Tech startup stories, founder spotlights, and free SEO tips for builders in the Midlands. Read the Boyd Innovation Center blog and start growing today.https://boydinnovation.org/blogen-ushttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-july-2026https://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-july-2026Colin Griffin, founder of Krumware, kicked off this month's Tech on Tap with a confession: he's spent nearly a decade building a company that started out by selling "solutions to problems that…Wed, 22 Jul 2026 16:02:13 GMTTech on TapEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-may-2026https://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-may-2026Tyler Robertson, founder and CEO of Diesel Laptops, opened this month's Tech on Tap with a number that still doesn't feel real to him: $100 million in annual revenue.Fri, 22 May 2026 19:24:42 GMTTech on TapEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/press-release-boyd-innovation-center-to-showcase-newest-columbia-tech-startups-graduating-spring-launchpad-cola-cohorthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/press-release-boyd-innovation-center-to-showcase-newest-columbia-tech-startups-graduating-spring-launchpad-cola-cohortNineteen new tech companies will showcase their businesses in an expo-style startup showcase and five will take the stage to pitch at the Boyd Innovation Center’s Startup Showcase, celebrating the…Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:38:13 GMTLaunchpad COLAPress ReleasesIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/startup-sprint-spring-2026https://boydinnovation.org/blog/startup-sprint-spring-2026That's the premise behind Startup Sprint—and this March, over 30 strangers showed up at the Boyd Innovation Center to find out if it was possible.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:02:58 GMTStartup SprintIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/bic-x-launchpad-fall-2025-pitch-night-recaphttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/bic-x-launchpad-fall-2025-pitch-night-recapColumbia packed the house with 170 attendees to see the showcase of 19 new startups and 10 stage pitches from the graduates of the Boyd Innovation Center’s 12-week tech incubator program, powered by Launchpad.Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:23:36 GMTLaunchpad COLAhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-march-2026https://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-march-2026Van Robotics founder Laura Boccanfuso shares how she raised $950K, survived a Shark Tank pass and COVID, and scaled classroom robots to eight countries.Mon, 23 Mar 2026 13:40:49 GMTTech on TapEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-feb-2026https://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-feb-2026Our February 2026 Tech on Tap brought a special guest and an unforgettable founder story.Fri, 20 Feb 2026 20:00:08 GMTTech on TapEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/meet-launchpad-cola-spring-2026https://boydinnovation.org/blog/meet-launchpad-cola-spring-2026The Spring 2026 Launchpad cohort has kicked off strong with 20 tech startups ready to take their companies to the next level.Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:50:38 GMTLaunchpad COLAIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/meet-launchpad-cola-fall-2025https://boydinnovation.org/blog/meet-launchpad-cola-fall-2025Meet the Launchpad COLA Fall 2025 cohort: Automations 24 (A24), Cattywampus, Copacetic Collective, CuffWay, Facet, Farline Technology, Faxosaurus and Focus Play.Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:40:41 GMTLaunchpad COLAIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/boyd-innovation-center-to-showcase-tech-entrepreneurs-at-launchpad-cola-pitch-night-in-five-pointshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/boyd-innovation-center-to-showcase-tech-entrepreneurs-at-launchpad-cola-pitch-night-in-five-pointsNew tech founders will take the stage at the Boyd Innovation Center on Thursday, December 18th to pitch their businesses at the culminating event of the Boyd Innovation Center’s first Launchpad…Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:20:30 GMTLaunchpad COLAPress ReleasesIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/nautiq-ai-launchpad-spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/nautiq-ai-launchpad-spotlightFounded by Navy veteran Tony Stephenson, NautiQ.AI is an AI-powered SaaS platform designed to modernize the transition of veterans into civilian careers.Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:19:53 GMTLaunchpad COLAFounder SpotlightIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/cattywampus-launchpad-cola-spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/cattywampus-launchpad-cola-spotlightAdina Maynard, an oncology nurse turned game developer, is the creative mind behind Cattywampus, the flagship product of DnA Games, Inc.Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:57:31 GMTLaunchpad COLAFounder SpotlightIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/need-no-more-launchpad-cola-spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/need-no-more-launchpad-cola-spotlightAfter relying on food pantries in four states, NeedNoMore's founders built and launched a real-time pantry map, developed at Columbia's Boyd Innovation Center.Mon, 01 Dec 2025 20:07:31 GMTLaunchpad COLAFounder SpotlightIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-novemeber-2025https://boydinnovation.org/blog/tech-on-tap-novemeber-2025Our final Tech on Tap of 2025 brought serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and author, Harold Hughes to share wisdom on the most underutilized resource in entrepreneurship: social capital.Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:38:12 GMTTech on TapEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/startup-sprint-fall-2025https://boydinnovation.org/blog/startup-sprint-fall-2025What happens when 40 people walk into the Boyd Innovation Center on a Friday evening, most of them strangers, many of them nervous, all of them curious about what it takes to build a startup?Tue, 18 Nov 2025 01:51:39 GMTStartup SprintIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/launchpad-cola-halfwayhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/launchpad-cola-halfwayWe’ve officially hit the halfway point! Six weeks into the intensive 12-week Launchpad COLA Incubator, our cohort of founders has been demonstrating incredible commitment…Tue, 04 Nov 2025 18:56:52 GMTLaunchpad COLAIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/press-release-launchpad-and-boyd-innovation-center-partner-to-bring-world-class-startup-training-to-columbia-schttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/press-release-launchpad-and-boyd-innovation-center-partner-to-bring-world-class-startup-training-to-columbia-scLaunchpad, Greenville’s tech startup platform, today announced a strategic partnership with the Boyd Innovation Center to launch Launchpad COLA, a 12-week entrepreneur training program beginning…Sat, 13 Sep 2025 16:55:44 GMTLaunchpad COLAPress ReleasesIncubatorEntrepreneur ProgramsProgramsTrainingTech Incubatorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/the-next-chapterhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/the-next-chapterAs the Boyd Innovation Center enters its own next chapter, I’m excited to join as Executive Director and to help shape a thriving, founder-focused, high-growth tech startup community right here in Columbia, South Carolina.Tue, 01 Jul 2025 17:36:21 GMTBIC Newshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/the-bic-hires-a-new-executive-directorhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/the-bic-hires-a-new-executive-directorAfter a robust selection process, including close to 200 applicants, the Boyd Innovation Center Board of Directors is excited to announce that Sam Herskovitz is our new Executive Director.Fri, 27 Jun 2025 14:38:00 GMTBIC Newshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/why-i-chose-to-bootstrap-my-health-tech-startuphttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/why-i-chose-to-bootstrap-my-health-tech-startupWhen founders talk about building health tech companies, fundraising is usually at the top of their priority list. Investor decks, pitch competitions, and funding rounds dominate the conversation.Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:53:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-founders-build-resilience-in-high-stress-startup-environmentshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-founders-build-resilience-in-high-stress-startup-environmentsStartups are often described through moments like late nights, breakthrough wins, make-or-break meetings. I’ve had those.Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:43:00 GMTFounder SpotlightFounder Wellbeinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-ai-is-changing-health-techhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-ai-is-changing-health-techArtificial intelligence is changing healthcare, but not in the flashy, futuristic way most people expect.Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:30:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/andrew-nye-founder-spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/andrew-nye-founder-spotlightIn the bustling Darla Moore School of Business, Andrew first caught local attention as a freshman managing a hedge fund—an impressive feat for someone at any age, especially for someone just…Tue, 03 Jun 2025 17:15:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-founders-can-leverage-community-for-growthhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-founders-can-leverage-community-for-growthLaunching a startup is more than just having a great idea, it’s about navigating uncertainty, solving problems you’ve never encountered before, and knowing when to lean on others for guidance.Thu, 29 May 2025 18:32:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-non-technical-founders-can-build-a-tech-startuphttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-non-technical-founders-can-build-a-tech-startupWhen I first started working on UpAhead, I had zero experience with coding. I didn’t know how to develop an app or architect a tech product from scratch. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me.Thu, 29 May 2025 18:26:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-validate-and-launch-your-first-tech-venturehttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-validate-and-launch-your-first-tech-ventureWhen I built the original system that would eventually become UpAhead, I wasn’t trying to create a startup. I was just looking for a way to keep myself organized.Thu, 29 May 2025 18:12:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/thomas-lentine-founder-spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/thomas-lentine-founder-spotlightWhen Thomas first stepped into the entrepreneurial arena, he admits he wasn't quite ready or fully committed. But since then, his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable.Thu, 29 May 2025 18:07:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-dana-watkinshttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-dana-watkinsFormer math teacher Dana Watkins co-founded Snaply Sites and joined the Boyd Innovation Center to lead Columbia startup programs like Startup Sprint.Thu, 01 May 2025 19:39:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-build-your-side-hustle-while-working-full-timehttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-build-your-side-hustle-while-working-full-timeWhen I started building my side hustle, I was juggling a full-time job and dreaming of creating something meaningful on my own terms.Thu, 01 May 2025 19:36:00 GMTFounder SpotlightFounder Wellbeinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/what-to-include-on-your-landing-pagehttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/what-to-include-on-your-landing-pageYour landing page is one of the most important tools in your marketing toolkit.Thu, 