SCRA adds 2 Charleston-based member companies

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An agricultural startup and an online app have been accepted as South Carolina Research Authority member companies.

Heron Farms and FaithStreet Inc. also received grant funding, according to an SCRA news release.

Charleston-based Heron Farms Inc., which operates the world’s first indoor saltwater vertical farm, received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant, according to the release. Heron Farms employs predictive software and data collection and analysis methods to mange and monitor variables including water salinity, carbon dioxide, growth cycles, and yield, the release stated.

FaithStreet Inc., also headquartered in Charleston and which is a congregation engagement platform for faith communities and nonprofits, also received a $50,000 Acceleration Grant, according to the release. FaithStreet’s app offers innovative online and mobile giving solutions and includes a directory of over 300,000 churches of all denominations across the U.S., the release stated.

All SCRA Member Companies receive coaching, access to experts in SCRA’s Resource Partner Network, eligibility to apply for grant funding, and the potential to be considered for investment from SCRA’s investment affiliate, SC Launch Inc., the release stated.

Grant funding is made possible, in part, by the Industry Partnership Fund contributions that fuel the state’s innovation economy, according to the release. Contributors to the IPF receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit, the release stated.