ETH is one of Switzerland’s main public universities. It has 16 departments, 23 000 students, and 250 faculty members. Today’s guest, Silvio Bonaccio, who attended the university as a student himself, has been the head of its technology transfer office since 2005.Silvio’s 31-person strong team is divided into 3 focal areas; contracts, technology licensing, and support of start-ups. They do approximately 200 invention disclosures per year, acquire around 100 patents, and get between 25 and 30 startups off the ground every year. These numbers are impressive but Silvio knows that they have the potential to achieve far more, and the coming years are sure to bring great things for him and his team.In this episode, Silvio explains some of the innovative programs that are run by ETH, a few of his favorite success stories (ranging from car sensors to meat replacements), challenges that are facing the technology transfer sector as a whole, and what he sees as the keys to success! In This Episode:[00:51] Introducing today’s guest, Silvio Bonaccio.[01:58] The chance encounter that led Silvio to join the ETH Technology Transfer team. [03:27] Silvio explains how ETH is structured. [05:06] How ETHs technology park came into being, and the goal that drives it.[06:54] A problem being faced by research institutions, and how ETH is responding to it. [09:02] ETH’s involvement in the European Space Agency Business Incubation Centre program. [11:49] Silvio shares some details about one of his favorite programs at ETH. [14:25] Similarities and differences between Switzerland’s technology transfer sector and that of the United States.[17:45] Examples of initiatives which aim to fill that gap that arises in bigger round funding in Switzerland. [19:39] What Switzerland’s academic system looks like.[20:20] How the laws governing technology transfer at ETH have evolved over time. [22:14] The three areas of activity that ETH’s technology transfer team is divided into.[25:08] Silvio shares some of ETHs technology transfer metrics, and how they hope to improve these in the future. [26:38] The importance of building networks as a technology transfer professional. [27:40] Examples of the collaborations between ETH and big industry players. [30:47] Relationships that ETH has with philanthropic organizations. [32:19] Some important lessons that Silvio has learned through his many years of experience in the technology transfer sector. [34:13] Some of the biggest successes for which Silvio and his team are responsible. [36:03] Upcoming company launches that Silvio is most excited about. [38:11] A few of the main challenges that the technology transfer sector as a whole is facing. [40:32] The gender split in Silvio’s office, and how the team works towards enhancing gender equality in the technology transfer space. [43:10] Value that Silvio sees in being part of technology transfer organizations. [45:55] What Silvio sees as the pros and cons of credentialing.[47:39] Silvio’s wishes for founders, investors, and ETH. Find Silvio:EmailETH Zurich

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