Transforming medical discoveries into
healthcare solutions.

What is the Zucker Institute?

The Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization (ZI) independently evaluates and manages the intellectual assets owned and generated by MUSC. We’re dedicated to transforming these assets into products and services that meet critical medical needs globally. ZI works closely with the Office of Innovation, forging paths to commercialize innovations from the Medical University of South Carolina. Our mission is to bring groundbreaking medical advancements from concept to community.

Enabling Innovation

Discover a myriad of opportunities to transform your innovative ideas into impactful solutions with the guidance and resources of the Zucker Institute.

FOR INVENTORS

Propel your inventions toward commercial success with our dedicated support and comprehensive resources.

FOR entrepreneurs

Join a collaborative environment fostering entrepreneurial success through innovation and partnership.

FOR INdustry

Partner with us to drive forward innovative solutions that address real-world challenges and open new markets.

Why work with the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization?

We open doors for innovative minds. Our opportunities are designed to support inventors at every stage of their journey. Explore our resources, find potential funding, and connect with mentors who can guide your path to success.

The Zucker Institute’s Impact in Numbers

The Zucker Institute supports MUSC innovations at every stage of the technology transfer lifecycle—from early invention and evaluation through intellectual property protection, licensing, product development, and real-world use. Over multiple fiscal years, this end-to-end approach has enabled a steady flow of discoveries into startups, licensed technologies, and products on the market. By combining early engagement with inventors, strategic IP management, and active industry outreach, the Zucker Institute helps ensure promising ideas are positioned for successful commercialization and long-term impact. Together, these metrics reflect the scale and consistency of MUSC’s innovation pipeline and the Zucker Institute’s role in translating research into public benefit, economic growth, and improved patient care.
120

Options/Licenses Executed

/

16

Strategic partnerships

/

944

Disclosures

/

547

Patents Filed

/

190

Patents Issued

/

72

Products on Market

/

67

Active Startups

/

$30M

Federal Small Business Funding

/

120

Options/Licenses Executed

/

16

Strategic partnerships

/

944

Disclosures

/

547

Patents Filed

/

190

Patents Issued

/

72

Products on Market

/

67

Active Startups

/

$30M

Federal Small Business Funding

/

Numbers reflect data from the past 5 years.

MUSC on its Role as a Community Cornerstone

Fox 24 News Now discuss the exciting plans for Charleston’s Innovation District. Hear from David Cole, FACS, President of MUSC, and Jessie Goodwin, Ph.D., Innovation Officer at MUSC, as they reveal the key features and components of this transformative initiative.

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

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

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

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