How to work with us
CERN provides multiple pathways for organisations and individuals to access its technologies, expertise and innovations. Whether you are a company, entrepreneur, investor, or scientific research organisation, collaboration with CERN is designed to be impact-oriented and adaptable to different stages of technology development.
Industry and Corporate Partners
Companies can work with CERN through a range of collaborative and commercial engagement models designed to help transfer advanced technologies and technical expertise into practical applications.
Partnership opportunities include:
- Collaborative research and development projects
- Technology partnership models
- Technical consultancy and expert support
- Access to CERN software and know-how
- Access to CERN facilities and technical services
- Participation in innovation and technology transfer programmes, such as the Medipix Collaborations and the White Rabbit Collaboration, for example
Industrial collaborations are often initiated around specific technological challenges or opportunities where CERN’s expertise in areas such as accelerators, magnets, computing, microelectronics, materials, superconductivity, detectors, cryogenics, digital and AI technologies can create added value. CERN also provides capacity building expertise that supports the transfer of technologies and know-how to partners.
Companies interested in working with CERN can engage through direct partnership discussions, technology transfer opportunities, open innovation activities and dedicated knowledge transfer projects. CERN also works with industrial partners across its Member States, Associate Member States and internationally to support technology adoption, competitiveness and innovation capacity.
Entrepreneurs, Startups and Spin-offs
In addition to collaborating with established companies, entrepreneurs and startups can engage with CERN to explore and commercialise CERN-developed technologies. CERN supports entrepreneurial initiatives from CERN personnel, CERN Alumni and external innovators seeking to build new solutions based on CERN technologies through the formation of spin-off companies. CERN also provides extra support to startups interested in using a CERN technology through, in particular, the CERN Venture Connect programme.
Collaboration pathways include:
- Access to CERN technologies available for licensing
- Support through CERN Venture Connect and entrepreneurship initiatives
- Guidance on intellectual property and commercialisation
- Connections to incubation and acceleration networks
- Business mentoring and innovation support
- Participation in training and entrepreneurship programmes
CERN helps startups identify viable commercial applications for deep-tech innovations and supports the development of scalable business models with societal and economic impact. Through its network of incubators and innovation partners, CERN contributes to strengthening innovation ecosystems across Europe and beyond.
Investors and Innovation Ecosystems
CERN works with partners to help promising deep-tech ventures move from research to market.
Engagement opportunities include:
- Access to CERN-related technologies and ventures
- Collaboration with CERN-supported startups and spin-offs
- Participation in innovation and entrepreneurship networks
- Connections with incubators, accelerators and regional innovation hubs
- Joint activities supporting deep-tech innovation ecosystems
Research and Academic Partners
Universities, research institutes and scientific organisations collaborate with CERN through research partnerships and technology development activities for knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Academic collaboration opportunities for societal applications include:
- Joint research and technology development projects
- Scientific cooperation agreements
- Access to research infrastructures and technical expertise
- Student, researcher and staff mobility programmes
- Training, education and skills development initiatives
- Open science and knowledge-sharing activities