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)
3 Topics
4 Quizzes
The Invention Disclosure Process at MUSC
The Invention Disclosure Process at MUSC | Assessment
Intellectual Property
 Intellectual Property | Assessment
Licensing: Existing Company vs. Start-Up
Licensing: Existing Company vs. Start-up | Assessment
Lesson 1 | Securing the Hull (IP & Licensing) | Founder’s Assessment
Lesson 2 – Anchoring Your Idea (Idea Validation)
4 Topics
4 Quizzes
Does My Idea Have Commercial Potential?
Does my idea have commercial potential? | Assessment
Why will users adopt my solution over existing options?
Why will users adopt my solution over existing options? | Assessment
Who Is My Customer?
Who is my Customer? | Assessment
Does the Market Opportunity Justify Investment?
5 Topics
5 Quizzes
Company Formation Basics
Company Formation | Assessment
Incorporation: LLC vs. C-Corporation
Incorporation – LLC vs. C-Corporation | Assessment
Developing Corporate Documents
Developing Corporate Documents | Assessment
Forming Your Team
Forming Your Team | Assessment
Major Business Resources Start-up Companies Need
Major Business Resources Start-up Companies Need | Assessment
Lesson 4 – Regulatory Currents (Regulatory Strategy)
8 Topics
6 Quizzes
Section 1: Why Regulatory, Clinical and Reimbursement Pathways Matter
Section 2: Laboratory Diagnostic Tests
Laboratory Diagnostic Tests | Assessment
Section 3: Key FDA Pathways – Drugs, Biologics and Medical Devices
Key FDA Pathways – Drugs, Biologics and Medical Devices | Assessment
Section 4: Cellular and Gene Therapies
Cellular and Gene Therapies | Assessment
Section 5: Clinical Evidence & Trial Design
Clinical Evidence & Trial Design | Assessment
Section 6: Coding, Coverage & Reimbursement
Coding, Coverage & Reimbursement | Assessment
Section 7: Digital Health Regulatory Pathways
Section 8: Putting It Together – Design with Success in Mind
Putting It Together – Design with Success in Mind | Assessment
Lesson 5 – Pitching from the Helm (Pitch Development)
3 Topics
1 Quiz
Why is storytelling so important?
Why is storytelling so important? | Assessment
Building an Effective Pitch Deck
How do I tailor my pitch to different audiences?
Lesson 6 – Funding the Voyage
5 Topics
4 Quizzes
Types of Funding for Start-ups
Types of Funding for Start-ups | Assessment
Setting Realistic Early Milestones
Setting Realistic Early Milestones | Assessment
What Investors Want to See
What Investors Want to See | Assessment
Using Funds Wisely
Using Funds Wisely | Assessment
Worksheet – Funding & Milestones Planning
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