1. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training From GEM and NEG to Licences and Start-Ups Two examples of KT @ CERN Dr. Tim Tsarfati

2. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training GEM detector technology basics The GEM (Gaseous Electron Multiplier) is a thin metal-coated polymer (Kapton) foil pierced by a high density of holes (50-100/mm 2 ). Introduced in the 90’s to achieve better resolution, timing and simplicity. Many collaborations, patents, R&D and commercial licences, some direct sales by CERN, spin-offs on eg. medical devices 70 µm140 µm 50 µm ions

3. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training TGEM technology basics 100 mm V. Peskov et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods A478(2002), 377 V. Peskov et al., Nucl. Instrum. Methods A576(2007), 362 Resistive TGEMs (RETGEM) have resistive instead of metallic electrodes, providing better protection against sparks 10 3- 10 4 gain in single GEM THGEM Standard GEM 1 mm 10 5 gain in single-TGEM Thick-GEMs (TGEMs) were introduced later in the last decade as evolution of GEMs towards a simpler and more robust detector

4. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training During discussions between the CERN technical experts and the KT group, patents applications were made for several GEM related technologies This is done when it facilitates the exploitation of the technology The filed patent itself is published, and scientific papers can be published after filing GEM technology and Know-How are licensed to numerous companies, that supply CERN and other parties The license usually includes a training, and royalties are due over commercial use The technology community regularly meets and organises workshops to further promote applications in various fields Patents and Licences on GEM technology

5. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training GEM spin-off companies; why and how? Technology with a wide range of applications in various fields +Enthusiastic community +Market need; creating, installing & operating GEMs requires specialist knowledge Potential for production and service-based companies

6. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training The Process – Licensing & Spin-Off Establish application potential of technology Confirm support of lead inventor Technology & Inventor Assessment Identify company management team Understand development needs & funding Management & Resource Identification Seek funding & support Conduct any required development Set-up preparation Register company Sign spin-off agreement with CERN Form Spin-Off Company Support of CERN KT group Time Many R&D and commercial licences Regular sale of foils

7. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training KT fund supports developments beyond HEP applications Resistive Thick-GEM technology attractive in environmental and safety field, given the intrinsic robustness, simplicity of assembly and good performance in harsh environment R&D project supported by the KT fund in 2012: Flame and smoke detection with a sealed device; higher sensitivity than existing commercial devices is achieved using UV sensitive photoconverters (CsI, Ethyl-ferrocene) Rn detection using a device open to air; RETGEM can be operated stably in ambient air, thus exploited to detect alpha’s from Rn decay and implement monitoring network for systematic large scale studies of Rn increase in atmosphere as earthquake precursor KT fund project on GEM-based detectors for safety and environmental protection

8. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training The GEM Radon Detectors Story 2013 Spin-Off potential verified during KT fund project Inventor interested to be involved, while remaining CERN staff Search for management team NTNU entrepreneurship programme Spin-Off & market assessment favourable Team members at CERN on several occasions 2015Collaboration with existing small company Early concept drawing of instrument

9. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training Another example; from NEGs… NEGs - Non-Evaporable Getter thin film coatings Technology used to create and maintain ultra-high vacuum Licensed to several companies

10. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training … to CERN spin-off SRB Energy The innovative use of NEGs within solar energy collectors was developed at CERN and commercialized by the CERN spin-off company, SRB Energy. Vacuum acts as an excellent insulator!

11. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training … used at Geneva Airport! Thermal solar collector panels on the roof of Geneva airport

12. Knowledge Transfer | Accelerating Innovation CERN KT Training CERN KT Support Assistance with administrative, logistical, and market research related matters 1-year ‘pre-spin-off’ contract at CERN, with regular stays at CERN facilities Promotion and ‘marketing’ of the spin-off at workshops, seminars & conferences