.pensievision.com/

https://www.scra.org/give-support/ipf/

https://www.scra.org/sc-launch/our-portfolio/

https://www.palmettolifesc.com/video/2025/02/11/video-l

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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