SPIN-US

What SPIN-US does

SPIN-US Sp. z o.o. is a university technology transfer and commercialization special purpose company (spółka celowa) wholly owned by the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland. Founded in 2015, it operates as the mandated intermediary for commercializing research results, intellectual property, and laboratory capabilities produced within the university. The company serves four distinct customer segments: academic creators (students, PhD candidates, researchers at the University of Silesia), industrial enterprises seeking outsourced R&D and technology scouting, local government units (JST) needing strategic and analytical studies, and investment funds sourcing university-derived deal flow.

The service portfolio combines three product families. (1) Commissioned research services routed through university laboratories — scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography, X-ray diffraction, PCA-accredited accelerated corrosion testing (AB 1332 per PN-EN ISO 9227:2023-02), polymer synthesis, high-pressure research, petrographic analysis, and charcoal contamination testing — at roughly 150 projects per year. (2) Advisory services covering commercial potential analysis (Quicklook / In-Depth methods), IP valuation, innovation audits using a proprietary IT tool, technology scouting and brokering, patent trend analysis and technology forecasting, freedom-to-operate studies, and the design and coordination of incubation and acceleration programmes. (3) Professional training products including an 8-week Mindfulness MBLC course, VR-based mindfulness sessions using the TRIPP application, and a one-day honey pollen analysis certification course.

Revenue is generated primarily through fee-for-service project billing to industry and public institutions, voucher-funded consulting for Silesian SMEs (administered by Fundusz Górnośląski SA in partnership with Śląski Fundusz Rozwoju, up to PLN 150,000 per enterprise for development services and PLN 200,000 for pro-innovation services), licensing of university-owned IP, training tuition, and grant-funded project work within multi-partner EU consortia such as Science4Business (PLN 296.7M total consortium value), PPO WSL 2030, and B-Kinetic. Distribution is sales-led and relationship-driven through a five-person core team (President of the Board Katarzyna Papież-Pawełczak, board member Iwona Jelonek, technology broker Przemysław Ziemski, commercialization specialist Aleksandra Wierzba, and voucher-programs coordinator Martyna Moszko), supplemented by referral channels via KSSE, Invento Capital, the PSC national consortium, and regional development partners. Five spin-off companies have been established and SPIN-US is a co-shareholder in the Invento Capital seed/VC fund, which manages ten portfolio investments.

Name

SPIN-US

Legal name

SPIN-US Sp. z o.o.

Website

https://spinus.pl

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

SPIN-US Sp. z o.o. is a university special-purpose company of the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, that brokers technology transfer, commissioned R&D, and commercialization services to industrial enterprises, local government units, SMEs, and investment funds.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

University Technology Transfer Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services (541)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Patent Owners & Lessors (6794)

akta.pro primary industry

IP & Patent Information Publishing (Patent/Litigation Analytics, Prior Art) (MPAJACAK)

Keywords

• University technology transfer
• Research commercialization services
• Commissioned laboratory testing
• Intellectual property licensing
• Innovation consulting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Katowice

