AI Startups and Companies in Charleston
Charleston’s tech scene is nurturing a growing cluster of AI-focused startups alongside established tech firms. Notably, Kognitos – a California-based AI company – selected Charleston for its East Coast hub in 2023, operating from the Charleston Tech Center[1]. Kognitos specializes in natural language AI, aiming to make computers understand human instructions natively[2]. Another newcomer is Alita Health, an AI-driven healthcare technology startup that opened a Mount Pleasant office in 2025. Alita’s virtual agent automates admissions, intake, and hiring for senior care providers so staff can “focus on people, rather than paperwork”[3]. The company chose Charleston for its innovative yet livable tech ecosystem and plans to create 17 jobs locally[4].
Homegrown startups are also on the rise. In 2024, Charleston entrepreneurs launched LouLou AI, a voice-based hospitality assistant designed to answer customer calls for hotels, restaurants, and spas. LouLou’s AI system integrates with booking platforms (e.g. OpenTable) and even detects caller frustration to hand off to a human if needed[5][6]. The founders, veterans of Charleston’s hospitality industry, have bootstrapped the venture and begun pilot deployments across several states[7][8]. Another local venture is Scout (formerly Yoodli), which develops AI agents to automate sales workflows. Scout was highlighted among Charleston’s recent high-growth tech companies after a major fundraising, as it “is developing a toolkit for building scalable artificial intelligence (AI)”[9].
Several established tech companies in Charleston are adopting AI in their products. For example, Blackbaud, one of Charleston’s largest tech firms, has integrated AI into its nonprofit fundraising and management software to deliver predictive insights and personalization[10]. Cybersecurity company PhishLabs (founded in Charleston, now part of Fortra) leverages AI for threat detection; PhishLabs raised over \$30 million and grew to ~100 employees, exemplifying how Charleston-born companies can scale with advanced tech[11]. Other tech startups in the region – from health care procurement platform QuicksortRx to legal-tech firm Case Status – are increasingly embedding AI or data-driven automation into their solutions. In late 2024, a group of Charleston tech companies (including Scout, QuicksortRx, GigPro, Churnkey, Case Status, and logistics AI firm Gnosis Freight) collectively raised nearly \$140 million for expansion[9][12], with many planning to invest in AI features as part of their product innovation[13]. This wave of activity underscores Charleston’s emergence as a “Silicon Harbor” where AI, among other sectors, is driving innovation.
Academic Institutions and AI Initiatives
Charleston’s academic institutions are actively engaging with AI through teaching, research, and industry collaboration. The College of Charleston (CofC) has begun integrating AI into student support and curriculum. In 2023 CofC deployed an AI chatbot named “Clyde” (built with EdSights) to proactively text students, gather feedback, and flag those who may be at academic risk[14][15]. In its first year, this chatbot exchanged over 50,000 messages and helped identify 900+ students for follow-up, boosting retention efforts via personalized outreach[16]. CofC faculty are also embracing AI in the classroom – for instance, education professor Ian O’Byrne encourages students to use AI tools as “cognitive amplifiers” to organize notes and enhance learning (while also teaching the importance of critical oversight)[17]. The college is continually updating IT infrastructure (10 Gbps Internet2 connectivity) and exploring where AI can fit into pedagogy and research[18]. Notably, CofC signaled plans for a new minor in Applied Artificial Intelligence (as referenced in 2024 materials), reflecting growing academic offerings in this field[19].
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina, has made significant strides in AI education and research. It introduced an undergraduate minor in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, giving students a grounding in modern AI/ML concepts and tools[20]. More prominently, The Citadel was awarded a National Science Foundation grant in 2023 to establish the Center for Artificial Intelligence, Algorithmic Integrity and Autonomy Innovation (AI\3\). Backed by about \$1 million over five years, this center is a collaboration with nine other South Carolina colleges (including CofC, Clemson, University of South Carolina, MUSC, and several HBCUs)[21]. AI\<sup>3\</sup> focuses on AI in healthcare – specifically AI-enabled medical devices and personalized health care – while also training an “AI-ready” workforce[22][23]. The Citadel’s School of Engineering Dean, Dr. Andrew Williams, directs the center, aiming to advance research and K-12 outreach across the state[24]. This collaboration (part of the NSF EPSCoR-funded ADAPT-SC project) exemplifies how local academia is partnering statewide to leverage AI for societal benefit[25].
