Talk innovation: unlocking technology

European Patent Office
  • 5.0 (1)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

“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.

  1. Quantum in Europe: high stakes for emerging tech

    5D AGO

    Quantum in Europe: high stakes for emerging tech

    Quantum technologies promise to radically accelerate progress in medicine, climate modelling, materials science, energy systems and beyond. But what stage are these technologies at today?  Get an exciting look into the future of innovation as experts discuss Europe's world-class quantum science and startup scene and what it will take for their breakthroughs to scale. From finding the right talent and patient investors to developing resilient supply chains and strong intellectual property strategies, getting quantum to market can be complex but its potential impact is unprecedented.  Drawing on key highlights from a recent EPO-OECD study on quantum computing, communication and sensing, this episode explores how inventors, policymakers and investors are working together to drive the next quantum revolution.  Host: Marguerite McCaughan, Communications Manager, EPO  Guests:   Pere Arque Castells, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology  Guy Lalanne, Acting Head of Division - Productivity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)  Samira Nik, European Innovation Council  Alexandra Paul, Global Public Policy Lead, Pasqal  Pierre Jaeger, Quantum Strategic Partnership Europe & Quantum Leader France, IBM Quantum  Ylan Tran, Investor, Quantonation    More information:   Visit the EPO’s quantum technologies platform: epo.org/quantum

    25 min
  2. Recycling rare earth elements for real impact

    JAN 20

    Recycling rare earth elements for real impact

    Driven by a lifelong passion for science and a commitment to environmental sustainability, Marie Perrin discovered an innovative method for recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste. In this episode the winner of the World Builders Prize at the Young Inventors Prize 2025 shares her journey from doctoral researcher at ETH Zurich to co-founder of pioneering startup REEcover.   Marie and host Ed Cooke discuss the environmental challenges of rare earth mining, the technical breakthroughs behind her process and how her invention transforms electronic waste into a valuable resource, reducing chemical waste and energy use.  Marie also reflects on the importance of innovation in the circular economy, the powerful influence of role models and the steep learning curve for scientists turned entrepreneurs.    Host: Ed Cooke, EPO examiner  Guests: Marie Perrin, Chemist and REEcover co-founder  More information:   Marie Perrin’s profile on epo.org

    35 min

  3. 12/19/2025

    Out of the Box: cancer checkpoints and targeted toxins

    Join host Cristina Margarido and immunology expert Helena Domingues as they explore how groundbreaking health inventions are transforming lives.  From immune checkpoint inhibitors revolutionising cancer therapy to the surprising medical uses of Botox, they discuss the science behind these innovations, the increasing complexity of patent applications in these fields and the rewarding role of patent examiners in helping to bring these “out of the box” ideas into the real world.    Host: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices    Guests: Helena Domingues, EPO patent examiner in immunology

    16 min
  4. Science meets startup: public research on the rise

    12/08/2025

    Science meets startup: public research on the rise

    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 vital role in European competitiveness.    But this wasn't always the case. In this episode, cancer immunologist and entrepreneur Dr Jérôme Galon sheds light on how researchers have found increasing acceptance and support as they branch into business.      To illustrate this, the 2019 European Inventor Award winner shares his journey as an INSERM researcher and successful biotech founder, discussing the pivotal role of technology transfer offices, what it takes to turn groundbreaking discoveries into real-world impact and the evolving role of today's scientists. The conversation is accompanied by insights from the EPO Observatory's recent study on “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation.”      Host: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology     Guests: Dr. Jérôme Galon, Cancer immunologist and research director, French National Institute of Health and Medical Research (INSERM)     More information:   EPO study: “The role of European public research in patenting and innovation”  Profile of Dr. Jérôme Galon on the EPO website

    53 min
  5. Digital and data-driven: the new age of agriculture

    11/11/2025

    Digital and data-driven: the new age of agriculture

    The global population is growing, and digital agriculture is reshaping food production to meet their needs.   So, where is farming being re-invented and who's behind it? Join experts as they discuss the rise of cutting-edge technologies like AI robotics, data analytics and automation, sharing examples such as automated fruit trackers and smart farming platforms. Hear how public research bodies and private firms are collaborating to drive innovation, and what challenges Europe must tackle to stay ahead.    Host:   Marguerite McCaughan, Communications Manager, EPO     Guests:   Victor Veefkind, Patent Examiner in Detergents, Explosives, Fertilisers and Stream Leader for Technology Intelligence at the EPO’s Observatory    Christopher Armstrong, Manager of Start -ups & Open Innovation, German Agricultural Society    Stanley Oliveira, Senior Researcher, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)    More information:   Technology insight report “Digital Agriculture - Towards Sustainable Food Security”New technology platform on Digital Agriculture

    15 min
  6. HEADSTART: Challenging competitors’ patents: three times to act

    11/07/2025

    HEADSTART: Challenging competitors’ patents: three times to act

    Think a patent shouldn't have been granted? This episode explains: How to challenge a competitor’s patent – fromsubmitting observations and filing oppositions to seeking revocation.  When and how you can act, and why public inputmatters for patent quality. The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively.You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patent attorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

    5 min
  7. HEADSTART: ICT, AI and quantum: can such cutting-edge tech be patented?

    10/31/2025

    HEADSTART: ICT, AI and quantum: can such cutting-edge tech be patented?

    Can software be patented? Discover how computer-implemented inventions - including AI and quantum computing - can qualify for patent protection. In this episode, you’ll learn about the criteria under the European patent system, including the requirement to solve a technical problem in a novel and non-obvious way.  The general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

    3 min
  8. HEADSTART: Facts about applying for a patent: with (and without) a patent attorney

    10/24/2025

    HEADSTART: Facts about applying for a patent: with (and without) a patent attorney

    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. About the benefits of professionalrepresentation How to find the right attorney for your businessneedsThe general information in these videos provides only abroad overview and is not comprehensive. It is not a substitute for legal advice specific to your own needs, nor should it be relied upon exclusively. You should consult a qualified professional (for example a European patentattorney) before taking any actions that could impact your business.

    3 min
See All (148)

Trailers

About

“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.

Information

You Might Also Like