|
ThinkTec Summit showcases startups on ‘Innovation Isle’
By Shelia Watson
Contributing Writer
When the sixth annual ThinkTec Summit convenes on May 8 at Trident Technical College’s Complex for Economic Development, an exhibition area will showcase examples of its topic, “Advancing a Knowledge-Based Economy.”
The conference, running two days with about 300 attendees expected, aims to provide information and networking for entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners who want to grow a company in the knowledge-based industry.
An exhibition area was added to last year’s summit for those providing services or products to the knowledge-based industry. This year, ThinkTEC Director Penny Bingham said the conference is “beefing up the exhibition area and adding a concept called ‘Innovation Isle,’ or an island of innovation, where we’re partnering with the South Carolina Research Authority to showcase several companies in startup and early-stage development.”
The companies are selected by the summit planning committee, which gives the companies free tickets to all summit activities, including the reception and tours, along with a six-foot display table for use in their presentations.
“The Innovation Isle is open to any young and emerging knowledge-economy company,” said Rob Davis, vice president of technology development with the SCRA. “We’re sponsoring the Innovation Isle because ThinkTEC and SCRA are dedicated to helping new knowledge-economy companies succeed.”
In addition to the companies, the SCRA has invited three high school robotics teams from the Lowcountry to present their creations, which were recently part of a statewide competition.
According to Bingham, the conference will focus on the needs of the entrepreneur for starting, funding, marketing, staffing, protecting and exiting a knowledge-based business.
Davis noted that emerging companies are the lifeblood of the knowledge economy.
“The primary way to attract headquarters’ locations is by growing your own,” he said. “It is important that summit participants know these new companies and engage them to help them be successful. Starting a company is difficult, lonely work.”
|
E-Mail This Article
Printer-Friendly Version