Dutch Universities Enhance IP Deal Terms for Spin-Offs at Slush 2025

2025-11-20 community

Amsterdam, Thursday, 20 November 2025.
All 13 Dutch universities have introduced improved IP Deal Term Principles, promising more transparent and founder-friendly agreements for academic spin-offs, aiming to boost innovation and tech transfer.

Introduction of New IP Deal Terms

At the Slush 2025 conference in Helsinki, Dutch universities introduced the updated National IP Deal Term Principles aimed at enhancing the framework for academic spin-offs. This initiative, spearheaded by the Universities of The Netherlands (UNL), is set to improve intellectual property (IP) negotiations, making them more conducive for founders and more transparent [1][2].

A Collaborative Effort

The revision of the IP Deal Terms was a collaborative effort, involving input from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers. The principles promise clearer IP terms from the outset, faster processes, and reduced negotiation friction. This development is anticipated to propel technology transfer and foster the growth of scientific startups in the Netherlands, thereby addressing the European innovation paradox [3][4].

Core Objectives and Implementation

The updated principles aim to provide predictability and transparency for both founders and university Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs). The deal terms are designed to facilitate smoother transitions from research to commercial application, ensuring that agreements are fair and market-compliant. Universities are now better positioned to maximize the impact of their research by quickly translating it into societal and economic value [5][6].

Future Prospects and Challenges

As part of the next steps, Dutch universities will implement practical tools, including legal documents developed in collaboration with Capital Waters, to support the establishment of spin-offs. This initiative is expected to double the number of university spin-offs by 2030, enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Europe. However, the effectiveness of these principles will largely depend on their transparent application and continuous refinement [7][8].

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intellectual property academic spin-offs