Founders Compass

An interactive learning pathway developed by the Zucker Institute for Innovation Commercialization (MUSC) to guide academic founders from idea to commercialization. Learners will explore IP protection, idea validation, company formation, regulatory strategy and effective pitching.

Goal: Help innovators navigate the path from research to real-world impact.

Course Content

Lesson 1 – Securing the Hull (IP & Licensing)
6 Topics
The Invention Disclosure Process at MUSC
Assessment | The Invention Disclosure Process at MUSC
Intellectual Property
Assessment | Intellectual Property
Licensing: Existing Company vs. Start-Up
Assessment | Licensing: Existing Company vs. Start-up
Lesson 2 – Anchoring Your Idea (Idea Validation)
8 Topics
Does My Idea Have Commercial Potential?
Assessment | Does My Idea Have Commercial Potential?
Why Will Users Adopt My Solution Over Existing Options?
Assessment | Why Will Users Adopt My Solution Over Existing Options?
Who Is My Customer?
Assessment | Who Is My Customer?
Does the Market Opportunity Justify Investment?
Assessment | Does the Market Opportunity Justify Investment?
10 Topics
Company Formation Basics
Assessment | Company Formation
Incorporation: LLC vs. C-Corporation
Assessment | Incorporation – LLC vs. C-Corporation
Developing Corporate Documents
Assessment | Developing Corporate Documents
Forming Your Team
Assessment | Forming Your Team
Major Business Resources Start-up Companies Need
Assessment | Major Business Resources Start-up Companies Need
Lesson 4 – Regulatory Currents (Regulatory Strategy)
14 Topics
Section 1: Why Regulatory, Clinical and Reimbursement Pathways Matter
Section 2: Laboratory Diagnostic Tests
Assessment | Laboratory Diagnostic Tests
Section 3: Key FDA Pathways – Drugs, Biologics and Medical Devices
Assessment | Key FDA Pathways – Drugs, Biologics and Medical Devices
Section 4: Cellular and Gene Therapies
Assessment | Cellular and Gene Therapies
Section 5: Clinical Evidence & Trial Design
Assessment | Clinical Evidence & Trial Design
Section 6: Coding, Coverage & Reimbursement
Assessment | Coding, Coverage & Reimbursement
Section 7: Digital Health Regulatory Pathways
Section 8: Putting It Together – Design with Success in Mind
Assessment | Putting It Together – Design with Success in Mind
Lesson 5 – Pitching from the Helm (Pitch Development)
4 Topics
Why Is Storytelling So Important?
Assessment | Why is storytelling so important?
Building an Effective Pitch Deck
How Do I Tailor My Pitch To Different Audiences?
Lesson 6 – Funding the Voyage
9 Topics
Types of Funding for Start-ups
Assessment | Types of Funding for Start-ups
Setting Realistic Early Milestones
Assessment | Setting Realistic Early Milestones
What Investors Want to See
Assessment | What Investors Want to See
Using Funds Wisely
Assessment | Using Funds Wisely
Worksheet – Funding & Milestones Planning
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