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Supporting startups

CERN provides dedicated support to entrepreneurs and startups interested in exploring the potential of CERN technologies and expertise.

The support available spans technology access, entrepreneurship programmes, ecosystem connections, and community-building activities designed to help founders navigate the journey from innovation to market.

Dedicated entrepreneurship support

CERN’s Knowledge Transfer group supports both internal and external entrepreneurs engaging with CERN technologies.

This support includes guidance on technology opportunities, intellectual property matters, licensing pathways, startup creation, and spin-off development.

CERN Venture Connect

CERN Venture Connect (CVC) is CERN’s flagship, equity-free entrepreneurship programme.

Launched in 2023, CVC connects founders with CERN technologies, scientific expertise, and a growing European innovation network.

The programme combines:

  • access to CERN technologies
  • scientific and technical expertise
  • investors, incubators, and venture builders
  • legal, business, and innovation partners
  • tailored support adapted to startup needs
  • founder perspectives
Learn more about CERN Venture Connect

Events and ecosystem activities

CERN regularly organises and contributes to activities that connect entrepreneurs, industry, investors, researchers, and innovation stakeholders.

These activities include online seminars, founder discussions, pitch events, networking opportunities, and ecosystem exchanges designed to foster collaboration and encourage the development of new ventures around CERN technologies and expertise.

Together, these initiatives help strengthen a growing entrepreneurship ecosystem across CERN Member and Associate Member States.

Start a company based on CERN tech

CERN encourages the creation of spin-off companies and gives support to CERN personnel and external entrepreneurs wanting to establish a spin-off company in one of CERN’s Member or Associate Member States. A CERN spin-off is a company whose activity is based, partially or wholly, on CERN’s knowledge and/or technology. All potential entrepreneurs are encouraged to contact the Knowledge Transfer Group as early in the process as possible to discuss their ideas, and also if they think that there might be scope for collaboration. This allows CERN to investigate the best strategy for protection of intellectual property for all parties, evaluate the business idea and subsequently assist with setting-up a plan for starting a spin-off company.

Support from the CERN Knowledge Transfer group:

1. Intellectual Property

Intellectual property is an important aspect of starting and running a company. In line with its mission of maximising technological return to society, CERN’s Knowledge Transfer team supports CERN spin-off companies through the licensing of the Laboratory’s technologies, or other knowledge transfer mechanisms.

2. Spin-off advice

The KT Group actively supports the creation of new companies and can advise spin-off initiatives on:

  • business plan development
  • access to internal and external training programmes
  • networking with innovation partners in the Member States and Associate Member States

For CERN personnel, the group can also provide information and advice on how to comply with CERN rules and regulations during spin-off company formation and operation.