The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has selected Clemson University as one of six finalists for the 2025 Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) Awards. These accolades spotlight universities that play a pivotal role in workforce development, innovation, and regional collaboration. The winners will be revealed at APLU’s annual conference in November.
Clemson is being acknowledged for its wide-reaching efforts to boost economic development in South Carolina while also contributing to national progress through strategic alliances with industry and local communities. Key initiatives include the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), which serves as the foundation for a growing cluster of mobility and advanced manufacturing enterprises in Greenville. The Center for Human Genetics in Greenwood supports breakthroughs in biomedical science and bolsters the state’s life sciences sector. Additionally, the Brook T. Smith Launchpad has rapidly evolved into a central space for startup ventures and entrepreneurial energy on the university’s primary campus.
Other institutions in the running are the University of California, Los Angeles, the University of Georgia, the University of Maryland, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and West Virginia University. Each finalist is competing for specialized awards highlighting impactful economic engagement:
The IEP Talent Award honors programs that strengthen education and workforce readiness. The IEP Place Award celebrates efforts that foster social, cultural, or neighborhood advancement. The IEP Innovation Award recognizes projects that drive technological progress, entrepreneurship, and innovation-led economic growth.
All nominees are also considered for the IEP Economic Engagement Connections Award, the highest honor, which reflects excellence across all three focus areas. To qualify, universities must first achieve APLU’s IEP designation through a comprehensive self-assessment and engagement with external partners to evaluate and enhance their economic outreach. Clemson received this designation in 2015 and secured a five-year renewal in 2024.
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Clemson Named Finalist for APLU National Innovation & Economic Prosperity Awards
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) has named Clemson University one of six finalists for the 2025 Innovation & Economic Prosperity (IEP) Awards, which honor institutions making significant contributions to talent development, innovation, and community engagement. Winners will be announced during APLU’s annual meeting in November. n nClemson is recognized for initiatives that fuel South Carolina’s economic growth and extend impact nationally through innovative partnerships with industry and communities. These include the Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research (CU-ICAR), which anchors a thriving mobility and advanced manufacturing ecosystem in Greenville; the Center for Human Genetics in Greenwood, which advances biomedical discovery and strengthens the life sciences industry; and the Brook T. Smith Launchpad, which has quickly become a hub for entrepreneurial activity on Clemson’s main campus. n nThe finalists – the University of California, Los Angeles, Clemson University, University of Georgia, University of Maryland, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and West Virginia University – are competing for different awards that recognize exemplary and innovative case studies of economic engagement impact: n nThe IEP Talent Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives in education and workforce development. n nThe IEP Place Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives resulting in social, cultural, or community development. n nThe IEP Innovation Award, recognizing exemplary initiatives spurring innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology-based economic development. n nAll universities are finalists for the IEP Economic Engagement Connections Award, which is the top prize in the awards competition, recognizing overall excellence across all three award categories. n nTo be eligible, institutions must first earn APLU’s IEP designation, requiring a rigorous self-study and external stakeholder engagement process to assess and improve economic engagement activities. Clemson earned the designation in 2015 and was awarded a five-year extension in 2024.