HQ country

Poland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Commissioned Research Services (Prace na zlecenie): SPIN-US acts as an intermediary commissioning entity for research and testing services delivered by University of Silesia scientists. These services cover laboratory testing (corrosion, SEM, XRD, microtomography, polymer synthesis, petrographic analysis, charcoal impurity testing, high-pressure research) for external companies and public institutions. Revenue is project-based and recurring — approximately 150 R&D projects are completed annually. Services are quoted individually based on project scope.
2. Commercialization Consulting and Technology Transfer Services: Fees charged for advisory services including commercial potential analysis (Quicklook and In-Depth methods), intellectual property valuation, innovation audits, technology scouting/brokering, trend analysis, freedom-to-operate studies, incubation and acceleration program design and coordination. These services target industry clients, local government units, and investment funds.
3. Training and Workshop Programs: Revenue from delivering professional training programs for entrepreneurs and innovators (business plans, R&D management, market assessment, IP protection strategy, investment negotiation), mindfulness courses (8-week MBLC program), VR mindfulness sessions, and pollen analysis certification courses. Training is offered both to individuals and corporate clients, with pricing per course or session.
4. Licensing of University Intellectual Property: SPIN-US facilitates and negotiates licensing agreements for the sale of licenses to university-owned intellectual property (patents, know-how, technologies) to external commercial entities. As a special purpose company of the University of Silesia, it manages the spin-off/spin-out creation process and represents creator interests in investment contract negotiations.
5. Voucher-Based Consulting Services for SMEs: SPIN-US, as an accredited Silesian Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (OIiP), delivers consulting services to SMEs funded through regional development vouchers (up to 150,000 PLN for development services, up to 200,000 PLN for pro-innovation services). Funded by the Upper Silesian Fund and managed in partnership with Fundusz Górnośląski SA.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SPIN-US is the special purpose company (spółka celowa) of the University of Silesia in Katowice, brokering technology transfer and commercializing university research. It sells commissioned laboratory and analytical research services (electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microtomography, corrosion testing, polymer synthesis, high-pressure research, petrography), advisory and commercialization services (commercial potential analysis, IP valuation, innovation audits, technology scouting, FTO analysis, trend research), professional training courses (mindfulness, honey pollen analysis, film industry workshops), and facilitates IP licensing and spin-off formation. Approximately 150 R&D projects are delivered annually to enterprises and public institutions.

