The University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the Medical University of South Carolina were told by a state committee Monday they could begin raising private dollars to match the state funds.

The project is part of the state's endowed chair program. It was created by the Legislature last year by using $30 million in lottery money to help the schools recruit leading scientists.

The research they produce is expected to jump-start the state's economy by drawing high-tech businesses. The announcement came as a surprise to school officials who expected to hear about the award next summer.