ASCEND Plan Positions South Carolina to Lead Through AI Factory Infrastructure
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Columbia, South Carolina – April 30, 2026 — South Carolina is approaching a critical decision point in its effort to compete in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence economy, as lawmakers consider support for the ASCEND initiative during ongoing budget negotiations.
Backed by the South Carolina Emerging Tech Association (SCETA), ASCEND is being advanced as a coordinated strategy to align policy, workforce development, and the next generation of infrastructure powering the AI economy.
At the center of that strategy is a clear focus: building AI factories.
These AI factories are advanced computing environments that power artificial intelligence systems, support research, and enable businesses across industries to innovate and scale. They represent a new layer of economic infrastructure and are increasingly seen as essential to competitiveness in the global economy.
“Artificial intelligence is transforming every part of our lives, and South Carolina has an opportunity to lead the way,” said SCETA Chairman Jeff Bradley. “With ASCEND, we can give our state the tools to compete on a global scale, drive economic development, improve public services, and prepare our students and workers for the jobs of the future.”
SCETA argues that without a coordinated approach to building this infrastructure, South Carolina risks falling behind states that are already investing aggressively in AI capacity and workforce readiness.
The initiative builds on a series of SCETA-led efforts, including its Protocol 402 report, which outlined a framework for AI readiness, digital identity, and enabling infrastructure. That work helped align lawmakers, higher education leaders, technical colleges, and private-sector stakeholders around a unified approach to AI-driven growth.
AI Factories as the Foundation for Growth
A central component of ASCEND is the development of AI factories designed to support both emerging technologies and the state’s existing industries.
Unlike traditional models of centralized computing, AI factories are designed to be more flexible, scalable, and connected to where innovation is happening — supporting businesses, researchers, and local economies across the state.
“ASCEND is about building the infrastructure of the modern economy,” said SCETA President Dennis Fassuliotis. “AI factories will power innovation, strengthen our workforce, and position South Carolina to compete globally. They are foundational to advancing key sectors like additive manufacturing, cybersecurity, automotive, aerospace, and agribusiness — industries where South Carolina has built real momentum since base realignment. Getting this right is critical to our long-term growth.”
Supporters say AI factories will not only drive growth in technology sectors but also strengthen traditional industries that increasingly rely on artificial intelligence, automation, and advanced data systems.
Balancing Innovation with Public Trust
SCETA has emphasized that building AI infrastructure must be paired with strong principles around public trust.
ASCEND includes a focus on responsible AI deployment, data privacy, and emerging digital identity frameworks designed to give individuals greater control over how their information is used.
“South Carolina is embracing a model that puts smart guardrails in place while moving full speed ahead,” Bradley said. “We can unleash innovation while ensuring we protect our citizens and build trust in these systems.”
A Critical Budget Moment
The urgency around ASCEND comes as state budget negotiations continue.
SCETA is urging lawmakers to include funding for the initiative in the FY 2026–2027 budget to enable immediate implementation of AI factory infrastructure and related programs.
“The window to lead is now,” said Fassuliotis. “The decisions made in this budget will shape South Carolina’s ability to compete in the AI economy for years to come.”
As discussions continue, ASCEND is increasingly being viewed not simply as a technology initiative, but as a broader economic strategy centered on whether South Carolina will build the AI factory infrastructure needed to compete in the next phase of global growth.
About SCETA
The South Carolina Emerging Tech Association (SCETA) represents innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders advancing artificial intelligence, digital assets, and next-generation infrastructure across South Carolina.
Get Involved
Organizations, stakeholders, and partners interested in supporting or participating in the ASCEND initiative can learn more and join the collaborative at:
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