President’s mission to Georgia

Chairman of Sakpatenti Soso Giorgadze, Minister of Education, Science and Youth Givi Mikanadze and EPO President António Campinos

On 20 and 21 April 2026, European Patent Office (EPO) President António Campinos visited Tbilisi, Georgia, for a series of high-level meetings and to participate in a conference jointly organised with Georgia’s National Intellectual Property Center (Sakpatenti) and dedicated to the role of patents in technology transfer. The visit was also the opportunity to reaffirm the strong and long-standing partnership between the EPO and Sakpatenti.

Advancing long-term partnership and future co-operation

During the mission, President Campinos held a meeting with the Minister of Education, Science and Youth Mr Givi Mikanadze. Discussions focused on the contribution of a robust patent system to economic development, innovation policy and international technology co-operation, as well as on Georgia’s continued alignment with European patent practices.

The visit also highlighted the strong track record of co-operation between Sakpatenti and the EPO. Discussions underlined the success of the Georgia’s validation agreement with the EPO, which has resulted in more than 300 validation requests in two years. These exchanges showcased how validation is contributing to building a more competitive and attractive innovation ecosystem by supporting technology transfer, foreign investment and the development of new technologies. As Minister Mikanadze underlined: "The validation agreement supports IP development in Georgia by establishing an environment where knowledge transforms into innovation.”

Patents as a driver of innovation and technology transfer

The conference “From Research to Impact: The Role of Patents in Technology Transfer” held on 20 April in Tbilisi brought together universities, research centres, technology transfer offices and innovation actors to explore how patents help translate research into market-ready solutions and can enable more effective international collaboration.

The agenda offered a comprehensive view of the innovation value chain, combining strategic policy perspectives with practical insights. In his keynote speech, President Campinos emphasised the role of patents in bridging research institutions and the market, the role that universities and research centres play as engines of innovation, and the importance of international co-operation via validation. “Technology transfer, foreign investment, and the development of new technologies depend on strong research, skilled intellectual property professionals, and solid legal frameworks. Patents and our validation agreement, by providing legal certainty, predictability, and clear professional standards, support researchers, universities, businesses of all sizes, and individual inventors in moving ideas from the laboratory to the market.” 

Sakpatenti Chaiperson Mr Giorgadze emphasized how the co-operation Sakpatenti EPO produces a transformational effect on the IP and innovation landscape in Georgia. Thanks to this co-operation, Georgia held its first professional examination in 10 years for patent attorneys.

The programme also featured Xavier Seuba, EPO Principal Director for the Academy, Professional Certifications and Learning Partnerships, who underlined the importance of IP skills and professional qualifications for effective technology transfer and competitiveness promotion. He highlighted the EPO’s certification offer, including the European qualifying examination (EQE) and European patent administration certification (EPAC) as internationally recognised quality benchmarks.

Innovation in practice: visit to JSC BioChimPharm

As part of the mission, President Campinos also visited JSC BioChimPharm, a leading Georgian biopharmaceutical company specialising in the research, development and industrial production of bacteriophage‑based therapies. Phage therapy relies on naturally occurring viruses that target and eliminate specific bacteria without affecting human cells and is considered a promising alternative or complement to antibiotics, particularly in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

President Campinos visiting the JSC BioChimPharm

BioChimPharm is an active user of the European patent system. With a strong focus on research, quality manufacturing and export‑oriented activity, the company reflects how robust patent protection and international cooperation contribute to positioning Georgia as a growing hub for advanced life‑sciences innovation.

Strengthening co-operation and innovation

The mission further served to promote key joint initiatives, including IP awareness and outreach as well as the development of patent culture, professional qualifications and talent in the IP field. It reflected the EPO’s long-term commitment to supporting innovation-driven growth, strengthening international co-operation and contributing to the development of robust and sustainable patent systems in partner countries.