Talk innovation: unlocking technology
Episodes
Owning her story: Professor Dame Carol Robinson on women in STEM
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From leaving school at 16 to directing breakthrough research programmes at top universities, Professor Dame Carol Robinson has had a rich a...
Out of the Box: How video streaming fits in your pocket
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
From mobile streaming to videos only intended to be seen by computers, the technology behind compression algorithms has opened a world of poss...
Out of the Box: 3D printing in space and safer batteries
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Join two EPO examiners as they explore the out-of-this-world to everyday advancements made possible by 3D printing. From printing tools in oute...
Quantum in Europe: high stakes for emerging tech
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Quantum technologies promise to radically accelerate progress in medicine, climate modelling, materials science, energy systems and beyond. But what s...
Recycling rare earth elements for real impact
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Driven by a lifelong passion for science and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Marie Perrin discovered an innovative method for recycling ...
Out of the Box: cancer checkpoints and targeted toxins
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join host Cristina Margarido and immunology expert Helena Domingues as they explore how groundbreaking health inventions are transforming lives. Fro...
Science meets startup: public research on the rise
08 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years the worlds of public research and startups have become more linked than ever, attracting a high share of investment and playing a vita...
Digital and data-driven: the new age of agriculture
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The global population is growing, and digital agriculture is reshaping food production to meet their needs. So, where is farming being re-invented ...
Challenging competitors’ patents: three times to act
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Think a patent shouldn't have been granted? This episode explains:How to challenge a competitor’s patent – fromsubmitting observations and fil...
ICT, AI and quantum: can such cutting-edge tech be patented?
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Can software be patented? Discover how computer-implemented inventions - including AI and quantum computing - can qualify for patent protection. In th...
Facts about applying for a patent: with (and without) a patent attorney
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Do you need a patent attorney to file a patent application?In this episode, you’ll learn:When you can file yourself and when expert helpis required....
How to accelerate the examination of your patent application
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In fast-evolving technical fields, timing can be everything.In this episode, you’ll learn:Ways to expedite the examination of your patentapplication...
Exploring AI in the patent profession
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How is artificial intelligence changing the way patent professionals search, draft and work with patents? Our expert guests, including patent attorney...
HEADSTART: Where does my patent take effect?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
A patent is not automatically valid everywhere.In this episode, you’ll learn: How to choose which countries to validate yourpatent in and tailor the...
Out of the Box: ice cream machines and air fryers unpacked
08 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join two EPO patent examiners as they dish about some of the hottest and coolest inventions in kitchen technology. From air fryers to ice cream machin...
HEADSTART: My patent is granted, what’s next?
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Congratulations! Now that your patent is granted, what arethe next steps? In this episode, you’ll learn:How to validate it, pay fees and handlechall...
HEADSTART: Patent filing vs grant: What’s the real difference?
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Filing a patent application isn’t the same as having agranted patent. In this episode, you’ll understand:The difference between submitting a reque...
Shining a light on the photovoltaics boom
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Solar energy is more integrated into our daily lives than ever before, powering homes, cities and even wearable devices. What’s driving this transfo...
HEADSTART: What makes an invention “inventive”?
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Not all technical advancements are patentable. 📌 Discover in this episode:What makes an invention truly “inventive” in away that meets patent...
HEADSTART: When is your invention ready for a patent?
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before filing a patent application, make sure your inventionis ready. It’s not just about having a great idea – you need the technical details in ...
HEADSTART: How to use IP in your investor pitch (and boost your startup)
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Intellectual property, such as patents for yourcompany’s technology, can strengthen your elevator pitch. Learn how to say just enough – to the rig...
Out of the Box: Cultivating the unexpected
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This “Out of the box” mini-series digs into agricultural innovation - where soil meets science. From a legendary rivalry that turned tractor tech ...
Out of the Box: Solar where you least expect it
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The “Out of the Box” mini-series begins with a look at the fascinating world of inventions in the energy sector. From compact switchgear systems h...
Turning over a new leaf for sustainable paper
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Talk Innovation, host Ed Cooke sits down with Valentyn Frechka, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Releaf Paper, in a c...
From USB to 5G: the power of standards
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Standards are the invisible protocols that ensure our devices and services work together seamlessly. But how do they relate to patents? And what does ...
