Hosting Global Leaders in the Upstate

At left, the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) delegation of mayors gather during the opening ceremony. At right, South Carolina-based start-up Health Evolve Technologies was named the inaugural INMC International Start-Up Competition winner.

Launched in 2017 by the city of Clermont-Ferrand, France, to boost collaboration and innovation among global cities, the International Network of Michelin Cities (INMC) conference called on Anderson, S.C. to be the INMC’s first American host city. From April 15-19, 2024, the city of Anderson welcomed 140 attendees representing industry and local government from other INMC member cities in Brazil, Canada, France, Italy, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.

As part of the multi-day event, INMC Anderson also hosted the inaugural INMC International Start-Up Competition, where technology and biomedical start-ups from 15 cities around the world pitched to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win $10,000 in prize money and marketing assistance. South Carolina’s own Kim Smith, founder of Health Evolve Technologies, was named the winner.

The event provided a prime opportunity to showcase South Carolina’s Upstate region, home to Michelin North America’s headquarters in nearby Greenville, S.C. The automotive, mobility and advanced manufacturing industries have flourished in the area, subsequently elevating communities, like the city of Anderson, where INMC 2024 attendees were treated to a variety of food, music and cultural experiences.