SC Nexus Tech Hub and USC battery research receive major federal funding 

At the beginning of July, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) funded 12 of the nation’s 31 officially designated Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs). After outcompeting nearly 400 applicants to receive the Tech Hub designation last fall, South Carolina’s Tech Hub consortium SC Nexus received $45 million from the EDA to support four energy research and development projects around the state, including $10.2 million to support the University of South Carolina’s battery research. This $10.2 million for USC will fund the Carolina Institute for Battery Innovation, which will be directed by leading battery expert William Mustain, a professor and associate dean for research in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. The CIBI will work to develop next-generation grid-scale batteries essential for transitioning to low-carbon electricity. Read more about this powerful federal award and the impact it will make in the Palmetto State.

 

USC ranked a top global patent-producing university 

The University of South Carolina is once more ranked a top 100 patent producing university in the world. USC ranked in the top 50 nationally and top 65 internationally. This continued high level of research and innovation output keeps USC at the forefront of bringing new technologies into the global marketplace. The details of what this means for USC and the broad impact of this continued standard of excellence is outlined here. 

 

Notification of policy, requirements and prohibitions of foreign talent recruitment programs 

The Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act of 2022 requires that research funded through federal agencies such as the NSF and NIH disclose all participation and activities involving foreign talent recruitment programs. The policy strictly prohibits participation in any malign foreign talent recruitment program (MFTRP). USC faculty are encouraged to review details of this policy on the Office of Sponsored Awards Management website.

 

Get involved with AI Institute activities this fall

The AI Institute at USC will host a series of AI-related learning opportunities for the USC community. Mark your calendars and register at the links below to participate: 

• AI Roundtable Discussions: Each monthly two-hour meeting will feature a panel of experts discussing an AI-related topic suggested by the USC community, followed by a discussion among the broader community of participants and experts.  Offered on the first Friday of each month, starting on September 6, 2024. See the sign-up form for more information.
• AI-ification: Learn how to integrate modern AI techniques into your research and form new collaborations with AI researchers. Offered the second Friday of each month, starting on September 13, 2024. See the sign-up form for more information.
• AI-athon: Learn how to develop modern ML engines in a one-day hands-on workshop, integrate modern AI techniques into your research, and form new collaborations with AI researchers. Held on the third Friday of each month, starting on September 20, 2024. See the sign-up here for more information.

 

18 July 2024