This study allows to simultaneously observe a method proposed for the follow-up of two actors in the university setting: (1) an entrepreneur seeking to benefit from an opportunity/identified need in a specific market through the creation of a start-up, and (2) a university researcher/ research group with hopes of making commercial use of research products(as a result of knowledge) through a university spin-off. The suggested comparison is done considering the various phases for project execution (in this case, a company project) as a reference point between both follow-up methods, and is understood as the effort put forth to transfer an idea and/or research result to the market expressed by a good or service.During the various project phases (initiation, planning, execution, follow-up, and control), the minimum required conditions are suggested within the university setting in order to achieve the expected results. One of the principal conclusions of this study is that there are no significant differences in the follow-up method used for the creation of start-ups and spin-offs;it is, however, important to have a clear business concept and tools that apply to each.