At the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston, AI is increasingly central to research and innovation in health sciences. MUSC’s leadership has stated that they aim to leverage AI to define new, more effective health care delivery models – expanding access, improving patient care, and fueling biotech innovation as part of building South Carolina’s knowledge economy[26]. In practice, MUSC researchers are applying machine learning to areas like medical imaging, drug discovery, and predictive analytics for patient outcomes. The university’s drive to commercialize innovations is evident in new initiatives like its 1824 Health Ventures fund (launched in 2025) to seed MUSC-affiliated startups[27][28]. This fund will invest in early-stage companies (e.g. a cancer therapeutics spinout was its first portfolio startup) to bridge the gap from lab research to market[29][30]. By investing in MUSC’s own startups – some of which involve AI in digital health or biotech – the university hopes to bolster the local ecosystem and attract outside investors to Charleston’s life sciences and AI convergence[30][31].
Other area institutions contribute as well. For example, Clemson University and University of South Carolina researchers collaborate with Charleston-based partners via statewide initiatives (like the AI\<sup>3\</sup> center and the SC Fraunhofer USA Alliance)[32][33]. Even at the K-12 level, programs are emerging: the Charleston County School District and local nonprofits have shown interest in AI and robotics curricula to prepare the future workforce. Overall, Charleston’s colleges and universities are integrating AI into curricula, campus operations, and joint research projects, ensuring local talent is well-versed in AI techniques and ethical considerations.
AI Research and Collaboration in the Region
Charleston is becoming a hub for applied AI research and cross-sector collaboration. The multi-institution AI\<sup>3\</sup> center led by The Citadel (noted above) is a flagship research effort in the region, uniting universities to advance AI in personalized healthcare[22][21]. Through this consortium, researchers in Charleston are working with colleagues statewide on AI-powered medical devices and health analytics, while also emphasizing algorithmic integrity and autonomy (i.e. trustworthy AI systems) as part of the center’s mission[34]. This kind of collaboration ensures that AI research in Charleston remains connected to broader resources and expertise across South Carolina.
There is strong support from state and regional organizations to foster AI innovation. In early 2025, the SC Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes) hosted a high-level AI Roundtable, bringing together policymakers, the SC Department of Administration, SCRA, and leaders from Clemson, MUSC, USC and others to chart a path for AI in South Carolina[35][36]. Key outcomes included commitments to make South Carolina a premier destination for AI application and talent development[37][33]. Representatives highlighted that South Carolina is already serving as a national model for AI-specific curriculum and workforce training, with efforts to integrate AI across disciplines in higher education and to help local companies adopt AI through applied R&D programs[33][38]. For Charleston, this means local experts are plugged into statewide networks – for example, MUSC’s participation in the roundtable aligns with its goal of expanding AI-driven healthcare innovation[26].
Several industry-academic partnerships have emerged. Charleston-based health startups like QuicksortRx (which optimizes hospital pharmacy procurement) and health AI firms like Alita are often born from or closely linked to MUSC research and clinical insights. The region’s defense sector is also exploring AI – Naval Information Warfare Center (NIWC) Atlantic, headquartered in Charleston, has collaborated with local universities on AI, cybersecurity, and autonomous systems research for military applications (though much of this work is not public-facing). Additionally, the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) facilitates research partnerships by funding joint projects: SCRA’s Innovation Programs connect startups with university labs and provide grants for applied AI solutions in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and IT. For instance, in 2024 SCRA gave an Acceleration Grant to Mount Pleasant startup SMPL-C, which combines generative AI and custom large-language models to help defense contractors comply with cybersecurity regulations – speeding up compliance processes by 40%[39]. This kind of support enables local companies to collaborate with industry mentors and academic experts to refine their AI tech.
In summary, Charleston’s AI research efforts are characterized by collaboration across universities, healthcare institutions, and industry, often with backing from state programs. Whether through formal centers of excellence, grant-funded projects, or networking events (like an AI Symposium the state sponsored in April 2025 to gather input from tech and community leaders[40]), the region is ensuring that AI development is a shared endeavor. This collaborative spirit is positioning Greater Charleston as a place where cutting-edge AI research can be translated into real-world innovations in healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond.
