Clemson’s most technologically advanced building was made possible with support from individuals, industries and the state: the Advanced Materials Innovation Complex
South Carolina’s most cutting-edge research facility for advanced materials science innovation now sits on Clemson University’s main campus.
The complex aims to facilitate discovery and commercialization across sectors including electronics, energy and manufacturing and strengthen Clemson’s contributions to South Carolina’s advanced manufacturing sector through skilled graduates and relevant research.
With support in the form of public and private gifts, the 150,000-square-foot Advanced Materials Innovation Complex (AMIC) opened its doors in early 2026, connecting faculty across disciplines and bringing online classrooms, labs and equipment that support the University’s three core advanced materials departments: Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Clemson University received a $1 million contribution from the KYOCERA AVX Foundation, reinforcing a partnership focused on advancing innovation, talent development and manufacturing. In recognition of the gift, Clemson named the facility’s main lobby the KYOCERA AVX Lobby.
“This generous support from KYOCERA AVX strengthens Clemson University’s core missions of education, research, and service,” said Interim President Robert H. Jones ’79, M ’81. “It highlights the value of industry partnerships in fostering innovation and providing experiential opportunities for our University community. We anticipate significant local and broader impact as a result of this collaboration.”
Headquartered in Fountain Inn, South Carolina, KYOCERA AVX is a leading global manufacturer of advanced electronic components and has a longstanding relationship with Clemson through research, workforce development and student initiatives. The company’s investment supports the growth of regional innovation ecosystems and technological development.
“I am thrilled to see KYOCERA AVX’s name on the new lobby — this space stands as a testament to our shared vision for fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of industry leaders here on Clemson’s campus,” said Jeff Schmersal, president of KYOCERA AVX.
Key spaces in the new AMIC 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
Collaboration hub
The scientific community is on the threshold of an advanced materials technical revolution. The next 20 years will likely see a leap forward that surpasses the progress of roughly a century of the Industrial Revolution, experts say.
In addition to the KYOCERA AVX Lobby, several of the facility’s teaching labs were also named in recognition of donor support:
- Mitch Norville ’80 and Carla Norville HA ’23, the Norville Family Teaching Lab
- Dennis Kekas ’59 and Joyce Kekas, the Kekas Family Teaching Lab
- David Bishop ’75 and Mary Ann Bishop, the Bishop Family Teaching Lab
Warren Weeks ’92 and LeeAnne Weeks were also inspired to give to AMIC in support of its research-driven mission.
The AMIC will be central to Clemson’s efforts to expand research capacity, attract distinguished faculty and students and build partnerships with leading industry organizations.
“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.”
