Spin-off

The University of Macerata promotes the creation of private-law entities aimed at commercially exploiting research results in innovative contexts and supporting the development of new products, services, and business initiatives. In particular, the University encourages the establishment of academic spin-offs as a key instrument for knowledge transfer and innovation.

What is an academic spin-off?

An academic spin-off is a company established to commercially exploit the results of research carried out at the University. The University may authorise the participation of its academic and research staff in the company from its incorporation and may provide support services to facilitate its start-up and early-stage development.

Academic spin-offs may be established as either joint-stock companies (S.p.A.) or limited liability companies (S.r.l.).

Two categories of academic spin-offs are recognised:

• University-owned spin-offs – companies in which the University of Macerata holds an equity stake.
• Approved spin-offs – companies in which the University does not hold shares, but whose proposal is promoted by one or more University professors or researchers and formally approved by the University's governing bodies.

Who can propose a spin-off?

A proposal to establish an academic spin-off may be submitted by one or more professors or researchers of the University, either independently or in collaboration with:

• Research fellows;
• PhD candidates;
• Graduates and PhD holders who obtained their degree from the University of Macerata within the previous two years.

Who can participate?

In addition to the founding members, any natural or legal person, whether Italian or international, may become a shareholder or holder of participating financial instruments in the spin-off.

The University particularly encourages the involvement of:

• Postgraduate and postdoctoral scholarship holders;
• Technical and administrative staff;
• Undergraduate and postgraduate students;
• Graduating students;
• Participants in master's programmes, specialisation courses, and doctoral programmes.

How to establish a spin-off?

Researchers interested in establishing an academic spin-off or obtaining further information should contact the Knowledge Enhancement and Social Impact Unit.

The Technical Committee for Academic Spin-offs was appointed by Rector's Decree No. 209 of 6 June 2023, in accordance with Article 3 of the University Regulations on Academic Spin-offs (Rector's Decree No. 164 of 10 May 2019).

Standing Members

• Prof. Catia Giaconi – Vice Rector for Third and Fourth Mission (Chair)
• Prof. Laura Marchegiani – Representative of the Legal and Economic Area
• Prof. Michela Soverchia – Representative of the Business and Management Area

Department Representatives

Department of Economics and Law

• Prof. Patrizia Silvestrelli
• Dr. Mauro Maria Baldi
• Dr. Stefano Deriu

Department of Political Science, Communication and International Relations

• Prof. Fabio Clementi
• Prof. Stefano Spalletti
• Prof. Anna Ilaria Trapé

Department of Humanities – Languages, Mediation, History, Philosophy and Literature

• Prof. Giuseppina Larocca
• Dr. Roberto Cresti
• Dr. Michele Paolini Paoletti

Department of Law

• Prof. Gabriele Franza
• Prof. Andrea Francesco Tripodi
• Prof. Giuseppe Rivetti

Department of Education, Cultural Heritage and Tourism

• Prof. Fabrizio d'Aniello
• Prof. Pierluigi Feliciati
• Dr. Luca Girotti

Secretary: Head of the Industrial Liaison Office (ILO).

Useful Documents

• University Regulations on Academic Spin-offs
• Academic Spin-off Application Form
• List of Academic Spin-offs
• Contacts