Venture Capital and Funding for AI Ventures
After a few years of cautious investment climates, 2024–2025 have seen robust venture funding activity in Charleston’s tech sector, including AI ventures. In late 2024, Charleston-area tech companies collectively raised roughly \$140 million in just six months to fuel growth[9]. This included a \$19.7 million Series B for legal-tech firm Case Status and significant rounds for startups like Scout (AI sales automation), GigPro (hospitality tech), and Gnosis (logistics AI)[41][12]. Such infusions are noteworthy given the challenging national VC environment – as one local CEO put it, the fundraising process was “super lengthy and brutal,” making Charleston’s collective success a barometer of the region’s progress[42][43]. These funds are being used not only to scale sales and hiring, but importantly to embed AI capabilities into products and continue innovating[13].
Charleston’s profile in venture capital has been rising. According to startup ecosystem rankings, the city secured over \$200 million in venture capital in recent years, and now ranks in the top 60 U.S. metro areas for startups[44]. Investors from across the Southeast – and increasingly from tech hubs like New York and Silicon Valley – have taken note of Charleston’s startups[45]. For example, local SaaS startup Churnkey attracted funding from a mix of East and West Coast VCs, and supply-chain AI firm Gnosis Freight has drawn investment tied to the logistics industry.
Importantly, local and regional funding sources have expanded. The Charleston-based angel network Charleston Angel Partners and the member-managed fund Silicon Harbor Ventures (launched with support of the Charleston Digital Corridor) continue to provide seed capital to early-stage companies. In addition, the South Carolina Research Authority’s affiliate SC Launch, Inc. makes equity investments in promising startups statewide. Through SC Launch, companies like Case Status received initial seed funding (e.g. \$250,000) before landing larger rounds[46]. SCRA also disburses non-dilutive grants: as mentioned, it funded AI-related startups like SMPL-C’s generative AI solution[39] and others (e.g. FSI for machine vision, LifeTagger for AI-powered marketing) in the Charleston area to spur their development[47][48].
Recently, new venture initiatives in Charleston have made headlines. In mid-2025, local family office Beemok Capital (led by Charleston businessman Ben Navarro) launched “Catalyst by Beemok,” a startup pitch competition and fund. Catalyst is offering up to \$1 million in investment to winning early-stage companies in the tri-county Charleston area[49]. The program includes a public pitch event and networking to connect founders with mentors and investors[50][51]. It explicitly encourages student entrepreneurs and aims to keep high-potential startups in the region by giving them growth capital and exposure[52][53]. Moves like this add to other support systems (such as the Harbor Entrepreneur Center accelerator in Mount Pleasant and the Charleston Digital Corridor’s mentorship network) that are nurturing the next generation of AI companies.
Even local academic institutions are entering the fray: as noted, MUSC’s new 1824 Health Ventures is a \$20 million fund focused on MUSC-affiliated startups[28][54], which could catalyze more AI-driven healthcare spinouts in Charleston. Overall, the capital landscape for Charleston AI companies is improving, with a blend of outside venture investment and expanding local funding streams. This mix has enabled Charleston startups to grow rapidly while staying rooted in the region – a trend evidenced by success stories like workforce-AI firm ENGAGE Talent (acquired after raising \$10 million)[55] and fintech/AI hybrid Workiva (which expanded in Charleston and is highlighted for its innovation in AI-assisted financial compliance)[44][56]. With Google’s ongoing \$2 billion+ data center investments nearby[57][58], Charleston’s tech ecosystem has both the funding and infrastructure to continue its ascent as an emerging AI hub.
Government and Nonprofit AI Initiatives
Local government and nonprofit organizations in the Charleston area are actively promoting and adopting AI technologies in 2024–2025. Charleston County and South Carolina state officials have shown a strong commitment to cultivating an innovation-friendly environment for AI businesses. When Alita Health announced its Charleston expansion, local leaders welcomed it as “the kind of leading-edge company” the region seeks to attract, highlighting that Charleston County is focused on bringing high-tech jobs and AI-driven innovation to the community[59]. Likewise, South Carolina’s Governor and Secretary of Commerce praised the move as a win for the state’s growing tech industry[60]. The state has been offering incentive support for AI and tech firms, often coordinated by the Charleston Regional Development Alliance and SC Department of Commerce – the press release for Alita’s launch, for example, was issued by state commerce officials as a signal of public support[61].
