The Advanced Materials Innovation Complex opened its doors on Clemson’s campus at the start of 2026 — also opening doors of opportunity for hundreds of students pursuing careers in the fast-growing field of advanced materials. An official ribbon-cutting event on March 27, 2026, was planned to celebrate the completion of the building project and recognize the individuals, industries and state leaders whose support helped make the project possible.
AMIC serves as a critical part of Clemson’s R-1 research footprint in South Carolina, and the new building will continue to support multiple research goals outlined in the University’s bold strategic plan, Clemson Elevate.
Public and private gifts also contributed to the project’s success. Donors were inspired by this building’s innovation and impact, making it the most technologically advanced on Clemson’s campus to date.
Named spaces for the facility include:
- The KYOCERA AVX Lobby was named by KYOCERA AVX, a leading global manufacturer of advanced electronic components headquartered in South Carolina.
Several of the facility’s teaching labs also were named in recognition of donor support:
- The Mitch Norville ’80 and Carla Norville HA ’23, the Norville Family Teaching Lab
- The Dennis Kekas ’59 and Joyce Kekas, the Kekas Family Teaching Lab
- The David Bishop ’75 and Mary Ann Bishop, the Bishop Family Teaching Lab
Warren Weeks ’92 and LeeAnne Weeks also were inspired to give to AMIC in support of its research-driven mission.
“The Advanced Materials Innovation Complex reflects what is possible when visionary donors invest in the future of Clemson and the future of South Carolina,” said Senior Vice President for Advancement Brian O’Rourke. “Through their generosity, these named spaces will support cutting-edge teaching and research while creating opportunities for students and faculty to advance innovation in materials science for decades to come.”
Other key spaces in the facility include:
- Morphotronic engineering lab
- X-Ray Advanced Imaging materials and structures lab
- State-of-the-art classrooms
- Teaching labs
- Physical testing labs
- Fully equipped research labs
Now that AMIC has opened its doors, outcomes of the new facility include:
- Driving efficiency and productivity growth in advanced manufacturing through technological innovation.
- Providing 143,000 square feet of interdisciplinary research laboratory and teaching spaces for chemistry, material science and engineering, and chemical and biomolecular engineering programs.
- Supporting 300 research faculty and graduate personnel and accommodating more than 12,000 students a week in laboratory space.
- Continuing statewide partnerships with the University of South Carolina, South Carolina State University and industry partners in connection with the Savannah River National Laboratory.
By providing space and research support for Clemson’s chemistry, materials science and engineering, and chemical and biomolecular engineering programs, AMIC also provides the newest, most cutting-edge home for materials science innovation in South Carolina.
