Technologies
The EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology uses patent data to analyse emerging technologies and their role in shaping the future. We explore key innovation areas such as health, energy and space. The insights, freely accessible, provide a deeper understanding of how technological advancements address global challenges such as the climate crisis or the fight against cancer.
Health
Combatting cancer
Innovations in cancer diagnostics, treatments and medicine are thriving. Patent trends reveal how new technologies are improving early detection and treatment outcomes.
Assistive robotics
Robotics designed for people with special needs are advancing rapidly. Patents show the progress in these robotic systems, whether they are focused on daily support, rehabilitation or recovery.
Fighting coronavirus
The global response to COVID-19 spurred unprecedented innovation. Follow the developments in vaccines, treatments, diagnostics and protective equipment on this technology platform.
Energy and climate
Energy enabling technologies
From smart grids to storage and renewable hydrogen, enabling technologies are crucial to building a stable, flexible and low-carbon energy system.
Energy generation technologies
From next-generation wind turbines to ultra-efficient solar and geothermal systems, innovation is accelerating the shift to mainstream renewable energy.
Commercialising cleantech
Turning green inventions into scalable business is key to decarbonisation. Patent trends offer insights into innovation and commercialisation in this field.
Water technologies
Technologies for the provision of water and, equally, for the protection from water are vital for our security. Innovation in this field is both essential and growing.
Firefighting technologies
Innovation in fire prevention, firefighting, wildfire control and forest restoration is key to tackling climate change and urban risks. On this technology platform you can follow the developments in these areas.
The future of plastics
Innovation in plastic waste management is driving the shift towards a circular economy. Patents trace the evolution of sustainable innovation in this field.
New frontier technologies
Space technologies
Space innovation is critical for expanding our understanding of the cosmos and for improving life on Earth. The growing engagement of entrepreneurs in space innovation has accelerated the pace of change, increasing the need to track new developments.
Digital agriculture
As global demand for food and farmland grows, digital agriculture offers smart, data-driven solutions to achieve sustainable and efficient farming.
Our latest resources
This technology insight report highlights the crucial role of smart farming in addressing food security, sustainability and climate challenges.
Find thousands of patent applications relating to digital agriculture classified by subfield. This curated platform makes it easy for researchers and inventors to explore the latest inventions by area.
This report presents technology trends in the field of photovoltaics over the span of five decades.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
The technologies highlighted by the Observatory directly align with, and support, several UN SDGs, including:
