Policy makers and scholars assume that academic spin-offs, which are firms commercializing university knowledge, grow financially and contribute to economic development. However, a few studies have recently discovered that these firms also create societal impact. This study develops a conceptual framework of the academic entrepreneurship ecosystem and in particular the role of the university in creating societal impact of academic spin-offs. This study employs a case study design of academic spin-offs and firms spinning off from universities and research institutes, in Norway. The results show that the ecosystem and the university are key actors together with business actors in creating societal impact of academic spin-offs. These interactions create a system of societal development. The study extends research on academic entrepreneurship ecosystems and societal impact. Research and policy implications are provided. © Adam Novotny, Einar Rasmussen, Tommy H. Clausen and Johan Wiklund 2020.