Product overview

SPIN-US is a university technology transfer company offering a portfolio of commissioned research services and specialized training. Research services include materials analysis laboratories (scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microtomography), an accredited corrosion testing laboratory (PCA AB 1332), polymer synthesis, high-pressure research, and petrographic analysis. Training services encompass mindfulness education (8-week MBLC course, VR-based mindfulness), honey pollen analysis courses, and specialized workshops. Advisory services cover commercial potential analysis, intellectual property valuation, innovation audits, technology scouting, technology trends research, and freedom-to-operate analysis. The company also coordinates incubation and acceleration programs. The portfolio is organized around commissioned research (laboratory services), professional development (mindfulness and specialized training), and advisory services for technology commercialization.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scanning Electron Microscopy Laboratory (Pracownia mikroskopii skaningowej) Electron microscopy laboratory equipped with three scanning electron microscopes (Quanta 250, Philips XL30, Phenom XL) for morphology analysis, surface topography, particle size measurement, and qualitative/semi-quantitative chemical composition analysis using EDS. Available to industrial enterprises and public institutions.
• Microtomography Scanning (Skanowanie mikrotomograficzne) X-ray microtomography scanning using a GE Phoenix v|tome|x scanner with microfocus (240 kV/320 W) and nanofocus (180 kV/15 W) tubes for non-invasive internal structure examination. Commissioned to enterprises and researchers.
• X-ray Diffraction Analysis (Analizy metodą XRD) X-ray diffraction analysis using PW3040/60 diffractometer for phase analysis, structural parameters, quantitative phase proportions via Rietveld method, and microdiffraction studies. Delivered to industrial and academic clients.
• Accredited Corrosion Testing Laboratory (Akredytowane Laboratorium Badań Korozyjnych) PCA-accredited accelerated corrosion testing laboratory (AB 1332) performing salt spray tests per PN-EN ISO 9227:2023-02 for metals, coatings, and composites. Accreditation confirms compliance with international quality standards for testing laboratories.
• Polymer Synthesis (Synteza polimerów) Polymer chemistry research including high-pressure polymerization, 2D confined polymerization, polyelectrolyte synthesis, molecular dynamics studies, and pharmaceutical stability research. Commissioned to enterprise clients.
• High Pressure Laboratory (Laboratorium wysokich ciśnień) High-pressure dielectric research laboratory offering isothermal and isobaric testing for materials, including glass transition and crystallization studies. Available to industry and academic clients.
• Petrographic Analysis (Analizy petrograficzne) Quantitative and qualitative maceral analysis, vitrinite reflectance measurements for coalification degree, and kerogen characterization for hydrocarbon source rocks. Commissioned to industry clients.
• Charcoal Contamination Analysis (Badania zanieczyszczeń węgla drzewnego) Microscopic analysis of charcoal and charcoal briquettes per EN 1860-2:2005 and ISO 7404 standards for grilling fuel safety. Available to industrial manufacturers.
• 8-week Mindfulness MBLC Course (8-tygodniowy kurs Mindfulness MBLC) Eight-week mindfulness-based living course (MBLC) providing psychoeducation, personal development, and psychological resilience training through formal and informal mindfulness practices. Delivered at the Institute of Psychology of the University of Silesia.
• Mindfulness in VR (Mindfulness w VR) VR-based mindfulness sessions combining classical mindfulness approaches with immersive virtual reality technology using the TRIPP application for guided meditation experiences. Delivered at the Institute of Psychology, University of Silesia.
• Honey Pollen Analysis (Analiza pyłkowa miodu pszczelego) Single-day training course teaching honey pollen analysis methods per Polish Ministry of Agriculture regulations for beekeepers and honey sellers. Held at the Silesian Botanical Garden in Radzionków.
• Commercial Potential Analysis (Analiza potencjału komercyjnego rozwiązania) Assessment of commercial potential for research project results using Quicklook and In-Depth methodologies to identify opportunities and risks in technology commercialization. Available to university researchers, enterprises, and investors.
• Intellectual Property Valuation (Wycena własności intelektualnej) Intellectual property valuation services for patents and intangible assets using income-based methods and DCF analysis. Available to university creators, spin-offs, and enterprises.
• Innovation Audit (Audyt innowacyjności) Innovation level assessment using a proprietary IT tool to evaluate technological potential and development needs of enterprises. Supports diagnosis of organizational potential and technology needs.
• Technology Scouting for Enterprises (Brokering technologiczny dla firm) Technology scouting service identifying technological gaps and market niches, and matching university research solutions with business needs. Available to industrial enterprises.
• Technology Trend Research (Badanie trendów technologicznych) Patent trend analysis with technology forecasting, smart specialization monitoring, and research trend identification for selected technology areas. Available to enterprises and government.
• Freedom to Operate and State of the Art Analysis (Analiza FTO) Freedom to operate analysis and prior art searches combining patent landscape studies, scientific literature review, and competitive technology mapping to assess patent infringement risks and the technological landscape before market entry. Available to enterprises and investors.
• Incubation and Acceleration Programs (Programy inkubacji i akceleracji) Design and coordination of incubation and acceleration programs for companies to identify and develop startups matching business needs. Delivered to enterprises, regional stakeholders, and EU-funded consortium projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 150 commissioned R&D projects completed annually for enterprises and public institutions.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Katowicka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna (KSSE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKSSE is a key regional strategic partner. SPIN-US collaborates with KSSE on initiatives such as the BraSilesia accelerator (Polish-Brazilian tech accelerator), Silesia Connect, and broader innovation ecosystem development. KSSE provides access to its network of industrial enterprises and FDI attraction capabilities, complementing SPIN-US's university technology transfer role.
• Venture Cafe Warsaw / Cambridge Innovation CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenture Cafe Warsaw (operating as Cambridge Innovation Center in Katowice) is a key partner in the Silesia Connect project. This partnership enables SPIN-US to connect university innovations with the broader startup and investment community in Katowice through regular networking events, Demo Tables, Info Tables, Fireside Chats, and Roundtable Debates.
• Porozumienie Spółek Celowych (PSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSPIN-US is a member of the Porozumienie Spółek Celowych (PSC), a national consortium of university special purpose companies. Membership provides access to technology transfer expertise and broker networks across Polish universities, enabling cross-institutional collaboration on technology scouting and commercialization projects.
• South Poland Cleantech ClusterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSPIN-US holds shares in the South Poland Cleantech Cluster, which aims to accelerate the growth of existing cleantech companies in the Silesian region and attract foreign companies and investments to Poland. The cluster implements 'idea-to-market' projects and supports the implementation of R&D results.
