CERN’s core business is fundamental science.  However, the Laboratory’s technology and know-how have the potential to drive innovations in a variety of fields, often through collaborations with industrial partners.

If you are working on an exciting technology and wondering how it could make an impact outside of CERN, we encourage you to apply for one of the two funding schemes that help bridge the gap between research and industry: the Knowledge Transfer (KT) Fund and the Medical Applications (MA) Budget. These mechanisms provide resources to help take early-stage, innovative projects from the Laboratory to society.

To be considered, a project must be based on CERN technologies, submitted by a member of the personnel and approved by the latter’s department head. Grants from the KT Fund and the MA Budget can cover material and equipment costs, as well as allowing CERN teams to hire associate members of the personnel or technical/PhD students to support the project’s activities. The department must agree to cover the salaries of such personnel. The KT group is available to help you to assess the technology and seek external partners, such as companies, hospitals or universities.

If your technology has the potential for applications in healthcare, you should apply for funding from the MA Budget. Before making your submission, you must present your proposal – even if it’s not yet finalised – at one of the upcoming CERN Medical Applications Project Forum meetings on 12 February or 12 or 19 March 2025.

Please contact kt.medicalapplications@cern.ch as soon as possible to book your slot. The full process is explained here: https://kt.cern/funding/ma-budget

If you are targeting applications outside the healthcare field, please apply for funding from the KT Fund by following the instructions detailed here.

Complete applications must be submitted by 31 March 2025. Applicants will then present their proposals to the selection committee on 8 May 2025.

We encourage you to contact your Knowledge Transfer Internal Network (INET) representatives or the Knowledge Transfer group (kt@cern.ch) as early as possible to discuss opportunities.

For more information about previously funded projects, please consult the list on the KT website.