ETH transfer — ETH Zurich's Technology Transfer Office

ETH transfer is ETH Zurich's technology transfer office, responsible for turning research at one of Europe's top technical universities into patents, licences and spin-off companies.

What it does: ETH transfer manages invention disclosures, patenting and licensing for ETH Zurich's research groups, and supports researchers through spin-off creation via the Pioneer Fellowship programme and related coaching.

Results: 37 new spin-offs were founded in 2024 alone, concentrated in AI/machine learning (10) and biotechnology/pharma (8). Almost CHF 425 million was invested in ETH spin-offs during 2024 across 42 disclosed financing rounds, a 25% increase over 2023. Since 1973, ETH Zurich has produced 530 spin-offs that remain active today, of which 519 are still based in Switzerland; 93% of spin-offs are still operating five years after founding. Between 2017 and 2024, spin-off founders came from 46 countries.

Why it's a good practice: it shows sustained, decades-long conversion of frontier research into companies, with transparent annual public reporting of survival rates, financing and sector mix rather than one-off claims.

Read the full analysis: https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1185455/start-up-boom-thriving.html

Read the full analysis: https://www.chemeurope.com/en/news/1185455/start-up-boom-thriving.html