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.

For Inventors

ZI facilitates the translation of cutting edge MUSC discoveries into products and services. Whether this is a technology license, research collaboration, new startup venture or any other commercialization activity, the Zucker Institute is here to help.

Our Process

Every innovation follows a unique path, but most discoveries move through five 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.

Submit Your Innovation MUSC Affiliates Only

ideate

Start by sparking creativity within the campus community to generate innovative ideas.

Evaluate

Rigorously assess the scientific, clinical, commercial, and regulatory potential of these ideas.

PROTECT

Secure the intellectual property of promising concepts to safeguard their future.

DEVELOP

Move ideas forward by collaboratively transforming them into practical solutions.

Commercialize

Launch these innovations into the market to create real-world impact.

Licensing

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.

View Licensing Information

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.
TRRP Team, Tatiana Davidson, Leigh Ridings and Kenneth Ruggiero
“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.
Behavioral Innovations Group, Dr. Alicia James, Dr. Martin Hsu, and Renee Caldwell
“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.
Mental Health Solutions Collaborative, Karen Liu, Marcus Devereaux, and Dr. Eleni Stamos

Interested in Licensing Opportunities?

Learn more about industry agreements, licensing frameworks, and how to collaborate with ZI as an external partner by visiting our
For Industry Licensing page.

Resources for Inventors

ZI supports your invention through our extensive resources and capabilities.

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.
lab image of Prototyping Lab

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.

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 – January February
February – April May
May – July August
August – October November

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.

Explore Entrepreneur Resources 

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.

Let’s work together to create a better future

At the Zucker Institute, we strive to provide a conducive environment that enables innovation. Through our extensive resources, we support researchers in translating their ideas into impactful solutions.

contact us

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

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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