Columbia-based startup receives S.C. Research Authority grant.

Two new member companies, including an environmental services company based in Columbia, have been accepted by the S.C. Research Authority.

GeoMat LLC, which grew out of a SmartState research center at the University of South Carolina, uses nanoparticles to remove oil from contaminated water and soil with nontoxic materials that reduce environmental risks and cleanup costs by up to 90%, according to a news release.

GeoMat, founded in 2014 by Arnold School of Public Health professor Jamie Lead, received a $50,000 Small Business Innovation Research matching grant.

Hirodika Biosciences...