Step-by-step process
The incorporation of an ETH Spin-off and, if applicable, licensing of IP from ETH Zurich must follow a defined process and timeline mandated by Business Creation Regulations of ETH Zurich (Annex 1 "Procedure for Research-Based Companies and ETH Spin-off Recognition", RSETHZ 440.5). The process and timeline are briefly outlined below.
For general information, arrange a meeting with ETH Entrepreneurship to discuss your plans and find out about available support in the ETH entrepreneurship ecosystem. This step is optional.
Prepare a pitch deck about the to-be-founded company, send it to the responsible person with ETH transfer (depending on your department) and arrange an introductory meeting to clarify licensing, equity, and compliance topics.
- Christoph Fik: ARCH, INFK, ITET, MATL, MAVT, PHYS
- Christina Dittrich: BAUG, BIOL, BSSE, CHAB, HEST, MTEC
- Ying Wang: EAPS, GESS, USYS
After the introductory meeting, all required documentation must be complete and submitted to ETH transfer. Only then can the spin-off process begin.
- Download Signed patent rights clarification document (DOCX, 45 KB)
- Download Completed business summary template (DOCX, 116 KB)
- Approvals for equity and outside employment for ETH employees or professors involved in the spin-off (separate email with attached PDF of the report from ETHIS and approving authority in cc), further information on outside employment
- Download Rental and domicile application form (DOCX, 55 KB) (if applicable)
- Shareholder agreement including ETH provisions
Important: After submission, ETH transfer will review the documents and inform the founder of any changes required in the shareholder agreement before proceeding. This process typically takes 3 months for incorporation + customized license and 1 month for incorporation + express license. Please see the next step for more information.
Negotiate and finalize the licensing agreement or sales agreement for ETH intellectual property such as softeware and patents. For licensing of patents, two options are available: express license with standard terms or customized license with negotiable terms. Consult our website on negotiating a technology license for more details.
Complete the legal incorporation of the company in compliance with Swiss law and ETH regulations. ETH will acquire its shares at nominal value as part of the incorporation process. To streamline the procedure, ETH will typically provide a power of attorney to a law firm or one of the founders, authorizing them to sign the required incorporation documents on ETH’s behalf.
Sign all licensing and sales agreements promptly and receive the official ETH Spin-off recognition.