KnowledgeTransfer

Spin-off


What is spin-off company?


Among the various definitions, one can choose the one that defines a spin-off (sometimes also spin-out) firm as a business entity established for the purpose of commercialising intellectual property created in a research organisation. A spin-off company can be a very good way to bring research results to the market. The linkage between the firm and the university can be variously close. The school directly contributes its intellectual property to the emerging business and acquires a stake in it, then it is a spin-off firm with equity participation, or it contributes intellectual property to the business in the form of a licence, then it is a spin-off firm without equity participation.

More information on the types of spin-off companies established by the academic sector can be found at website www.vedavyzkum.cz.

What is Spin-off BUT?

The term Spin-off BUT means a legal entity registered in the Commercial Register, or similar registration in the case of a foreign legal entity

  • which is entitled to use the designation Spin-off BUT, or other designations specified therein, on the basis of a written agreement with the BUT, and at the same time;
  • that uses intellectual property or know-how created at the BUT on the basis of a written agreement;
  • and in which the BUT may have an ownership interest.

How to set up a BUT spin-off?

The procedure for establishing a BUT spin-off is governed by internal regulations and standards. In the case of an equity contribution by a school, in addition to approval at several levels, an application is submitted to the Industrial Council of the BUT for approval. The Knowledge Transfer Department assists in the whole process. However, the initiative and motivation of the founders is most important in the establishment and successful operation of the BUT spin-off.

Spin-off BUT or Start-up BUT?

The link between the company and the university can be close in various ways. The difference between the concept and designation of Spin-off BUT and Start-up BUT is illustrated in the following table.

  The company uses intellectual property and know-how created at BUT

 The company does not use intellectual property or know-how created at the BUT, the company develops knowledge or skills acquired at the BUT in its other business
  Company with equity participation of BUT Company without BUT participation Company with equity participation of BUT Company without BUT participation
The company is founded by employees/students Spin-off VUT Spin-off VUT Start-up VUT Start-up VUT
The company is not founded by employees/students Spin-off VUT Spin-off VUT - -

    Responsibility: Mgr. Marta Vaňková