Who we collaborate with outside of CERN
Through its knowledge transfer activities, CERN creates pathways for collaboration that enable industry, entrepreneurs, public institutions, investors, researchers and innovation ecosystems to access cutting-edge technologies, specialist know-how and unique infrastructures.
Industry and Corporate Partners
CERN collaborates with companies of all sizes to facilitate the use of advanced technologies in real-world applications. Industrial engagement is built around collaborative research and development, technology licensing, knowledge sharing consultancy, and through the provision of services related to CERN technologies, expertise and facilities.
Industry partnerships are typically structured around:
- Collaborative R&D projects and ecosystems
- Licensing of CERN technologies and software, including via open source
- Access to technical infrastructure, expertise and consultancy
Entrepreneurs, Startups and Spin-offs
CERN actively encourages entrepreneurship and supports the creation of startups and spin-off companies, potentially using CERN technologies and know-how, notably through the CERN Venture Connect programme. Entrepreneurs can engage with CERN to explore commercial applications of technologies emerging from research conducted at the laboratory.
Support for startups includes:
- Guidance on intellectual property and licensing
- Business development and entrepreneurship support, including through CERN Venture Connect’s curated technology portfolio and enabling ecosystem
- Connections to investors, incubators and innovation networks
- Training opportunities and entrepreneurship programmes
CERN works with both CERN personnel, CERN alumni and external entrepreneurs, helping them transform deep-tech innovations into scalable businesses with societal and economic impact. By facilitating access to technologies and expertise, CERN contributes to the growth of innovation ecosystems across its Member States and beyond.
Investors and Innovation Ecosystems
CERN contributes to innovation ecosystems by connecting deep-tech ventures with investors, incubators, accelerators and regional innovation hubs. CERN facilitates innovation by helping investors and ecosystem partners identify promising technologies and startups emerging from CERN-related innovation.
Through its incubation networks and entrepreneurship programmes, CERN helps create environments where high-potential technologies can mature into commercially viable solutions with global impact.
Research and Academic Partners
CERN works closely with universities, research institutes and scientific organisations to advance scientific discovery, develop enabling technologies and train the next generation of scientists and engineers. CERN also seeks partnerships outside of the expertise of particle physics in applications that can potentially lead to broader societal benefits.
Academic collaborations often involve:
- Joint research projects
- Technology co-development
- Knowledge sharing and open science initiatives
- Training and mobility programmes
- Access to research infrastructures and technical expertise