From science to startups
Discover how deep-tech startup founders and CERN alumni are transforming CERN technologies and expertise developed for fundamental research into ventures addressing real-world challenges.
CERN entrepreneurship activities aim to support startups, empower alumni founders, and build long-term collaborations that transform scientific expertise into real-world applications.
CERN Venture Connect supports selected startups working with CERN technologies and expertise.
“We are very blessed to officially call ourselves a CERN spin-off because of the added value that gives us in technology development. The name of CERN is valued way more than you could ever imagine. CERN’s goal is to have a startup use the technology developed here to make the world a bit of a better place.”
— Robert van Tankeren, CEO of InPhocal
“Without CERN’s RUCIO technology, scaling our muon tomography solutions would be nearly impossible. Its large-scale data management capabilities will be the backbone of our ability to efficiently store the massive datasets generated by muon tomography, realise integrity checks and detect corruption.”
— Noemi Zabari – Co-founder of Muotech
“CERN Venture Connect has been extremely beneficial in opening doors to European entities and strengthening our network throughout Europe.”
— Seth Friedman, Liquid-Markets Solutions
CERN Venture Connect startups work with CERN technologies available in the CVC tech portfolio. These technologies, which were originally developed for particle physics research, are then adapted for use in applications such as:
- advanced sensing and instrumentation
- data-intensive systems
- environmental and infrastructure monitoring
- precision and industrial technologies
These ventures demonstrate how research-grade technologies can evolve into market-ready deep-tech solutions.
Read CERN Venture Connect success stories
Alongside structured initiatives such as CERN Venture Connect, many entrepreneurship journeys begin with CERN Alumni and former researchers who transition from scientific environments into startup creation.
These trajectories highlight how experience at CERN, working on complex systems, large-scale data, and international collaborations, often translates into entrepreneurial potential beyond the Laboratory.
For many CERN alumni, entrepreneurship builds on more than technical expertise. Founders frequently highlight the value of the CERN experience itself, from working in diverse, international environments to solving complex problems and collaborating across disciplines.
“CERN Venture Connect will accelerate our growth by providing key opportunities to refine our technology, validate our solutions, connect with industry leaders, and access venture capital.”
— Tiago Neves, FiberSight
“CERN is a well-recognised name in the field of nuclear sciences.”
— CERN Alumni Member & Founder
“Our startup trajectory would have been much slower if we had not partnered with CERN Venture Connect. Our partnership with Microsoft through the CVC programme gave us an enormous boost in terms of technology and allowed us to prototype much faster. In a few months we had almost managed to deliver a full-scale product.”
— Andrea Apollonio – Co-founder and CEO of Reshape Systems
“It (CERN) situates my unknown company as one with a renowned background.”
— CERN Alumni Member & Founder
Beyond market credibility, several founders point to the role of the CERN network and reputation in attracting talent and building teams. Alumni also emphasise that skills developed at CERN, including interdisciplinary collaboration, problem-solving in complex environments, and working within international teams, continue to provide value long after leaving the Laboratory.
These experiences often become important foundations for venture creation, helping founders navigate the transition from research environments to entrepreneurship.
Alongside structured initiatives, entrepreneurship at CERN also emerges through long-term collaboration, technology transfer, and alumni-driven ventures outside formal programmes.
This demonstrates how CERN’s scientific environment generates innovation beyond structured startup initiatives. Find out more about how CERN technologies enable companies to deliver societal impact.