• Politechnika Śląska (Silesian University of Technology)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Science4Business consortium (alongside the University of Silesia, University of Economics in Wrocław, and SPIN-US) and the PPO WSL 2030 Regional Innovation Observatory consortium. Collaboration involves joint technology transfer activities, shared R&D infrastructure, and cross-university innovation programs.
• Polski Instytut Sztuki Filmowej (PISF)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPISF (Polish Film Institute) provided funding for the film:lab professional training project — a series of vocational training programs for young film industry professionals. SPIN-US co-designed and co-delivers the program, with PISF providing grant funding under the Film Education operational program.
• NetflixminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNetflix is a strategic partner in the film:lab training project, providing industry expertise and content collaboration alongside the Wytwórnia Filmów Fabularnych we Wrocławiu (WFF) and with PISF funding. Netflix's involvement signals industry validation of the training program and provides participants with exposure to major production house standards.
• Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVytautas Magnus University is a partner in both the EIT HEI Initiative (Entrepreneur project) and the B-Kinetic project. Collaboration involves joint entrepreneurship training, exchange of best practices in technology transfer and university innovation ecosystems, and shared delivery of workshops across European university communities.
• University of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the EIT HEI Entrepreneur project. UCLM collaborates with SPIN-US and other European universities on entrepreneurship culture development, technology transfer office strengthening, and internationalization activities.
• Mälardalen University (Sweden)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the EIT HEI Entrepreneur project, contributing to cross-border university entrepreneurship development activities and best practice exchange within the consortium.
• GranXpert Consulting Ltd. (Cyprus)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerGrantXpert Consulting serves as a consulting and support partner in the EIT HEI Entrepreneur and B-Kinetic projects, contributing expertise in grant writing, project management, and innovation ecosystem networking for the consortium.
• Teaching Factory Competence Center (Greece)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the EIT HEI Entrepreneur project, contributing to entrepreneurship education methodology and best practices in connecting academia with industry.
• Lviv University of Trade and Economics (Ukraine)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the EIT HEI Entrepreneur project, bringing an Eastern European perspective to the consortium's university entrepreneurship development activities.
• Województwo Śląskie / Urząd Marszałkowski (Marshal's Office of Silesian Voivodeship)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Marshal's Office is the lead partner in the PPO WSL 2030 Regional Innovation Observatory project. SPIN-US participates as a member of a consortium including 7 other organizations. The project supports regional innovation management, technology foresight, and the Smart Specialization strategy of the Silesian region.
• Park Naukowo-Technologiczny TECHNOPARK GLIWICE Sp. z o.o.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the PPO WSL 2030 Regional Innovation Observatory. Technopark Gliwice contributes technology park infrastructure, R&D collaboration opportunities, and SME support capabilities to the consortium's regional innovation observatory activities.
• Główny Instytut Górnictwa – Państwowy Instytut BadawczyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the PPO WSL 2030 Regional Innovation Observatory. The Main Mining Institute contributes deep expertise in mining, energy, and industrial transformation — critical to the Silesian region's smart specialization priorities.
• Fundusz Górnośląski SAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFundusz Górnośląski SA administers SME voucher programs (up to 150,000 PLN for development services, up to 200,000 PLN for pro-innovation services) in partnership with Śląski Fundusz Rozwoju. SPIN-US, as an accredited OIiP, delivers services funded by these vouchers, making Fundusz Górnośląski SA the primary channel partner for SME service delivery.
• Śląski Fundusz Rozwoju Sp. z o.o.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCo-administrator of the Silesian SME voucher programs alongside Fundusz Górnośląski SA. SPIN-US delivers accredited consulting services under these programs as a registered service provider.
• Wytwórnia Filmów Fabularnych we Wrocławiu (WFF)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWFF is a strategic partner in the film:lab project, providing industry expertise and professional training standards for the film industry professional development program. WFF collaborates with SPIN-US and Netflix on curriculum design and delivery.
• Silesian Startup Foundation (Fundacja Silesian Startup)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner invited to the B-Kinetic project meeting in Roanne, France (June 2025). Małgorzata Skorupa from the foundation provided insights into the Silesian startup ecosystem for international project partners.
• European University CyprusminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the B-Kinetic project alongside Vytautas Magnus University (Lithuania), Université Jean Monnet Saint-Étienne (France), Technical University of Sofia (Bulgaria), with GrantXpert Consulting (Cyprus) providing support. SPIN-US coordinates the project activities for the Polish contingent.
• Technical University of Sofia (Bulgaria)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the B-Kinetic EIT HEI Initiative project, contributing to cross-border entrepreneurship training activities for university communities across Europe.
• Université Jean Monnet Saint-Étienne (France)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of the B-Kinetic partner meeting in Roanne, France (June 2025) through its IUT de Roanne campus. Contributing to joint entrepreneurship training and student hackathon activities within the project.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Oxford University Innovation (OUI): OUI is the technology transfer company of the University of Oxford, responsible for licensing university IP, forming spin-outs, and brokering research to industry. Comparable as a benchmark university special-purpose vehicle performing IP commercialization, licensing, and spin-off creation at scale.
• Centrum Innowacji i Transferu Technologii Politechniki Warszawskiej (CITTT PW): CITTT is the technology transfer center of Warsaw University of Technology, providing IP protection, licensing, spin-off formation, and commissioned research services to industry. Comparable as a Polish university TTO with an engineering/technical research mandate similar to SPIN-US's University of Silesia focus.
• Cambridge Enterprise: Cambridge Enterprise is the University of Cambridge's technology transfer and commercialization arm, handling IP licensing, equity holdings in spin-outs, and consulting. Comparable as a leading global university TTO with similar IP licensing, spin-off creation, and research brokering functions.
• Uniwersyteckie Centrum Innowacji i Transferu Wiedzy UW (CIT UW): CIT UW is the University of Warsaw's dedicated center for innovation and knowledge transfer, offering IP commercialization, technology brokering, and R&D intermediation between university researchers and external clients. Direct functional equivalent to SPIN-US at Poland's largest university.
• Centrum Innowacji, Transferu Technologii i Rozwoju Uniwersytetu (CITTRU): CITTRU is the special-purpose technology transfer and commercialization company of Jagiellonian University in Kraków. It performs the same university TTO function as SPIN-US — brokering research to industry, forming spin-offs, and delivering commissioned R&D — but for a larger and more research-intensive university.

