SCRA is an applied research corporation. It was started by the state Legislature under a public charter to help develop technology-based industries in South Carolina. It is made up of three divisions: SCRA Technology Ventures, SCRA Applied R&D and SCRA R&D Facilities. Together, it can help early stage technology companies grow business, create and lead teams to develop and apply technology for federal and corporate clients and establish and secure state-of-the-art laboratories, advanced manufacturing facilities and secure spaces to conduct the work. Its corporate office is in Columbia. This is the Applied Research Center.