For Entrepreneurs and Founders

ZI serves as a partner for faculty, staff, and students, as well as local and regional entrepreneurs who are exploring new ventures based on MUSC technologies.

Opportunities for Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs, step into a world of possibilities with Zucker Institute. From business development to networking, we have the resources to elevate your entrepreneurial journey.

Business Development

Comprehensive training and events to sharpen your business acumen.

Access to Investors

Find potential investors to fuel your business growth.

Training & Events

Stay ahead of the curve with our Training & Events. Engage in workshops, seminars, and networking events tailored for entrepreneurial success.
  • Innovative Marketing Strategies: Explore the latest trends in marketing and how to apply them to your business.
  • Financial Management for Startups: Learn about effective financial planning and management for early-stage businesses.
  • Building a Strong Brand: Discover the key elements of creating a powerful and lasting brand.
  • Effective Leadership in Business: Develop your leadership skills to effectively manage and grow your team.
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Funding Information

Access a range of funding resources tailored for entrepreneurs. From venture capital to grants, discover how to secure the financial support your business needs.
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COACHING & RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMEN

Discover the Innovative CREW

Discover the innovative CREW (Coaching & Resources for Entrepreneurial Women) program, designed to support women in biomedical entrepreneurship. This comprehensive 12-month program offers:
  • Online Entrepreneurship Courses
  • Skill-Building Activities
  • Mentorship with Experienced Biomedical Entrepreneurs
  • Professional Coaching
  • Participation in MUSC’s Innovation Symposium in Charleston, SC
Learn about the eligibility criteria, program benefits, and application process. Download the flyer for detailed information and important dates.
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EXPERT GUIDANCE

Meet with our in-house engineers to refine, evaluate, or simply brainstorm your ideas.

UNLOCK POTENTIAL

A great idea can redefine not just a project, but a person’s financial future.

Office hours

Contact us and meet with engineers per request.

When

Meetings available by request during regular business hours, please contact our team to schedule.

Where

135 Cannon St.
Charleston, SC

For Entrepreneurs FAQs

We understand that you may have questions about our available resources and innovation commercialization support. Below, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions to provide you with the insights you need to get started working with the Zucker Institute. Whether you’re exploring startup opportunities, seeking guidance on technology commercialization, or wondering about our support services, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Explore the FAQs below to learn more:

What are important considerations before pursuing a start-up or spin-off company with my invention?

  • Time commitment to develop and commercialize your invention

  • Required team skills

  • Market size and potential segments

  • Development steps and costs

  • Protection of proprietary information  
    The Zucker Institute can assist you in evaluating these factors. Submit your invention disclosure or contact us to start collaborating.

Why pursue a start-up?

Start-ups can be highly rewarding, translating academic inventions into commercial products, attracting high-quality faculty, retaining talent at MUSC, and promoting local economic development and job creation. Benefits are shared among the inventor, university, business, and broader investment community. Start-ups are particularly encouraged when a cohesive package of technologies is needed to commercialize the opportunity.

What is the success rate of start-up companies?

The majority of MUSC inventions each year meet the criteria for a successful start-up. Generally, only about 10% of start-ups survive the first year. The Zucker Institute provides resources, mentorship, and experience to improve your chances of success.

What is an accelerator?

Accelerators assist first-time entrepreneurs in overcoming challenges, focusing on rapid growth. They often have a competitive application process, require investment for equity, and provide intensive mentorship and networking, culminating in a “demo day.”

What are some local or national accelerator programs connected to MUSC?

 

My idea isn’t ready for an accelerator yet, are there other educational opportunities?

The Zucker Institute offers various workshops, mentorship programs, and networking events to help you prepare for accelerator programs. Contact us to learn more about available resources and opportunities.

ZUCKER INSTITUTE LUNCH & LEARN

Join the Zucker Institute on Thursday, June 4th
for a Lunch & Learn featuring Tyler Tatum
Tyler Tatum is a technology startup strategist and SBIR/STTR funding expert with more than 25 years of experience in innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. In this session, Tyler will provide an overview of the current SBIR/STTR landscape, sharing insights from helping clients secure more than $33 million in funding and drawing from his extensive background in startup growth, product development, and commercialization strategy.

Basic Science Bldg. (BSB), Room 355
(with virtual Teams option)

Thursday, June 4th
12:00 - 1:00 PM

Click to RSVP
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ZUCKER INSTITUTE
INNOVATION CELEBRATION

Join us for an afternoon celebrating innovation as we honor award recipients, recognize the achievements of the National Academy of Inventors, and present patent plaques to our distinguished inventors.

70 President St., Charleston
Drug Discovery building lobby

Thursday, April 16th
3:00 - 5:00 PM

Click to RSVP
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ZUCKER INSTITUTE LUNCH & LEARN

Join the Zucker Institute on Wednesday, November 19th,
for a Lunch & Learn featuring Joshua Kim

Joshua Kim is the Co-founder and Design Director of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Human-Centered Design Program and a serial medical entrepreneur. In this session, Joshua will share a case study and introduction to prototyping medical devices, offering insights from real-world innovation and experience.

Clinical Science Bldg., Room 628H
(with virtual Teams option)

Wednesday, Nov. 19th
12:00 - 1:00 PM

Click to RSVP
View Full Event FLyer
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