Rock Hill tech startup receives SC Launch investment

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New Forge LLC, a Rock-Hill based startup, recently received a $250,000 investment from SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority.

The company creates augmented reality technology for use in the manufacturing and health care sectors.

New Forge became an SCRA Member Company in 2021 and has received demonstration grants totaling over $37,000 between 2021 and the present, according to a news release. In addition, they became an SC Launch Inc. Portfolio Company with this $250,000 investment.

New Forge offers customized augmented reality solutions to enhance an organization’s frontline productivity. These are designed to make manufacturing operations safer, more efficient, and less costly, according to the release. Functions that benefit from this service include order picking, maintenance, inspections, part assembly, remote assistance, training, and communication. 

“What New Forge has developed is an evolutionary step for how manufacturing companies can interact on the manufacturing floor with suppliers, internal trainers and support, and customers,” said SC Launch Director Matt Bell. 

New Forge recently presented tech talks at the South Carolina Manufacturing Conference and Expo, held in Greenville in November 2022, where they engaged with hundreds of potential customers and partners.  

“With more time, people, and skills shortages than ever, industries are pressured to do more with fewer resources,” said Javier Ortiz, founder of New Forge LLC. “Our AR solutions allow organizations to capture knowledge and transfer step-by-step instructions to the frontline anytime and from anywhere. We appreciate our partnership with SCRA and SC Launch Inc. and credit them for our continued success.”