Others

• Polski Fundusz Rozwoju (PFR): PFR is Poland's national development fund group, financing innovation, VC funds, and SME support across the country. Indirectly comparable as a broader capital and programme provider whose instruments (regional vouchers, EU fund flows) underpin much of SPIN-US's voucher and SME service revenue.
• Katowicka Specjalna Strefa Ekonomiczna (KSSE): KSSE is a strategic regional economic zone and core SPIN-US partner, operating the BraSilesia accelerator and Silesia Connect events. Comparable as a regional innovation ecosystem enabler that channels enterprise demand into SPIN-US services through formal partnership.

Broad incumbents

• Łukasiewicz Research Network: Łukasiewicz is Poland's largest network of public applied-research institutes, providing R&D services, testing, and technology commercialization across many disciplines. Comparable as a much larger, multi-site incumbent operating in the same R&D intermediation and applied-research services space.

Regional players

• Park Naukowo-Technologiczny TECHNOPARK GLIWICE: Technopark Gliwice is a regional science and technology park in Silesia providing R&D collaboration, technology park infrastructure, and SME support. Already a PPO WSL 2030 consortium partner of SPIN-US, it serves an overlapping Silesian client base with complementary tech-park capabilities.

Emerging players

• Wrocław Technology Park (WPT) / EIT+ Wrocław: Wrocław Technology Park hosts EIT+ and provides R&D infrastructure, business incubation, and innovation services to technology companies in Lower Silesia. Comparable as a regional technology transfer and incubation hub with overlap in R&D intermediation and SME support programs.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCE3unGxAH0uUsZICPihQu9w
• Facebookfacebook.com/us.spin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spin-us

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SPIN-US