Plastics in transition: tackling the waste crisis
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, polluting not just our environment but also even our bodies. Thankfully, the latest advancements in plastic ...
What's up? What's down? - Technologies in 2024
08 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Curious where the latest technology trends are heading? The EPO's annual Patent Index offers a comprehensive look into these advancements, trac...
Closing the funding gap to boost Europe’s tech startups
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How can European startups bridge the funding gap they face compared to their US counterparts? A recent study by the EPO’s Observatory on Patent...
Rocket science 101: inside space propulsion
28 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Space technology is evolving at light speed and may even offer solutions to global challenges such as climate change. Join expert guests as they explo...
Breaking the silence on noise pollution
14 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiring Inventors Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease…these are just some medical issues that can be caused by loud noise. Friends ...
Material marvels: the graphene and additive manufacturing revolution
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Egypti...
HEADSTART: Why patenting isn't quick, and why that's a good thing
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you handle the lengthy process of getting a patent? While it may seem like a drawback, the time it takes can actually benefit your business. Jo...
Speed, teamwork, persistence: insights into the medical technology boom
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leading Tech Voices: health & well-being EPO examiner Tom Kink leads a conversation with eminent inventors and scholars in the area of medical tec...
HEADSTART: How to use patent knowledge to innovate
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As an inventor, micro-entity, startup or university researcher, how do you keep abreast of the latest technology developments? While some believe pate...
High stakes for Europe’s competitiveness and patents
03 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This episode delves into the principal challenges facing innovation in Europe, as outlined in Mario Draghi’s prominent report “The future of Euro...
HEADSTART: Getting your timing right with patenting
29 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you ensure you don’t run out of money while pursuing a patent? It could take several years, but key costs and deadlines are foreseeable. Joi...
HEADSTART: How to choose between a patent or trade secret
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you stop rivals from exploiting your unique knowledge? If your competitive advantage relies on know-how that only you possess - then a trade se...
From connectivity to convergence: AI, quantum and IP
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leading Tech Voices: digital technologies As more technologies begin to converge and connect - heavily impacting fields such as healthcare and teleco...
HEADSTART: Why keeping your invention secret is crucial
15 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you best avoid a common blunder made by many inventors? Prematurely disclosing your invention to investors, customers or suppliers could be a ...
HEADSTART: Local support to get you started with protecting your technology
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you know if your great idea is truly new and worth pursuing? You’ve heard about the power of patent information, but are you sure you know...
HEADSTART: How patent data can guide your business decisions
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you find out where your business stands in relation to your competitors, your partners and the general state of technologies? Patent knowledg...
HEADSTART: Are patents cost-effective for small businesses?
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Filing fees, attorney costs, translations.... How do you deal best with the expense when applying for a patent to protect your new technology? Find ou...
HEADSTART: Why investing in patents is good for your business
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can you know if you’re spending your money wisely? Think less about the cost and more about the value a patent can create for your business. F...
Feeding the future: sustainable solutions for a growing world
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leading Tech Voices: environment and food With the global population rising and arable land decreasing due to climate change, how can we sustainably p...
Patent quality: a journey down a collaborative path
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Key figures from the intellectual property (IP) community discuss the perceptions of quality and shared effort between the EPO and applicants in dri...
From Mars to Morocco: space innovations for Earth challenges
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Why are space technologies essential to address global challenges and contribute to sustainable development goals? Join Maria-Gabriella Sarah (Europea...
Curiosity and courage: the European Inventor Network inspires the next generation
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can the innovators of today help nurture the great minds of tomorrow? In this episode, two members of the European Inventor Network share their e...
Catalysing change: Avelino Corma's chemistry revolution
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiring inventors: Avelino Corma Canós Avelino Corma Canós is a professor and co-founder of the Institute of Chemical Technology in Valencia, Spa...
EQE 2025: Trailer
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
EQE 2025: Reformed and ready for the future The EPO is transforming the way patent practitioners are trained and tested. With a redesigned format and...
Self-learning humanoids are here
26 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Almost 8% of patent filings at the EPO in 2023 were for computer technology, which includes the rapidly growing field of artificial intelligence. But ...
