PICKENS – The Pickens Revitalization Association, in partnership with the City of Pickens and Clemson University, has launched the Pickens Innovation Center, a technology incubator, to be located in downtown Pickens at 107 Court St.

The center development, training and operation is based on the Technology Villages program developed by Clemson University with operating centers currently located in Hartsville, Conway, Bluffton and Rock Hill.

While activities are beginning in the Center, the PIC is scheduled to formally open in the fall of 2015.

The Pickens Innovation Center represents a collaborative open center that appreciates entrepreneurs and celebrates new ideas. The Center seeks to serve those driven people with entrepreneurial spirit and drive in the surrounding area who are seeking support in developing and commercializing their idea.

PIC will connect entrepreneurs with the resources and expertise needed for success in a welcome environment. The Center will provide a starting point for businesses for periods of six months to two years, graduating them from the program once they are established.

“We are excited to serve the City of Pickens in supporting the establishment of a new incubation center for technology companies,” said Karl Kelly, director of the Clemson University Technology Villages program. “The Technology Villages program is currently serving 43 new companies in four centers located in Bluffton, Conway, Hartsville and Rock Hill. The success of the existing centers illustrates that small and moderate size cities and towns can successful participate in technology company incubation creating high- value jobs and wealth.”

Pickens Innovation Center has received grants of $60,000 from the Duke Energy Foundation, $50,000 from the S.C. Department of Commerce Office of Innovation and $5,000 from Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative.

In addition, the Center is supported by local industry partners and the City of Pickens.