Curious where the latest technology trends are heading? The EPO's annual Patent Index offers a comprehensive look into these advancements, tracking technological growth and patenting activity as well as top applicants and countries in the lead. Join EPO experts as they guide you through 2024’s key insights and explore some of the top fields like computer technology; electrical machinery, apparatus, energy; and transport. They also discuss the uptake of the Unitary Patent and how often women inventors were named on patent applications. Narrator: Jeremy Philpott, EPO Communication Manager Guests: Gilles Requena, EPO Chief Patent Research and Policy Officer Wiebke Hinrichs, EPO Patent Examiner in Cycles, Frames, Chains & Safety Marc Nicolas, Business Analyst at the EPO Yann Ménière, EPO Chief Economist Further resources: Patent Index 2024 Studies and reports Women’s participation in inventive activity (November 2022) EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology
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19:39
Closing the funding gap to boost Europe’s tech startups
How can European startups bridge the funding gap they face compared to their US counterparts? A recent study by the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology highlights the important role of tech-savvy investors and provides a comprehensive mapping of investors supporting European innovators. Discover the unique value that tech-focused investors bring to startups from Adéla Dvořáková, a Tech-to-Market Advisor at the European Innovation Council, and Sara Frykstrand Ångström, Head of Intelligence at Sweden's venture capital fund Industrifonden. Hear them discuss the study’s key findings as they share insights on the importance of a dual financing and IP strategy, the role of smart and patient capital and the need for a balanced pipeline of investors at various stages of a startup’s technological maturity. They also discuss the main challenges European investors face compared to their US counterparts. Moderator: Pere Arque Castells, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology Guests: Adéla Dvořáková, Tech –to Market Advisor, European Innovation Council Sara Frykstrand Ångström, Head of Intelligence, Industrifonden Further resources: “Mapping investors” study Financing innovation programme of the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology Deep Tech Finder - EPO’s tool helping match startups with investors
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28:23
Rocket science 101: inside space propulsion
Space technology is evolving at light speed and may
even offer solutions to global challenges such as climate change. Join expert guests as they explore the significance of space propulsion for various applications, the
rapid transformation of the space sector, the growing number of players in the field and the boom in spacecraft launches over the past decade. The episode provides fascinating insights into propulsion systems, including chemical and electric propulsion, and their applications in different phases of space missions. The panel also touches on innovative concepts like atmosphere-breathing
propulsion and tethered propulsion, which may drive future space missions.
Moderator:
Johannes Schaaf, EPO Chief Economist Unit
Guests:
Lars Petzold, Research Fellow, European Space Policy Institute
Stephan Speidel, Technology Transfer Engineer, HE Space
Operations
Geert Boedt, EPO Chief Economist Unit
Further resources:
Patent insight report on propulsion systems for space (May 2024)
Space innovation platform
Previous podcasts on space:
“From Mars to Morocco: space innovations for Earth challenges”
"Houston, we have solutions"
"Earth observations for a greener planet" podcast
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31:39
Breaking the silence on noise pollution
Inspiring Inventors
Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease…these are just some medical issues that can be caused by loud noise. Friends and business partners Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll are tackling this problem with an advanced acoustic material that can dampen noise in a variety of applications. What began as a school science fair project evolved into a business with a unique product and exceptional potential. In this episode, we explore Rhona’s journey and how friendship became the foundation for a groundbreaking business. We’ll also hear about the vital support they received from local business development organisations and patent attorneys.
Moderator: Edward Cooke, EPO, patent examiner
Inspiring Inventors:
Each episode features a former European Inventor Award finalist, delves into the story behind their invention and provides insights on how they took their idea from the lab to the market.
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41:59
Material marvels: the graphene and additive manufacturing revolution
Leading Tech Voices: industries of the future
Has graphene lived up to the hype it generated 20 years ago? And what do 3D-printed ceramics and Egyptian pyramids have in common? In this episode, two expert entrepreneurs explain how these materials are contributing to sustainability across industries. With graphene as the potential key to more energy-efficient data centres, and additive manufacturing producing ultra-durable ceramics with a wide variety of applications in fields such as biomedicine, prepare to discover how these materials have been transformed for maximum impact.
Moderator:
Pia Björk, Director in the EPO’s Communication department and an engineer in materials science
Speakers:
Amaia Zurutuza, Scientific director at Graphenea
Johannes Homa, founder and CEO at Lithoz
This episode is part of a special podcast series where each episode focuses on one of five major technology areas. It builds on the EPO’s 50 Leading Tech Voices project, in which global tech leaders were invited to share how they believe inventiveness can help create a brighter and more sustainable future. You can read their statements and watch discussion panels on our website:
Further information:
Leading Tech Voices podcast playlist
50 Leading Tech Voices statements
50 Leading Tech Voices panel discussions
EPO Chief Economist studies
“Talk innovation: unlocking technology” is brought to you by the European Patent Office (EPO). Expert presenters and guests – including our patent examiners - provide their perspective on technology trends and highlight ground-breaking inventions. Join us to learn more on the role of patents and the intellectual property (IP) system in supporting society and the economy.
Opinions expressed by podcast participants are their own and may not reflect the views of the EPO.
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