Talk innovation: unlocking technology

How can plant biotechnology help crops withstand drought, flooding and disease, clean polluted soil and even produce medicines?  In this episode, Jeremy Philpott explores the science and IP protection behind plant technologies with Julia Krüger, an EPO patent examiner in biological materials, and Jean-Luc Gal, a patent lawyer. They explore the groundbreaking research behind gene editing, biotechnology’s role in supporting food security and climate resilience, and the patents and plant variety rights that reward inventors.  Host: Jeremy Philpott, communications manager, EPO  Guests:  Julia Krüger, patent examiner; EPO Jean-Luc Gal, patent lawyer, EPO   More information: Insight into plant biotechnology Biotech Patents  Q&A on plant patents

What if millions of used electric vehicle (EV)  batteries weren’t waste, but instead a valuable resource? Drawing on insights from the International Energy Agency and EPO patent data, this episode explores how battery circularity can extend the life of EV batteries, reduce uncertainty around obtaining critical materials like lithium and cobalt, and support a more sustainable energy future. From second-life applications and advanced recycling technologies to policy developments like digital battery passports, discover how innovation is reshaping the lifecycle of batteries.  Host: Marguerite McCaughan Communications Manager, EPO   Guests: Teo Lombardo (International Energy Agency) More information:   Observatory on Patents and Technology Technology insight report "Battery circularity - Innovation trends for a future source of critical materials" EU Battery Passport

Could better lighting really be the key to unlocking better health and safety outcomes?  Join two EPO examiners as they explore how advances in LED lighting technologies are transforming everyday life. From adaptive lighting systems that support hospital patient recovery to smart brake lights that communicate with other vehicles to reduce accidents, discover how controlled light is becoming a key tool in both safety and healthcare.  Host: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices  Guest: Ian Morrish, EPO patent examiner in lighting control & electronic circuits 

We're surrounded by debris that's invisible to the naked eye. With thousands of inactive satellites orbiting Earth, space is becoming an increasingly critical sustainability frontier.  In this edited recording from the Inspiring Inventors live event series, Italian aerospace engineer Luca Rossettini explores how autonomous technology can reduce space debris and protect satellites in orbit.  During his conversation with EPO patent examiner Edward Cooke, Luca traces his journey from childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut to time spent in Silicon Valley and NASA, and how that path led him to founding D-Orbit Group, a space logistics company nominated for the European Inventor Award 2023.  He breaks down his innovative technology in simple terms and explains its evolution into in-orbit transportation and future space servicing. Along the way, he explores themes related to engineering, entrepreneurship, sustainability and intellectual property.  Host: Edward Cooke, EPO patent examiner Guest: Luca Rossettini, founder and CEO of D-Orbit Group. Finalist for the European Inventor Award 2023. More information:   Luca Rossettini’s profile on epo.org 

Reducing aircraft fuel consumption isn't just a question of combating rising prices and scarcity, it's also crucial for protecting our environment.  Join two EPO patent examiners as they discuss how breakthroughs in aircraft engines, gas turbines and hydrogen are shaping the future of aviation and space mobility. They also explain the role patents play, enabling new discoveries to build on old ones.  Host: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices  Guests: Stefano Angelucci, EPO patent examiner in compressors, pumps & gas turbines 

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work and innovate, but it is also driving a rapid increase in energy demand, raising urgent questions about sustainability and climate impact. Drawing on insights from European Patent Office experts and patenting trends across AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and smart grids, this episode highlights how inventors are tackling one of today’s defining challenges. Their innovation will determine whether AI becomes a climate liability or a driver of a more sustainable future. From more efficient AI models and specialised chips to smart grids, energy storage solutions and cooling systems, discover the technologies that could significantly reduce energy use while enabling AI to continue scaling, unlocking even greater potential. Host: Jeremy Philpott, EPO communication manager Guests: Yann Ménière, EPO Chief Economist Sandra Zeljkovic, EPO patent examiner in electrical power converters Nicolas Douarche, EPO patent examiner and team manager in core AI & quantum computing More information: EPO Technology Dashboard 2025 EPO's Observatory on Patents and Technology Sophie Wilson, European Inventor Award finalist 2013 Jaan Leis, Mati Arulepp and Anti Perkson (Skeleton Technologies), European Inventor Award winners 2022

From leaving school at 16 to directing  breakthrough  research  programmes  at top universities, Professor Dame Carol Robinson has had a rich and nonlinear STEM career.  Listen as she explains how persistence and practical skills helped her field hurdles while tackling imposter syndrome and a career break to raise her children. She also discusses the improvements she's seen for future generations, the importance of mentorship in academia and industry, and the value she sees in owning your story, whatever it may be.   This conversation includes insights from the EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology's new study on the gender gap across Europe's innovation ecosystem.  Host: Victor Arribas Martinez, Stream leader, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology  Guest: Professor Dame Carol Robinson, Director of the Kavli Institute for Nanoscience Discovery at Oxford University, Founder and Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board at OMass Therapeutics More information:    “Advancing women in STEM. A data-driven assessment of the gender gap across Europe’s innovation ecosystem” March 2026 study from the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology Recording of the event “The future needs her: Advancing women in STEM” Carol Vivien Robinson: Advancing biochemistry with mass spectrometry (epo.org)

From mobile streaming to videos only intended to be seen by computers, the technology behind compression algorithms has opened a world of possibilities that goes far beyond entertainment.   Join two EPO patent examiners as they discuss how decades of global collaboration have shaped today's digital technologies, and how new approaches to video coding can improve speed, privacy and efficiency in areas like autonomous driving and smart cities.  Host: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices  Guests: Maryse Stoufs, EPO patent examiner in video coding & compression. 

Join two EPO examiners as they explore the out-of-this-world to everyday advancements made possible by 3D printing. From printing tools in outer space to creating smart safety coatings for cell batteries to help protect children, discover the materials science behind these additive and powder technologies. Get insight into what makes these breakthroughs truly “out of the box,” and what it's like to examine inventions at the forefront of innovation.    Host: Cristina Lopes Margarido, EPO patent examiner in culinary equipment & food treating devices   Guest: Inga Helgadóttir, EPO patent examiner in additive & powder technology  

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