Changes

Opportunities for funding of student-led technologies is offered directly through '''LaunchPadSC''', a competition that is designed to assist individuals and/or teams in the genesis of ideas for new business concepts and to help move them forward in the formation of potential new companies.

Also available is mentorship and support through centers like the '''Clemson Regional Small Business Development Center (SBDC)'''.  Representatives offer personal consultation, guidance, and assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs through one-on-one management and technical assistance as well as interactive webinar series. 

== University technology transfer function ==

The '''Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF)''' is a university corporation organized to provide leadership and expertise to maximize the societal impact of university research and innovation.  CURF manages the technology transfer functions of Clemson University by taking assignment of inventions, obtaining intellectual property protection, working with faculty to evaulate commercial potential of discoveries, and licensing inventions to the private sector for public use.

== University-Industry collaboration ==

Clemson University's closest city of innovation is Greenville, SC, the home of many large and small manufacturing companies, mostly centered around the largest employer in the region, BMW.  A thriving manufacturing ecosystem related to the automotive industry is present at '''Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR)''', an advanced technology-research campus where education, research, and economic development collaborate to create a global venue for automotive innovation.

A second focus for industry collaboration is with the Greenville Health System at the '''Clemson University Bioengineering Innovation Campus (CUBEInC)'''.  This facility offers a unique environment in which high-impact medical technology for disease management is developed alongside clinicians with goals to transfer technology from bench to bedside.  Within this facility, other biomedical companies partner with Clemson in the Biomedical Corporate Partner Program to preview novel Clemson technology and actively participate in shaping the biomedical work-force.

The '''NEXT Innovation Center''' is a place where a community can thrive and stimulate collaboration between innovators, thinkers, creators, and business builders.  Here, the opportunities are endless- from virtual offices for start-ups, to super cubes and executives, to adaptable conference rooms, dry erase walls, and even Wii rooms.  If a Clemson University student has taken the "next" step in starting up a company, this has the technological infrastructure to allow the company to thrive.