SCRA's Technology Ventures program, SC Launch, presented a "big check" investment to Charleston-area start-up company ISI Technology yesterday evening during a Charleston Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours hosted at the SCRA MUSC Innovation Center. Businesswoman Anita Zucker was also recognized for her commitment to South Carolina's innovation economy and was given an SCRA Knowledge Economist Award during the event.

ISI Technology has developed an innovation breakthrough for electric water heaters that delivers best in class energy, water, and space savings. The company's unique technology solves the quality and reliability shortcomings associated with existing products and enhances the operational experience with highly accurate temperature control from low to high flow rates.

Led by Founder and Chairman Jerry Callahan and President and CEO Thomas Conroy, the company leadership brings years of experience from the energy and manufacturing industries to the new venture.

"We are delighted to be the recipient of this support as we work aggressively to bring our product to market, which saves significant amounts of energy and water compared to existing water heating technologies" said Callahan. "We are thankful to have these resources that strengthen and enable our company to grow here in South Carolina."

A Knowledge Economist Award, presented by SCRA to leaders whose efforts have supported and strengthened the knowledge-based economy of South Carolina, was given to Anita Zucker during the event as well. Zucker is Chairperson of Charleston-based InterTech Group, a proven Knowledge Economy company which creates jobs in the Lowcountry through technology innovation. She is also a noteworthy philanthropist who has served on several boards and contributed to numerous business, academic, research and mentoring programs in the area.

"SCRA is committed to the continued growth of South Carolina's Knowledge Economy and we are delighted to recognize these achievements this evening," said SCRA CEO Bill Mahoney. "We offer congratulations to ISI Technology, an emerging innovative company, and to Anita Zucker, a business and civic leader who has demonstrated time and time again her commitment to South Carolina. It is through the efforts and leadership of individuals such as Jerry Callahan, Thomas Conroy and Anita Zucker, paired with the right resources and support, that we will realize continued growth of our Knowledge Economy."

About SCRA

http://www.scra.org

SCRA is an applied research corporation with over 28 years of experience in delivering technology solutions with high returns on investment to federal and corporate clients. Our Applied R&D affiliate manages over 100 national and international programs worth over $1.5B in contract value, and our technology-based economic development affiliate helps early-stage companies to commercialize innovations and create jobs. In support of our mission, SCRA builds and manages research facilities that include wet labs, secure rooms for sensitive work and advanced high-tech manufacturing shops.

About SC Launch

With initial funding in 2006 of $12 million in SCRA retained earnings, SC Launch has to-date supported and funded over 188 start-ups in SC, provided business services through a powerful Resource Network to 251 early stage technology companies and helped position emerging South Carolina Knowledge Economy companies to secure more than $167 million in follow-on funding from angel, venture and other private capital sources. SC Launch has been recognized regionally, nationally and internationally for leadership in entrepreneurial support and technology-based economic development.