Get STEMpowered this International Women's Day
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Female inventors have shaped the world in more ways than we might realise. Join three women working in patents and STEM as they celebrate inspi...
Winds of change: Innovation in offshore wind energy
05 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is offshore wind energy the key to solving the climate crisis? A recent joint report reveals insightful findings, highlighting challenges and opportun...
Short story time: thought-provoking tales on disability and innovation
27 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When dealing with disability, is gene therapy an ethical solution? Can technology encourage a more equitable world? Does society truly listen to peopl...
From campus to career: How Young Professionals are making an impact at the EPO
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you a new IT or computer science graduate looking to make a difference? Are you ready to kickstart your career in an international environment? ...
Jumpstart your career: Life as a Young Professional at the EPO
13 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Graduating in STEM and looking for your next career step? Looking to expand your international network? Now's your chance to learn all you need to...
Combatting cancer: How the surge in innovation is saving lives
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The EPO's latest study reveals massive global advances in diagnostics and treatments, with universities and public research institutes playing a m...
Inspiring inventors: Johan Martens
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Peek behind the curtain and learn about what goes into successfully bringing sustainable innovations to market. EPO patent examiner Edward Cooke speak...
Green mobility on the move
05 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Technology can kick green mobility into higher gear but you, as an individual, can also make a move! Learn what it takes and get on board with Ben Bro...
Houston, we have solutions!
16 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join us on an interstellar adventure to explore the out-of-this-world technology that makes space exploration possible. You probably even use space te...
Video games: more than just play
31 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Device on. Headphones on. Press play. Game on! But… what goes into a video game? What drives innovation in hardware, software and graphics? Could y...
How patents and trade marks help fund startups
24 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How are European startups using patents and trade marks to raise finance? The high failure rates of promising startups are often linked to their cashf...
Disrupting production - how additive manufacturing is changing our world
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive technology coming of age. The EPO’s latest study reveals explosion in global patenting activity in 3D pr...
Robotics exoskeletons for kids: more than a medical device
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Elena García Armada invented a robotic exoskeleton for children who use wheelchairs, vastly improving their rehabilitation. However, going from lab t...
“You are a wonder”: How stem cell donations save lives
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A simple cheek swab could begin a new lease on life for patients with leukaemia. Stem cell typing is the first step in matching patients with donors. ...
A proprietary platform to fight cancer: a technology transfer case study
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two scientists-turned-entrepreneurs have created the technology platform S-TIR for immunology vaccines, enabling treatments for allergies and cancer. ...
New energy landscapes
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The latest Patent Index shows that clean energy technologies are driving a surge in patent applications. New filings in the field of electrical machin...
The revolution in smart health
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The latest Patent Index shows that the top three fields of technology – digital communication, medical technology and computer technology – alone ...
Earth observation for a greener planet
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sensor tech supports sustainability by delivering crucial climate data. We explore the satellite-based sensors that forecast weather, detect pollution...
Patenting trends in hydrogen innovation
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Innovation in hydrogen is booming, not just in production, but also in storage and applications. Current hydrogen production relies heavily on fossil ...
Women in tech: the road to gender equality
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Leading patent professionals, scientists, and academics tackle one of society’s biggest challenges: gender equality in tech careers. This spec...
Creating an innovation culture around results
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Innovation can fail in the gap between public research funding and private investment taking over, often termed the Valley of Death. But innovation cu...
Differentiating collaboration, convergence and cohesion (Research into patents)
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Do we have knowledge cohesion across Europe? How does it differ from convergence? There is vast research on cohesion policy in Europe which still has ...
Inspiring inventors: Carmen Hijosa
02 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode is a recording of the chat EPO patent examiner Edward Cooke had with Carmen Hijosa. At 60, Carmen began her PhD and established a...
How intellectual property (IP) rights create jobs and prosperity in the EU
18 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Industries making above-average use of intellectual property (IP) rights support four in ten jobs in the European Union, pay higher wages, compr...
Understanding the business value of SMEs' patent portfolio (Research into patents)
04 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
How credible are innovative business proposals? How likely are investors to fund start-ups and SMEs? Patents are fundamental to protect technologies, ...
Patents as loan collateral (Research into patents)
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Funding constraints are often a barrier to innovation, but patents can help raise funding when used as collateral. In this podcast Dirk Czarnitzki, pr...
