Resources
For Inventors
ZI helps MUSC inventors navigate the commercialization journey from invention disclosure and intellectual property protection to licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships. Whether you’re exploring a new idea or preparing to bring a technology to market, our team is here to help.
Our process
Our Innovation Support System
Every innovation follows a unique path, but most discoveries move through the same key stages on the journey from idea to impact. Our team works alongside inventors throughout the process, providing guidance, resources, and commercialization expertise at each step.
-
Educate
Commercialization training, mentorship, and startup resources for MUSC innovators.
-
Ideate
Disclose your innovation.
-
Evaluate
Rigorously assess the scientific, clinical, commercial, and regulatory potential of these ideas.
-
Protect
Secure legal protection for commercially relevant innovations.
-
Develop
Translate ideas into practical solutions.
In-house Prototyping Lab
ZI operates a specialized lab focused on the development of prototypes and devices. Equipped with two large format Stratasys PolyJet printers, we can produce prints in multi-durometer and multicolor plastics. For intricate, smaller-scale models, we employ a high-resolution SLA printer. The lab is conveniently located in CSB which allows us to work closely with our inventors and gives us the ability to gather real-time feedback on working prototypes so that we can quickly improve the designs.
Funding Opportunities
MUSC researchers can explore internal and external funding opportunities to support research, development, and translation. The MUSC Office of Research Development provides resources for identifying funding opportunities from federal, foundation, corporate, and internal MUSC sources.
-
Commercialize
Launch innovations into the market along one of two routes.
Commercialization Support
ZI partners with inventors to help move promising discoveries from the laboratory to real-world application. We provide guidance on intellectual property protection, market assessment, and commercialization strategies tailored to each innovation. Our team works closely with researchers to identify opportunities for licensing, startup formation, and industry partnerships. By connecting inventors with the right resources and expertise, we help reduce barriers to commercialization and maximize the impact of MUSC innovations.
-
Existing Industry or Company Launch
Interested in Commercializing MUSC Technology?
Learn how the Zucker Institute partners with industry to evaluate technologies, negotiate agreements, and bring groundbreaking research discoveries to market. Explore our licensing process, agreement types, and commercialization framework.
-
Innovator Startups
Interested in Building a Startup?
For some inventors, entrepreneurship can be an effective pathway for bringing innovations from the lab to the marketplace. ZI supports researchers and innovators exploring startup formation to translate their discoveries into real-world impact.
Through Blue Sky Launch and Founders Compass, inventors can access commercialization training, startup resources, mentorship, funding guidance, and accelerator opportunities designed to help navigate the journey from discovery to venture creation.
-
-
Royalty Distribution
MUSC shares a portion of net revenue from licensing and commercialization with inventors.
Royalty Distribution Schedule
MUSC shares a portion of net revenue generated through licensing and commercialization activities with inventors in accordance with university policy. Royalty distributions are processed quarterly and are based on when funds are received by the university.
The schedule below outlines when royalty payments are typically distributed after licensing revenue is received.
Funds received, distributed by Revenue received Distribution month November to January February February to April May May to July August August to October November
In their words
Success Stories
Working with the Zucker Institute was an outstanding experience as they attentively prioritized our work, provided invaluable suggestions, guided us seamlessly through the commercialization process, and inspired us to think outside the box. Our team consists mostly of mental health professionals and researchers with little to no expertise in business or the commercialization process. The Zucker Institute worked closely with us to clarify and guide us through those processes while allowing us to maintain an eye toward our primary focus to improve the behavioral health of as many patients and families as possible.
Partnering with the Zucker Institute was a transformative experience. Their team brought clarity and structure to a complex process that was outside our expertise. They not only supported us in translating our clinical work into a viable product but also helped us stay true to our mission of improving mental health outcomes. Their dedication and guidance were instrumental in moving our project forward.
The Zucker Institute proved to be an invaluable ally in our development journey. Their ability to bridge the gap between healthcare innovation and commercialization was exactly what our team needed. With their support, we were able to refine our vision, navigate critical decisions, and stay grounded in our goal to make a positive difference in behavioral health. Their insight, patience, and expertise were deeply appreciated.
1 / 3
For Inventors FAQs
We understand that you may have questions about our resources and support for researchers. 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 curious about our services, the invention process, or intellectual property, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Explore the FAQs below to learn more:
What if I conceived my invention on my own time?
MUSC’s IP policy (MUSC NetID required to access) applies to inventions within your field of expertise, regardless of when they were created. Compliance with this policy is required for all employees and students.
What happens after I submit my invention?
You will receive an acknowledgment email with a case number. The Zucker Institute will evaluate the patent and commercial potential of your invention and may contact you for more details. Expect an update within a few weeks.
Why is a detailed invention description important?
Detailed descriptions enable the Zucker Institute to thoroughly assess the patentability and licensing potential of your invention. All provided information is kept confidential.
What constitutes a public disclosure?
Public disclosure includes communicating your invention to non-MUSC individuals through published manuscripts, conference presentations, webpages, grand rounds, dissertations, and funded government grants.
Why are the dates of disclosure important?
Inventors have one year from the date of public disclosure to file a patent application in the U.S. After this period, patenting the invention is no longer possible.
Why are Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreements necessary?
These agreements protect proprietary information before sharing it with others. Without them, even casual conversations can be considered public disclosures, which could limit IP protections.
How does ZI help market my invention?
The Zucker Institute identifies potential commercial partners through various resources and prepares marketing materials. They contact companies to license the invention, secure research sponsorship, hire students, or engage you as a consultant.