EPO and EIT Announce Joint Innovation Initiatives to Empower European Start-Ups and SMEs

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have released a factsheet highlighting the outcomes of their continued collaboration in the areas of education and knowledge exchange. The document outlines key achievements from joint initiatives aimed at enhancing innovation capacity through training, awareness-raising, and the promotion of intellectual property (IP) knowledge across Europe.

As part of joint efforts, coordinators from the EIT Community Hubs of the Regional Innovation Scheme and the PATLIB centres have pinpointed several countries as candidates for potential pilot initiatives in 2025. Future collaboration with the EPO Observatory will focus on identifying areas of mutual interest, involving KIC experts in EPO-hosted events, and exploring ways to include EIT deep tech startups in the EPO’s Deep Tech Finder tool. In addition, both institutions will continue to co-develop and disseminate research studies to expand the EPO’s digital library. Planned training activities for 2025 will address key topics such as patent valorisation and commercialisation, IP strategy development, the Unitary Patent system, and the EPO’s fee reduction schemes tailored for micro-entities.