It is not only the number of ETH Zurich spin-offs created - 23 - that is noteworthy, but also the variety of their content. Six companies each were established in computer science and communication technologies and in services; four in biotechnology / pharmaceuticals; four in electrical and electronics engineering; two in medical devices, and one in micro- and nanotechnology. Apart from tailor-made nanoparticles or biomarkers, the new companies also provide tools for environmental management, and simulation programs for high performance electronics. Life sciences and engineering – two key areas of research at ETH Zurich – also feature significantly in the newly-founded companies.

Prices and risk capital

ETH Zurich spin-offs also have the distinction of being highly rated by independent committees, with a large number of the spin-offs receiving important accolades, such as the ZKB Pioneer Prize. Moreover, four of the five winners of the business plan competition, Venture 2008, were spin-offs associated with ETH Zurich. In all, ETH Zurich spin-offs won over one million Swiss francs in national prize money in 2008.
A current study on ETH Zurich spin-offs reveals that there is a positive correlation between risk capital and value creation of a spin-off. Over the last ten years, only 27% of ETH Zurich spin-offs have been co-funded by risk capital; today around 40% of the spin-offs from 2008 are already in discussion with investors. In order to continue to bring more potential investors and company founders together, the inaugural Investor Days were organized as part of Venture 2008.

Professionalized support

At ETH transfer, ETH Zurich’s technology transfer office, the demand for consultation and support is considerable. To meet this demand, in 2008 ETH transfer streamlined its processes to increase efficiency: the foundation process, which all future spin-offs must undergo, was standardized and support for company foundations professionalized even further. In order to support future founders, a joint initiative between CTI Start-up – a program from CTI, the federal innovation promotion agency – and ETH transfer, called YEP (Young Entrepreneur Program), was established. Through it, young entrepreneurs can take advantage of the consulting expertise of experienced coaches from outside of ETH Zurich.

Prospects for 2009

The New Year holds much promise, with some spin-offs already in preparation. As yet, ETH transfer has not directly felt the shockwaves of the financial crisis. «The innovative strength and motivation of our scientists remains unbroken and ETH Zurich continues to offer great potential for interesting spin-offs», states Silvio Bonaccio, Head of ETH transfer. He is carefully optimistic in his prognos-es for the future: «ETH Zurich spin-offs are all about solid, well-thought-out business ideas that are designed to be competitive even under adverse conditions. Consequently, we feel the spin-offs remain good prospects for investment by business angels and risk capital investors.»