Belgian research institutions, founders and investors currently navigate different policies, equity expectations, IP transfer mechanisms and governance approaches. This white paper draws on Belgian practice and lessons from the Netherlands and the UK to propose a more predictable starting point for spin-off negotiations.

It introduces three structuring pathways – equity, royalty and hybrid – and provides practical recommendations on IP transfer, founder equity, governance and post-incorporation arrangements. The objective is not rigid standardization, but a shared framework from which stakeholders can negotiate efficiently and deviate where justified.