Valorisation & Technology Transfer

Basic principles

The transfer of research results to the economy and society is one of the three missions of EPFL.

The Technology Transfer Office (TTO) manages the intellectual property created by EPFL employees and members of the teaching staff as well as licences with industry and start-ups; the TTO is also in charge of drawing up collaboration agreements with industry.

The TTO advises EPFL research teams on all aspects related to assessment of their research results, their protection (patents, copyrights, designs, etc.) and opportunities to transfer these to existing companies or start-ups. The main objective is to allow promising results to be developed so that society may benefit through the marketing of new products.

Inventions, software and other research results generated by EPFL employees and members of the teaching staff belong to EPFL. The individuals involved in research activities therefore need to notify the TTO of their inventions, software and other results with potential for commercial development. They must participate in the various stages in cooperation with the TTO : drafting any patent and procedure for obtaining it, development of prototypes, promotional activities for the invention, etc. Patents are filed by the TTO on behalf of EPFL with a specific acknowledgement of inventorship.

For each invention (or other intellectual property asset) transferred, the inventor(s) is/are entitled to a share of the net result generated by the related technology transfer contract (1/3 of revenue after deduction of expenses, subject to e

Protecting an invention through a patent is often essential if it is intended to be transferred to the economy. In order to obtain a patent, an invention must not be made public before a patent application is filed. Research teams are therefore invited to contact the TTO before talking about their invention outside EPFL or publishing it.

One of the major channels for technology transfer is the creation of start-ups. EPFL therefore encourages the creation of such companies through various initiatives. Interactions with these start-ups remain subject to the same rules as EPFL’s relationships with other companies. Whenever a start-up needs to use EPFL inventions, patents, software, other intellectual property rights or services, a contract must be concluded.

In order to advance the commercial development of technologies, the TTO provides support to research teams through its ENABLE programme. ENABLE helps to reduce technologies by supporting the development of prototypes, analysing the business opportunities available for an invention and providing advice on the preparation of a business plan. Together with the Research Office (ReO), it also provides advice regarding third party funding opportunities such as Proof of Concept.

Responsabilities

All contracts (or agreements) granting rights to inventions, patents, software or other intellectual property generated at EPFL must be negotiated, approved and signed jointly by the TTO. These contracts must safeguard the interests of EPFL and, in particular, allow continued use of the relevant inventions for teaching and research purposes, limit the liability of EPFL and provide appropriate compensation.

The Head of the Unit concerned is responsible for carrying out the scientific tasks outlined in technology transfer contracts, in particular the transfer of knowledge and expertise. The TTO is responsible for the management of these contracts, in particular the receipt and distribution of revenue, in accordance with the law and EPFL directives.

Legal basis

• LEX 3.4.1 “EPFL Directive on Grants, Research Con- tracts and Technology Transfer (DSCRTT)”
• LEX 3.4.0.1 “Ordonnance du Conseil des EPF sur les biens immatériels dans le domaine des EPF”
• LEX 3.4.0.2 “Directives du Conseil des EPF sur les participations dans des entreprises au sein du domaine des EPF”
• LEX 4.1.1 “Directive concerning the management of conflicts of interest within the context of activities or public duties engaged in outside the working sphere”

Further informations

• TTO website

Advice for day-to-day business

Any employee who establish (or works for) a start-up must report this activity to his/her superior, to the EPFL President or to his/her Dean/Director/VP, to the TTO and to Human Resources and sign a personal commitment.

To serve on the board of directors or executive board of a company, or to act as a managing partner, permission must be requested and obtained from the EPFL President if the person concerned is a professor, or from the Dean/Director/VP to whom the person concerned is attached in the case of other employees.

All contracts (or agreements) granting rights to third parties on inventions, patents, software or other intellectual property generated at EPFL must be negotiated and signed jointly by the TTO.

Research teams must notify the TTO of their inventions, software and results with potential for commercial development.