A Catalyst for Innovation, Collaboration, and Economic Growth
The Tom Young Center for Research & Innovation was created with a simple but powerful vision: to strengthen Aiken's economy by bringing together education, research, business, and community under one roof.
Developed by Aiken Corporation in partnership with the City of Aiken, the University of South Carolina Aiken, and Savannah River National Laboratory, the Center serves as a destination where ideas become partnerships, students connect with industry, organizations gather, and innovation fuels economic opportunity throughout our region.
The Aiken Energy & Innovation Exchange (AEIX)
The University of South Carolina Aiken's Aiken Energy & Innovation Exchange (AEIX) has established the Tom Young Center as a hub for workforce development, education, and industry collaboration.
Through educational programming, public lectures, industry panels, networking events, and research initiatives, AEIX connects students, faculty, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government partners to address the opportunities shaping our region's future. By creating meaningful connections between higher education and industry, AEIX is helping develop the next generation of talent while positioning Aiken as a leader in innovation and advanced technologies.
Savannah River National Laboratory
The Tom Young Center provides Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) with a public-facing presence in the heart of downtown Aiken, creating new opportunities to engage with the community, industry partners, higher education, and local organizations.
By establishing a downtown location, SRNL becomes more accessible for collaboration, meetings, outreach, and partnership development while strengthening connections between research, education, and economic development. Its presence within the Center reinforces Aiken's reputation as a hub for innovation and helps foster the relationships that support workforce development, business growth, and future investment across the region.
More Than a Building
The Tom Young Center was designed to be active every day—not simply occupied, but engaged.
The facility serves as a gathering place for:
- Business conferences and corporate meetings
- Workforce development programs
- Educational workshops and training
- Industry roundtables
- Community forums
- Networking events
- Research collaborations
- Nonprofit and civic organization meetings
- Public lectures and special presentations
Each event introduces new visitors to downtown Aiken, supports local restaurants and businesses, strengthens professional networks, and generates new opportunities for collaboration and investment.
Economic Impact in Action
The impact of the Tom Young Center extends well beyond its walls.
Every partnership formed, every meeting hosted, every student engaged, and every visitor welcomed contributes to the continued growth of Aiken's economy. The Center helps attract new investment, supports existing businesses, develops the regional workforce, encourages entrepreneurship, and creates an environment where innovation can thrive.
As programming continues to expand, the Tom Young Center will remain a cornerstone of Aiken's economic development strategy—bringing together the people, organizations, and ideas that will shape our community's future.
Events at the Tom Young Center
Explore a growing list of programs and events hosted within the facility, demonstrating the diverse ways the Center serves our community.
USCA Innovation, Economic and Workforce Development Council
Security in Operational Technology & Distributed Energy Resources
eiX Venture Studio In-Person Networking Session
Kershaw Street Loan Program Meeting
SRNL Proposal Writing Training
FBI National Academy Meeting
Edward Jones- Mike Byrns: Education Class For CPA's
Aiken Republican Party: Annual Fundraiser
ADDA Annual Board Meeting
City of Aiken Mayor's Citizens of Excellence Awards
SRNL Teacher Grant Reception
Annual United States Polo Association Meetings