For Entrepreneurs and Founders

Whether you’re exploring a startup opportunity, evaluating a technology, or preparing to launch a venture, ZI connects entrepreneurs with the resources, education, technologies, and networks needed to advance healthcare innovation.

Founder's Compass

Navigate the path from discovery to commercialization.

Founder’s Compass is the educational foundation of Blue Sky Launch, helping researchers, clinicians, scientists, and entrepreneurs develop the knowledge and skills needed to transform innovative ideas into successful ventures. Through on-demand learning modules, practical resources, and commercialization-focused content, participants gain a roadmap for building and growing life science startups.

EXPLORE FOUNDER'S COMPASS

Accelerator Programs For Entrepreneurs

At the Zucker Institute, we support innovation and entrepreneurial growth by partnering with leading accelerator programs. These programs provide entrepreneurs in life sciences and technology industries with access to mentorship, funding, and tailored resources designed to accelerate the growth of their startups. Explore the opportunities available through the Xlerator Network, Innosphere Ventures, ScBio/Mass Bio Drive, and ASCEnD to find the right fit for your entrepreneurial journey.

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ACADEMIC SUPPORT & COACHING FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT

Discover ASCEnD

Discover the ASCEnD (Academic Support and Coaching for Entrepreneurial Development) program, a national initiative designed to support academic faculty and senior postdoctoral fellows interested in biomedical entrepreneurship. This comprehensive 12-month program offers:

  • Online Entrepreneurship Certificate Training
  • Skill-Building Activities
  • Mentorship with Experienced Biomedical Entrepreneurs
  • Personalized Professional Coaching
  • Opportunities to Expand Entrepreneurial Networks

ASCEnD is open to faculty (Associate Professor rank or below) and senior postdoctoral fellows at U.S. colleges and universities. No prior entrepreneurial experience is required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and participation is provided at no cost through NIH/NIGMS funding.

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Events & Entrepreneurial Education

Connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders through ZI events designed to accelerate innovation and commercialization. From networking opportunities to practical educational sessions, our programs help researchers and founders build the skills and connections needed to advance their ideas.

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  • BreakFAST Pitch Events: Hear innovative startups and researchers pitch their technologies while connecting with the local innovation ecosystem over breakfast.
  • Lunch & Learn Sessions: Gain practical insights on intellectual property, startup formation, SBIR/STTR funding, commercialization strategy, and other topics critical to entrepreneurial success.
  • Innovation Networking Events: Meet founders, investors, industry partners, and fellow innovators from across South Carolina's life sciences community.
  • Workshops & Special Programs: Participate in hands-on educational programs focused on technology commercialization, venture development, and biomedical entrepreneurship.
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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
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