Financing innovation programme
The mission of this programme is to improve access to financial markets for European innovators, with a particular focus on inventors, start-ups and SMEs. These entities play a crucial role in commercialising ideas with great potential to drive progress. However, they often face financial barriers that prevent them from growing into scalable businesses. The programme aims to expand funding opportunities by effectively leveraging patents and other intellectual property assets.
Our programme
Patents are key assets for bringing ideas to market since they help secure the funding required for development and commercialisation. To ensure everyone can benefit from patents, the EPO offers tailored schemes for smaller and less experienced entities. You can check them out on this website. We also offer a wide range of materials to help startups and investors effectively use patents for financing innovation. Explore these opportunities and stay informed with our latest updates!
More materials
Learn about additional materials you can use to leverage patents for financing innovation.
Learning
Explore online courses covering a range of topics aimed at increasing your understanding of IP. Tailored for SMEs, research institutions, IP managers and CEOs
Support
PATLIB Centres provide innovators, businesses and researchers with personalised assistance concerning patents, IP management and access to patent information.
Other tools
Use the EPO's IPscore to assess the value and potential of your patents for better decision-making.
Spotlight news on financing innovation
New study maps public and private investors in European technology startups, and explores key areas for European competitiveness
Mario Draghi’s personal vision points to critical role for patent system