Bureaucratic and institutional hurdles often complicate the foundation of spin-offs from research institutes. TransferAllianz, the German association for knowledge and technology transfer, has formulated clear, standardized cornerstones for academic spin-offs in the life sciences. The recommendations are aligned with the existing conditions of global transfer associations and international models. They include framework conditions for licensing agreements with respect to patents and other intellectual property in conjunction with equity for research institutes in their spin-offs. The goal is to make the spin-off process and the commercialization of research findings more efficient, and to secure international compatibility and fair participation of all stakeholders.
Ascenion, a long-standing member of the TransferAllianz, participated in developing the guidelines.
Ascenion currently holds equity in 36 spin-offs that have received a total of more than EUR 200 million in venture capital. Through the application of international benchmarks, Ascenion, together with founders and investors, was able to negotiate marketable conditions that benefit the research institutes and their future scientific and translational research projects.
The TransferAllianz recommendations aim to contribute to the continued professionalization of technology transfer in Germany, making it fairer, more transparent and above all faster. They are an important tool in realizing the potential of academic spin-offs, and strengthening the German start-up landscape.
