USC-Columbia fuel cell effort honored

Columbia’s effort to establish itself as a fuel cell hub has gotten another boost.

The USC-Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative has received an excellence in economic development award from the International Economic Development Council.

The council honored the city with its “Technology-led Economic Development Award” for cities with a population of 25,000 to 200,000 people. Columbia and USC representatives were recognized at an awards ceremony during the council’s annual conference in Charlotte last week.

The council’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards Program annually recognizes the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships, as well the industry’s most influential leaders. The program honors organizations and individuals in 28 categories for their efforts in creating jobs. This is the first time that the USC-Columbia Fuel Cell Collaborative has received an award.

Neil McLean, executive director for EngenuitySC, said in a statement that the award shows that the region’s seven-year effort to become a hydrogen and fuel cell center is paying off.

“This is part of a 20-year vision for our community, and we’re proud that Columbia is being recognized as one of the most innovative cities in the U.S. for its tech-based economic development,” he said.

EngenuitySC is a partnership of USC, Midlands Tech, the city of Columbia, private companies and others formed to grow high-tech jobs.

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