Our History

In 2012, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation in Bluffton, South Carolina, was created to strengthen the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing a home base where startups, small businesses, and community partners can access mentorship, programming, workspaces, and connections to capital and resources.

Over time it has grown from a convening and support concept into a visible hub for business-building in the Lowcountry—hosting workshops, speaker events, pitch-style opportunities, and partnerships with regional organizations—while expanding its role as a bridge between innovators, local government, education, and the private sector.

As Bluffton’s economy and population accelerated, the Center’s mission evolved with it, emphasizing practical support for entrepreneurs, technology adoption (including AI-focused initiatives), and the cultivation of a collaborative community that helps new ideas turn into sustainable companies.

Who Was Don Ryan?

Don Ryan, co-founded CareCore National (now eviCore healthcare) in 1994, and under his leadership it became one of the leading specialty benefits management companies.

After bringing his company to Bluffton, Mr. Ryan became involved in the efforts to recruit other companies to the area.

He was an energetic supporter of what was going to be “The Bluffton Technology Corporation Incubator”. Don donated the original office space to the incubator. After his untimely passing in 2012, the Center was renamed in his honor.

Mr. Don Ryan

Major Milestones

  • Mid-2012 – Founded / incorporated; first Clemson Technology Village incubator: The Don Ryan Center for Innovation (DRCI) was founded and incorporated in mid-2012 as a 501(c)(3) business incubator in Bluffton. At its launch, DRCI also became the first incubator site in Clemson’s Technology Village Initiative, establishing Bluffton as an early anchor location for that statewide entrepreneurship effort. DRCI’s earliest programming included the creation of its STARTUP Program to serve new and early-stage founders.

  • March 2014 - DRCI launches its Mentor Program, pairing entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders for one-on-one guidance, accountability, and real-world feedback to help startups grow faster and avoid common pitfalls.

  • 2015 – Clemson program concluded; DRCI continued under the Town of Bluffton: In 2015, Clemson’s Technology Village Initiative program concluded, but DRCI— as the most successful of Clemson’s incubator locations—continued operating as a Department of the Town of Bluffton, maintaining and expanding its mission to support entrepreneurs and business growth in the region.

  • December 2016 – Organizational merger: DRCI merged with the Bluffton Public Development Corporation in December 2016 and continued operating under the DRCI name.

  • March 2020 – Opened first dedicated building (“The HUB”): DRCI opened The HUB, its first building built specifically for the organization; however, due to COVID-19, it was not open for in-person meetings in 2020 and all meetings were held via Zoom. David Nelems becomes CEO.

  • July 2020 – Growth Program created: DRCI introduced its Growth Program to help established companies scale.

  • February 2024 – AI Initiative launched: DRCI created an AI Initiative to expand AI education and adoption for entrepreneurs and local businesses. Expansion into Agentic AI.

  • September 2024 – Groundbreaking for “The COVE” expansion: The Town of Bluffton held a groundbreaking for a new facility intended to house DRC’s second location, landing pad and additional DRC program company office and partner space as part of a broader economic development initiative.

  • April 2025 – New program suite launched: DRCI created THRIVE, TRADEUP, and CATALYST programs.

  • November 2025 - DRCI has incubated 105 Program Companies.

  • December 2025 - Recognizing that business incubation is now just one of the many ways it serves the region, the Don Ryan Center for Innovation officially changed its name to the Don Ryan Center—a milestone that reflects the organization’s rapid growth, expanding programs, and increasing impact as a broader hub for entrepreneurship, workforce and business development, and innovation across the Lowcountry.

  • 2026 - The COVE Launch: Bluffton’s economic development building home to the Don Ryan Center program companies and key partner organizations.