Turning tech into capital: EPO to present new innovation case studies at SLUSH 2025

On 19 November, the European Patent Office (EPO) will participate in SLUSH 2025, a leading event for startups. EPO representatives will co-host a workshop with the Finnish Patent and Registration Office (PRH), featuring contributions from the European Innovation Council (EIC) and leading venture capital experts. 

At the workshop, the EPO will present its first investment-focused innovation case studies, which reveal the real link between intellectual property (IP) and funding. By exploring why patents appeal to investors, these case studies introduce the investor’s viewpoint to the popular EPO case studies series. Speakers include a private venture capital investor who authored one of the case studies and who will share their unique insights with the audience.

The EPO and PRH will also showcase free, data-driven tools and support programmes, which help investors and startups align on the visibility and credibility of emerging technologies. Such tools include the EPO Observatory’s Deep Tech Finder, which helps startups, investors and innovation stakeholders understand and leverage IP as a strategic asset.

You can attend the workshop in person, with or without a SLUSH ticket. Please register here: EPO–PRH workshop registration.

New case studies showcase how patents drive investment and growth in startups

These case studies will be integrated in the EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology’s Financing innovation programme. 

Infinite Roots (biotechnology, Germany)

Infinite Roots (formerly Mushlabs) is pioneering new food systems by innovating across the value chain: from circular fermentation feedstocks using agricultural byproducts to formulating consumer products leveraging the functional advantages of mycelium. The company’s vision extends beyond meat alternatives, targeting food waste reduction, emission control and food security challenges.

Lightyear (sustainable transport, Netherlands) 

Determined to develop a revolutionary solar-powered electric car, a team from the Technical University of Eindhoven founded Lightyear One in 2016. Leveraging their expertise honed through multiple wins at the World Solar Challenge and an early focus on building a robust patent portfolio, they secured investor interest and began production in 2022. Despite facing bankruptcy, their IP strategy enabled a pivot towards becoming a leading supplier of solar roof modules and charging systems.

Arevo (sustainable agriculture, Sweden)

Arevo is a Swedish startup founded by Professor Torgny Näsholm in 2015. At that time, the company developed sustainable plant nutrition for the forestry sector. After almost a decade in forestry, Arevo aimed to enter the agriculture sector, prompting the need for investment. Collaborating closely with investors proved invaluable, enabling the company to refine its IP strategy, attract investors, develop new products, hire expert staff and successfully expand into new markets.

EPO and member states strengthen their co-operation on engaging with startups

The SLUSH event forms part of the broader co-operation project “Reaching out to high-tech startups”, a joint initiative with EPO member states. Through this initiative, the EPO supports or participates in startup fairs and innovation events alongside national patent offices. The aim is to demonstrate how IP supports the innovation journey, through workshops, panel sessions and presentations.