Thanks to the CERN Venture Connect (CVC) program, CERN encourages the creation of spin-off companies and offers support to CERN personnel and external entrepreneurs seeking to establish a company based on CERN technology and/or know-how. A spin-off is a company whose activities are based, partially or wholly, on know-how and/or technology from CERN.  To set the scope and details of CERN’s support to these companies, CERN has adopted a spin-off policy.

The CERN Venture Connect provides:

1. Intellectual Property and Technology Licensing
•    Intellectual property is an important aspect of starting and running a company. In line with its mission of maximising technological return to society, the CVC supports CERN spin-offs and startups through a variety of different activities and mechanisms, including licensing of technologies.

2. Startup support and development

• How to start a company based on CERN technology or knowledge
• Business plan development & market assessment 
• How to and where to incorporate your company
• Funding mechanisms & strategies 
• Writing applications & pitch coaching
• Access to internal and external training programmes
• Networking with innovation partners & contacts in the local ecosystem
• Building your startup team & recruitment

For CERN personnel, the CVC can provide information and advice on how to comply with CERN rules and regulations during company formation and operation.

3. A broad and diverse network of partners including prominent VCs, venture builders, and innovation hubs throughout CERN’s Member and Associate Member States
The CVC collaborates with a range of partners in the Member States to provide business incubation for entrepreneurs working on an idea related to CERN’s areas of expertise. 

Learn more about the CERN Venture Connect and its offerings here.