By equipping inventors with the knowledge and tools they need to bring their ideas to market, the EIT and EPO actively contribute to the objectives set out in the European Union’s Competitiveness Compass. Their joint initiatives offer practical support for startups, SMEs and scale-up strategies, while also improving access to venture capital and enhancing collaboration between universities, research organisations and industry. Together, these efforts reinforce Europe’s competitiveness and help foster a more innovation-driven economy.
In 2024, the EPO’s European Patent Academy delivered a range of seminars, lectures, self-paced courses and learning support materials. The Modular IP Education Framework (MIPEF) was successfully integrated into the EIT Manufacturing Master School, sparking interest from other EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs).
The EPO also presented the work of its Observatory to KIC managers, highlighting recent technology trends, economic studies and key tools such as the Deep Tech Finder. This tool was recently enhanced with fully searchable content and new entries, including spin-outs, universities and investment-ready startups with patent applications at the EPO. These updates were shared at the launch event of the study on Patents and Innovation in European Universities, where the EIT’s Higher Education Institutions (HEI) Initiative was represented by a guest speaker.
The EIT and EPO continue to work together to support entrepreneurs in turning ideas into market-ready solutions. As part of these efforts, coordinators from the EIT Community hubs of the Regional Innovation Scheme and the PATLIB centres have identified countries for potential pilot initiatives in 2025. Further collaboration with the Observatory will include identifying shared areas of interest, featuring KIC experts at EPO events, and exploring the inclusion of EIT deep tech startups in the Deep Tech Finder.
Both organisations will also cooperate on developing and disseminating studies to enrich the EPO’s digital library. Training activities in 2025 will cover patent valorisation and commercialisation, IP strategy, the Unitary Patent and the EPO’s fee reduction schemes for micro-entities.