On a broader level, South Carolina has developed a statewide AI Strategy (2024) that directly impacts Charleston’s public sector. The S.C. Department of Administration established a State AI Center of Excellence to guide and govern the use of AI in state agencies[62][63]. Rather than rushing into AI, the state’s approach emphasizes “safety, not speed”: each proposed AI use-case from agencies is reviewed for security, risk, and benefit before implementation[64]. As of mid-2024, Admin was tracking 29 pilot use-cases across various agencies – ranging from internal chatbots for customer service, to image recognition tools, to using ChatGPT and Microsoft Co-Pilot for drafting documents[65][66]. Charleston, as a major municipality, stands to gain from these efforts. In practice, this means local government offices in Charleston can pilot AI solutions under a vetted, centralized framework. For instance, the state is initiating pilots of ChatGPT Enterprise in government, which could allow Charleston city departments to safely deploy AI assistants for routine tasks like answering citizen questions or summarizing reports[62][67]. Other potential applications being explored include predictive analytics for hurricane planning and optimizing trash collection routes – ideas cited by the Municipal Association of SC to improve city services with AI[67].
Legislatively, South Carolina’s government is also ensuring “guardrails” for AI even as it promotes innovation. A House committee on AI and cybersecurity (led by Rep. Jeff Bradley of Beaufort, who has ties to the Lowcountry) convened in 2024 to align government, business, and academia on AI advancement[68]. The General Assembly quickly moved on protections, for example passing new laws in 2023–2024 to outlaw AI-generated child exploitation material[69]. Governor Henry McMaster has emphasized that the state wants to welcome AI growth while protecting citizens, striking a balance between not stifling innovation and responding swiftly to malicious uses of AI[70][71]. These initiatives at the state level create a policy environment in which Charleston’s local agencies and companies can innovate with AI responsibly.
Charleston’s nonprofit and economic development organizations are also spearheading AI initiatives. The Charleston Digital Corridor, a public-private nonprofit that supports the regional tech economy, has been especially active. In 2024 the Corridor expanded its offerings with an AI educational series at its new Charleston Tech Center Learning Center. They introduced an “AI for Students” program – Saturday classes teaching middle and high school students about AI fundamentals, safe use of tools like ChatGPT, ethics, and creative applications[72]. “It’s important for [students] to understand and leverage this 21st-century tool,” said Corridor Director Ernest Andrade, noting that hands-on AI experience will be crucial for the future workforce[73]. The Learning Center plans to offer these youth AI classes year-round, alongside its regular schedule of adult workshops. Additionally, the Corridor has hosted numerous community events on AI (detailed more in the next section) to help local businesses learn practical AI skills[74]. This nonprofit-driven approach is democratising AI knowledge in Charleston, ensuring that not just tech companies but also small business owners and the general public can engage with these technologies.
Another key nonprofit, the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), has taken a leadership role in AI-related economic development. SCRA (a state-chartered nonprofit) released an AI Industry Report in 2024 and co-hosted the State’s AI Symposium in April 2025 to gather input on building an “AI-enabled economy”[40]. SCRA also uses its funding programs to encourage AI startups to locate or grow in South Carolina – it provides grants, mentorship, and even relocation assistance. For instance, SCRA’s support was mentioned in Alita Health’s decision to launch in Charleston, and an SCRA investment manager touted Alita’s launch as “a milestone for post-acute healthcare and artificial intelligence innovation in our region.”[75]. Such endorsements and resources from SCRA signal to AI entrepreneurs that Charleston is a fertile ground for development.
In sum, public and nonprofit initiatives in Charleston are creating an AI-friendly ecosystem. State and local governments are piloting AI in their operations and crafting smart regulations, while organizations like the Charleston Digital Corridor and SCRA provide the infrastructure, training, and incentives to accelerate AI adoption. This combined support lowers barriers for implementing AI solutions in government services (making the City of Charleston more efficient) and helps promote Charleston as a forward-looking, tech-driven city on par with larger innovation hubs.
