SCRA Tech Catalyst Fund

About this programme

The Tech Catalyst Fund provides non-dilutive funding to early-stage medical technology startups developing solutions that improve rural health access across South Carolina. It is one of five initiatives within South Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP); the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) contracted the South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), a public, non-profit corporation chartered in 1983 by the state, to manage and administer it.

RHTP, and the Tech Catalyst Fund within it, is entirely federally funded: the program page lists total funding of $200,030,252.32, 100% from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). SCRA's page notes the contents represent the authors' views only and are not an official CMS/HHS position or endorsement.

How it works

The process runs in three stages. First, applicants submit through a Notice of Funding Opportunity application (SCRA advises reviewing the notice and application questions before starting), uploading a completed budget workbook with an itemized budget and milestones; a pitch deck and letters of support are optional at this stage.

Second, applicants invited to advance move into Due Diligence review, where a pitch deck and letters of support become required, and additional documentation is requested per a published Due Diligence Checklist.

Third, applicants who clear Due Diligence are invited to Pitch Days, presenting to a Review Committee for a funding decision; applicants may edit their pitch decks up to 5 days before their scheduled pitch date.

Applications go through SCRA's WizeHive-hosted application portal.

The official page does not state a specific award amount for the Tech Catalyst Fund.

Who can apply

The company must be an early-stage medical technology startup.

The company's solution must address rural health access in South Carolina.

How to apply

1. Review the Notice of Funding Opportunity and application questions before starting.
2. Prepare a completed budget workbook with an itemized budget and milestones; this is required at initial application.
3. Submit your application through the SCRA WizeHive application portal.
4. If invited to advance, prepare a pitch deck and letters of support for Due Diligence review, following the published Due Diligence Checklist.
5. If selected, present to the Review Committee at Pitch Days; pitch decks can still be edited up to 5 days before the scheduled pitch.

Documents you’ll typically need

• Notice of Funding Opportunity and application preview
• Completed budget workbook (itemized budget and milestones)
• Pitch deck (optional at application, required for Due Diligence)
• Letters of support (optional at application, required for Due Diligence)
• Due Diligence Checklist materials

Frequently asked

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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.