From research to startup
Making an impact with academic knowledge can be done in many ways, for example by bringing societal relevant research to market. This is a form of knowledge valorisation.
Are you employed by Utrecht University in an academic position and are you thinking about starting your own business? Then the guide From Researcher to Academic Entrepreneur has been compiled for you. In this guide, we set out the steps you need to follow to start up a business. We also explain what support services are available to you.
Step-by-step plan for academic entrepreneurship
Each step towards developing a (new) business brings different to-do’s and challenges. Where are you on the ladder and who is best suited to help you in taking the next step?


2. Knowledge ownership
Under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, all results from education and research developed by researchers employed by UU are owned by the institution. This does not mean that you, as the researcher, have no say over your own work. It does mean, however, that you must properly organise a number of matters concerning intellectual property if you want to do more than merely publish.


5. The required licences
Under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University is the owner of the Intellectual Property (IP) of all results from education and research developed in the employment of the university. If you want to commercialise this IP, you will need a licence.

Who can you contact?
Setting up a business is a process that, regardless of the role you may play in a potential spin-off, will have an impact on your existing work. It is therefore a good idea to involve your supervisor at an early stage. This will make it easier to manage each other’s expectations during the process.
Utrecht University provides a range of support services for academic staff who wish to start their own business: