Technology holding

KIT participates as a strategic partner (of the founders and investors) in high-tech spin-offs, which are created on the basis of KIT research services or KIT intellectual property. At the beginning, KIT is the owner of the intellectual property (IP).

With its technology participations, KIT strengthens knowledge and technology transfer by means of start-ups and participations and supplements the classical exploitation channels of contract research, research cooperations, and licensing of industrial property rights. By bundling IP with know-how carriers in one company, the exploitation probability of technologies is increased.

KIT thus makes an active contribution to the exploitation of technologies at a very early stage of development. The investment decision follows a structured process.

Services of KIT

KIT offers spin-offs the following support services beyond financial participation:

>> Participation in financing rounds with a side investment of up to EUR 100,000 Networking with the investors of KIT’s unique VC network.

>> Sparring in all strategic and operational questions of company management

>> Provision of infrastructure, e.g. office space in the KIT High-Tech Incubator or ZEISS Innovation Hub@KIT

>> Support in legal, financial and performance-related issues. Support in drafting cooperation and licensing agreements that are both customary in the market and investor-friendly.

>> Procurement of relevant contacts from the KIT network (companies, coaches, etc.)

>> Advice on subsidies, e.g. identification of and support in participation in subsidy programs and competitions

>> Cooperation with KIT, e.g. research projects with institutes

Our Portfolio

KIT is involved in ten spin-offs (as of January 2021). The portfolio comprises high-tech spin-offs in the CleanTech, microtechnology, lightweight construction, materials development, life science, and pharmaceutical industries. The spin-offs are in the development cycle in the seed, start-up, or growth phase and were previously intensively supported by the KIT start-up advisors. Investors of the spin-offs include business angels, family offices, corporate ventures, and venture capital companies.

Here is an overview of spin-offs in which KIT is currently involved.