ETH Spin-offs are companies founded by current or recent ETH Zurich members that build on research results from ETH Zurich. The incorporation and, if applicable, licensing to an ETH Spin-off must follow a defined process to ensure compliance and to access benefits such as the ETH Spin-off label and participation in ETH’s entrepreneurship ecosystem. Download Business Creation Regulations RSETHZ 440.5 (PDF, 329 KB)
Business Creation Regulations updated, effective 1 July 2026
The key points for founders to remember are the following:
ETH Spin-offs use research results from research activities at ETH. ETH research results include results created by ETH employees and students as part of their ETH (research) activities. In practice, this means research results of BSc/MSc theses that are part of a broader ETH research project are also eligible for the ETH Spin-off label.
Flexible company legal structure and ETH participation. Founders have the flexibility in choosing the company structure (GmbH, AG,…) and the form of ETH participation. Founding shares (min. 2% equity) are no longer the only possibility as alternatives are reintroduced (e.g. phantom stocks/virtual shares).
The incorporation process is accelerated. A signed term sheet is now sufficient to proceed with incorporation, while the definitive license agreement can be finalised afterwards.
Other Companies (e.g. in consulting, architecture) may also be eligible for the ETH Spin-off label. These can now be considered for the ETH Spin-off label if they use ETH research results. Eligibility will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Professors’ equity participation in an ETH Spin-off is subject to a 10% threshold. Holding 10% shares or more in an ETH Spin-off is explicitly treated as having a conflict of interest requiring the relevant approval/disclosure process.
These regulations provide future founders with flexibility when setting up an ETH Spin-off. If you are planning to start a company based on ETH research results or IP and are unsure how the revised regulations apply to your situation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with ETH transfer.