AI-Focused Community Events, Meetups and Innovation Hubs
Charleston’s tech community has embraced AI as a key theme in its events, meetups, and innovation hubs. In 2024, the city hosted its first Charleston AI Summit as part of the annual Dig South Tech Summit. Held at the College of Charleston’s Sottile Theatre in March 2024, the Charleston AI Summit by Dig South brought together executives, founders, developers, investors, and creatives to “explore the tectonic shift to an AI-powered economy”[76]. The summit featured experts from major companies (like Microsoft and IBM) and local innovators, offering keynotes and panels on AI trends. It was a marquee event signifying Charleston’s prominence in the AI conversation. Dig South has continued this focus into 2025, with its tech conference theme “New Frontiers: AI & Emerging Tech Tools for Today & the Future” slated for May 2025 in Charleston. Such high-profile conferences not only educate and inspire the local community but also connect Charleston startups with national thought leaders and investors.
On a grassroots level, meetup groups and workshops on AI/data science are flourishing. The Charleston Data Science Meetup convenes regularly (often at the Charleston Digital Corridor’s Flagship and Charleston Tech Center facilities) and draws a mix of engineers, analysts, students, and enthusiasts. For example, an October 2023 meetup featured a talk on “Predictive AI vs. Generative AI”, explaining how predictive models use historical data to forecast outcomes in finance or healthcare, while generative models create new content (text, images, etc.) for applications from design to storytelling[77]. By highlighting real-world use cases and techniques, these meetups help local professionals stay on the cutting edge. The Corridor itself launched a four-part workshop series called “AI & Data in the Holy City” in late 2024, aimed at “providing local business owners and professionals with practical, hands-on skills in artificial intelligence and data.” Each session walked through ways to automate tasks, improve efficiency, and even build custom AI agents, under the guidance of industry experts[74]. Such workshops often start from foundational concepts and progress to advanced topics, reflecting the community’s desire to apply AI in everyday business contexts (from marketing to operations). Turnout has been strong, indicating that Charleston’s business community is eager to learn how AI can give them an edge.
Multiple tech organizations and co-working hubs in Charleston support AI-focused gatherings. The nonprofit Charleston Women in Tech group has included sessions on AI (for example, discussing AI bias and ethics in tech). Weekly entrepreneur forums like 1 Million Cups Charleston frequently feature pitches from AI or data-centric startups. The Harbor Entrepreneur Center (an incubator/co-working space in Mount Pleasant) often hosts demo days and lunch-and-learns, and recently it became home to Alita Health’s new office[78] – adding to the cluster of AI startups co-locating and cross-pollinating ideas. Meanwhile, the Charleston Tech Center downtown, a six-story innovation hub that opened in 2021, is now filled with dozens of tech companies (including AI startups like Kognitos in its co-working space[79]). The Tech Center regularly partners with the Corridor to host tech meetups, hackathons, and even an “Apple Museum” exhibit, making it a focal point of tech culture.
Charleston’s educational institutions also contribute to community events. College of Charleston has hosted public lectures on AI’s impact on society (often through its data science program and library events), and The Citadel has opened some of its AI and cybersecurity guest lectures to local attendees. In 2025, The Citadel’s forthcoming AI\<sup>3\</sup> Center is planning to initiate K-12 outreach programs – which likely means robotics camps or AI summer workshops for Charleston-area students, further enriching the community engagement in AI.
Finally, the city’s “Silicon Harbor” camaraderie is evident in informal gatherings: from tech happy hours where AI is the hot topic, to coding bootcamps like Nucamp offering a 15-week “AI Essentials for Work” course in Charleston to upskill professionals in prompt engineering and automation[80]. The ecosystem also benefits from events like Fridays @ the Corridor and annual showcases (e.g. the Summerville STEM Festival or Charleston Dev Con), which often feature AI demos and local startup booths.
In conclusion, Charleston boasts a vibrant community around AI, with frequent events that educate, inspire collaboration, and welcome newcomers. Whether at a large conference hearing from AI pioneers, a local meetup diving into machine learning techniques, or an innovation center buzzing with startup energy, Charlestonians have myriad opportunities to engage with artificial intelligence. This communal approach is fostering both enthusiasm and expertise, ensuring that as AI grows in importance, Charleston’s tech community grows along with it.
Sources: Charleston Digital Corridor News[9][12][74][81]; Charleston Regional Business Journal[6][8]; Charleston Regional Development Alliance[3][59]; Inside Higher Ed[14][16]; Charleston City Paper[82][63]; SC Council on Competitiveness[26]; SCRA/SC Launch[39]; Nucamp Charleston Tech Blog[44][10]; Dig South Tech Summit info[76].
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