By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
A new study reveals that 40% of global inventions in water related technologies are from European applicants. The European Patent Office has introduced three new resources to aid inventors, researchers, policymakers, and investors in addressing critical water supply and management issues, as well as threats from flooding and coastal erosion. These resources include a comprehensive study on water technology trends, a new technology platform for easier access to patent information, and enhanced filters in the Deep Tech Finder tool for water related technologies.
The EPO’s study highlights the global trends in water technologies, noting that Europe leads in this sector with applicants from EPO's 39 member states contributing 40% of international patent families from 1992 to 2021. Germany, France, and the UK are the top European countries in this field, followed by the US and Japan. The study also identifies water treatment as the largest area of innovation, with a growing focus on efficient treatment and automation.
Large companies like Veolia, Xylem, and Kurita are the top patent applicants in water technologies. However, university and public research contributions have risen significantly, with institutions like the Chinese Academy of Sciences and CNRS making notable advancements.
The EPO has developed a new technology platform on water innovation, collaborating with national patent offices to create 77 search concepts under themes of clean water and sanitation, and protection against water related hazards. This platform helps users navigate the Espacenet patent database to access the latest advancements and research opportunities in the water sector.
Additionally, the EPO has updated its Deep Tech Finder tool, which now profiles over 8,500 European startups, including those in water related technologies. This tool connects investors with startups holding European patents, fostering investment and partnership opportunities in various technological fields.
EPO President António Campinos emphasized the importance of innovation in tackling water related challenges, especially in the context of climate change, and highlighted how these new resources support the development of innovative solutions to secure water supply and protect against water hazards.