01 May 2025 19:30:00 GMTFounder SpotlightMarketing and SEOhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-maintain-a-growth-mindset-the-power-of-the-yethttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-maintain-a-growth-mindset-the-power-of-the-yet“Yet” is a simple word, but it carries so much weight. It’s the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.Thu, 01 May 2025 19:26:00 GMTFounder SpotlightFounder Wellbeinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/when-to-create-a-coming-soon-web-pagehttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/when-to-create-a-coming-soon-web-pageStarting something new—whether it’s a business, a product, or a service—can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to do, and you might wonder when it’s the right time to create a “Coming Soon” page.Thu, 01 May 2025 19:22:00 GMTFounder SpotlightMarketing and SEOhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-rebecca-lang-of-buhzhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-rebecca-lang-of-buhzRebecca Lang, at one time and without a doubt, was the most reserved founder I have ever encountered throughout a decade of supporting founders.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:56:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-startups-can-use-video-to-promote-themselves-onlinehttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-startups-can-use-video-to-promote-themselves-onlineVideo marketing isn’t just a passing trend, it’s a powerful way for startups and small businesses to create real connections with their audience.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:52:00 GMTFounder SpotlightMarketing and SEOhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-startups-can-build-trust-through-video-marketinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-startups-can-build-trust-through-video-marketingTrust isn’t built through sales pitches—it’s earned through authenticity, consistency, and real human connection. Consumers gravitate toward brands that feel genuine and relatable.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:49:00 GMTFounder SpotlightMarketing and SEOhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-get-your-business-found-on-google-maps-and-beyondhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/how-to-get-your-business-found-on-google-maps-and-beyondA six-step Google Business Profile checklist to rank higher on Google Maps: claim your listing, keep details consistent, add photos, answer reviews, post updates, and enable messaging.Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:44:00 GMTFounder SpotlightMarketing and SEOhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-andy-kottagehttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-andy-kottageEver find yourself in need of a solution and someone says, “I know a guy/gal for that”? In our startup community, that person is often Andy—the quintessential jack of all trades…Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:45:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/burnout-crowd-out-step-out-the-energy-pitfalls-holding-founders-backhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/burnout-crowd-out-step-out-the-energy-pitfalls-holding-founders-backEntrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint, but let me tell you, I’ve been guilty of treating it like a full-speed race with no finish line.Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:42:00 GMTFounder SpotlightFounder Wellbeinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/understanding-and-overcoming-burnout-as-a-founderhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/understanding-and-overcoming-burnout-as-a-founderFounder Andy Kottage shares the warning signs of burnout and the eight steps that helped him recover, from setting boundaries to delegating and reconnecting with his why.Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:40:00 GMTFounder SpotlightFounder Wellbeinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/what-is-crowd-out-recognizing-the-signs-as-a-founderhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/what-is-crowd-out-recognizing-the-signs-as-a-founderEntrepreneurship demands focus and dedication, but what happens when that focus becomes too narrow? I’ve been there, and let me tell you—it’s not a healthy place to be.Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:37:00 GMTFounder SpotlightFounder Wellbeinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/understanding-step-out-as-a-founderhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/understanding-step-out-as-a-founderEntrepreneurship is filled with challenges, but one of the sneakiest pitfalls I’ve encountered is what I call "step out." Unlike burnout or crowd out, which are driven by overactivity, step out…Mon, 03 Feb 2025 18:34:00 GMTFounder SpotlightFounder Wellbeinghttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-jade-pruett-of-helloseohttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/founder-spotlight-jade-pruett-of-helloseoI’m so excited to be kicking off a new blog series for the Boyd Innovation Center (BIC) that will feature our members, deep diving into who they are, what they know…Thu, 02 Jan 2025 19:03:00 GMTFounder Spotlighthttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/7-reasons-why-seo-is-important-for-foundershttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/7-reasons-why-seo-is-important-for-foundersIf you’re a founder, you’re focused on growing your business, reaching the right customers, and building a strong brand. But where does SEO fit into all of this?Thu, 02 Jan 2025 19:02:00 GMTFounder SpotlightMarketing and SEOhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/5-free-things-founders-can-do-to-boost-their-seo-right-nowhttps://boydinnovation.org/blog/5-free-things-founders-can-do-to-boost-their-seo-right-nowHere are five things you can start doing today to boost your visibility on Google and connect with more customers.Thu, 02 Jan 2025 19:00:00 GMTFounder SpotlightMarketing and SEO