May 2025 Newsletter - Big Ideas, Bold Conversations, and a Toast to What’s Next!

MAY 2025 | THE HILL INSTITUTE NEWSROOM

This month reminded us innovation doesn’t just happen in labs or pitch rooms, it happens when people gather, spark ideas, and chase bold possibilities.

From the powerful insights at Advantage Greenville: The Future of Automation to the electric energy of Startup Drinks with our friends at nextGEN, May was a masterclass in what’s possible when industry leaders, students, founders, and change-makers collide. We unpacked how cobots are transforming the workforce and witnessed firsthand how community fuels connection - and connection fuels innovation.

Meanwhile, we're charging ahead: Applications are now open for GVL Starts, our flagship accelerator for aspiring Greenville entrepreneurs, and our Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship has once again hit "waitlist only" status. Next up, we launch The Innovation Academy in June; a high-octane, one-week immersion equipping high school students with real-world startup skills, mentorship, and the chance to build and pitch their own ventures...and that one has also hit "waitlist only" status.

The momentum is real because of champions like you supporting what we do - thank you!

Let’s keep building together,

Bryan Davis

Executive Director

PAST MONTH OVERVIEW

Advantage Greenville: The Future of Automation

On May 8, our team convened industry leaders, tech innovators, and curious minds for Advantage Greenville: Future of Automation—a dynamic morning exploring the rise of collaborative robots, or cobots.

From precision surgeries to heavy manufacturing, cobots are transforming how humans work, and our forum dove into their growing impact across industries. Attendees heard from robotics experts at Michelin, BMW, Universal Robots, and Drobot, followed by a powerful panel discussion featuring startup leaders and moderated by SCRA’s Catherine Hayes.

Together, we unpacked how cobots are solving real-world problems, empowering human workers, and reshaping the future of work, all while navigating the ethical and social implications of automation.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another insightful Advantage Greenville event.

Stay tuned for our next installment on November 7!

Startup Drinks x nextGEN: Sparking Connection Across Greenville’s Innovation Community

On May 14, we partnered with nextGEN to co-host Startup Drinks (SUDsGVL) at Southernside Brewing Co.—and the room was buzzing. From early-stage founders and student entrepreneurs to mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders, the evening brought together a dynamic mix of people building what’s next in Greenville.

This casual meetup created space for genuine conversations, new ideas, and collaborations that often begin with a simple introduction. It’s gatherings like this that remind us: innovation doesn’t just happen in boardrooms or classrooms—it’s sparked in community.

Thanks to everyone who came out and to our friends at nextGEN for helping shape a stronger, more connected startup culture in Greenville.

OPEN APPLICATIONS

GVL Starts | Fall 2025

This transformational 9-week experience will include mentoring from successful local entrepreneurs and business owners, coaching from experienced design thinkers, instruction from distinguished university faculty, and an investor community that’s engaged and committed to supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners.

Learn More & Apply Here

Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship | Fall 2025

We’re proud to share that this year’s Clemens Angel Analyst Fellowship cohort is officially full! Interest in this one-of-a-kind experience continues to grow, and we’re excited to welcome a stellar group of student investors. If you’d like to be added to the waitlist, please email innovation@furman.edu.

Learn More Here

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NEXT MONTH'S EVENTS

JUNE

9 - 13

The Innovation Academy

Furman University | June 9-13

We’re thrilled to welcome the very first cohort of The Innovation Academy, our newest program designed to spark bold ideas and entrepreneurial mindsets in high school students. Over the course of one immersive week, these rising Sophomores and Juniors will roll up their sleeves to develop MVPs, conduct real market research, shoot commercials in a professional studio, and pitch their ventures to a panel of industry experts.

We designed this experience to be more than just a crash course, it’s a launchpad for creativity, agency, and future careers. The week wraps with a final pitch showcase, graduation ceremony, and a well-earned celebratory dinner. Follow along on our journey—we’ll be sharing highlights, stories, and standout moments all week long.

LEARN MORE HERE

JUNE

17

Build Carolina: Tech Talent Showcase

Next Innovation Center | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The Build Carolina Tech Talent Showcase event highlights the apprenticeship graduates and partners shaping the future of tech in South Carolina.

RSVP HERE

JUNE

25

Flywheel: Community Day

Flywheel Greenville | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

We invite you to join us for a Community Day with our Flywheel partners! Free coworking and while you're here, enjoy a You're So Fly member lunch. It's a day to see how Flywheel coworking can help you be more productive in your work, more connected in your community, and accelerate your business.

RSVP HERE

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WE ARE THANKFUL FOR OUR COMMUNITY COLLABORATORS

Our operations are fully supported by generous donors and program sponsors. Please consider donating today to support our mission of creating innovative and entrepreneurially minded leaders at Furman and in the Upstate.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities?

Please email Innovation@Furman.edu

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