Towards a concordance map: from patents to trade marks (Research into patents)
06 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Connecting patents and trademarks can help track the diffusion of patented inventions into the market, reveal the commercialization capabilities of pa...
Approaching the deal (IP as key commercial asset)
19 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
So, you’ve protected your IP and have found a company or investor who is interested in the next stage of the commercialisation journey. Now yo...
Approaching the market (IP as key commercial asset)
05 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Protecting your IP is a very important milestone, but it is only the starting point. So how do you begin the commercialisation journey? In this podcas...
Protecting IP assets: types and scope (IP as key commercial asset)
23 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Understanding the different types of intellectual property rights and their implications is key to knowing what’s right for you and your business an...
Free advice to get you started (IP as key commercial asset)
07 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Before seeking IP protection, it is critical to understand the landscape and potential scope of your rights. New entrepreneurs often ask, “Where do ...
Inspiring inventors: Pete and Ben Kibel
31 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast episode is a recording of the chat EPO patent examiner Edward Cooke had with the British brothers Pete and Ben Kibel, who together invent...
The art of defining the scope of your idea (IP as key commercial asset)
24 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Getting the scope of your intellectual property right at an early stage and aligning it with your business is crucial. But how do you go about i...
Deep tech innovation in the EU and US
03 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many of the smart, connected, autonomous devices driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) are created by small, agile companies. They often face...
Building on intellectual property to create a business: a real case
26 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When it comes to commercialising your technology, integrating intellectual property or IP, into your business strategy can be a game-changer. IP...
Vaccine technologies
19 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In 2019 the global market for vaccines was estimated to be worth $33 billion (US), barely 2.5% of the global market for pharmaceuticals. The COVID-19 ...
Smart urban mobility
12 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The current production delays caused by shortages of semiconductor chips prove just how much our cars have become computers on wheels. The automotive ...
Patents, pandemic and the rise of China - key trends in filings
05 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The new Patent Index 2021 reports on the latest trends in patent filings to the EPO. Digital technologies have boomed, and healthcare remained strong....
PATLIB centres and patent attorneys: allies or competitors?
29 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are many players in Europe’s IP ecosystem, some offering mostly free advice and support, others providing paid-for legal services. These need ...
Inspiring inventors: Marco Donolato
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What makes inventors tick? We at the EPO have launched a new talk series - Inspiring inventors - which gives you a unique opportunity to interact with...
Boosting wind energy operation - a spin-out story
01 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Renewable energy systems like wind power plants are heavily reliant on sensors for their smooth autonomous operation. Building on innovative research ...
Bringing augmented reality into the operation room: a technology transfer case study
22 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
One of the most exciting developments in surgery being seen today is the application of augmented reality. This innovative imaging technology assists ...
Guidelines for Examination - the attorneys' view (European Patent Bar)
08 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Meeting virtually for an after-work chat in the European Patent Bar, three patent attorneys discuss their work on the SACEPO Working Party on Guidelin...
3D printing high-performance polymers: a technology transfer case study
25 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, is already disrupting prototyping and production in many fields. It brings flexibility to the manufacturing pr...
Cycling safely into the future: a technology transfer case study
11 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The speed, weight and power of the latest e-bikes can surprise many riders – they need better brakes. With electrical power on board, it is now poss...
The key to longer, healthier lives? (European Inventor Award)
16 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Thanks to Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, scientists now have a precise method to grow heart, lung, skeletal and vascular tissue for transplants, disease mo...
Rock CO2, roll back climate change
02 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
How can technology reverse climate change? Icelandic innovators are collaborating worldwide and using their geological know-how to tackle humankind’...
Patents for tomorrow’s plastics
26 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The rate at which plastics are produced (about 50 million tonnes per year) is outpacing our ability to manage the resulting waste. New technologies wi...
The determination to heal wounds: a technology transfer case study
19 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This is the remarkable story of how four female researchers from a Turkish university laboratory secured market success for their new product to treat...
Inventing a way out of climate change (European Inventor Award)
30 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Henrik Lindström and Giovanni Fili pioneered a new type of solar cell that can even harvest electricity indoors. Their invention enables self-chargin...