Technology platforms
As part of the EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology’s initiatives, the EPO provides several technology platforms that make it easier for scientists, researchers and the general public to explore thousands of free patent documents on Espacenet in specific technical fields. The subject areas covered by each of the platforms are classified and reviewed by EPO patent examiners to ensure their accuracy and relevance across different technologies. Each technical concept is represented by a search statement in Espacenet, providing users with a curated starting point for further refinement or amendments. The retrieved patent documents contain useful technical, scientific and commercial information, which can be valuable for research and afford a deeper understanding of technology in a specific field.
Find technologies for
Water innovation
Critical water challenges are on the rise globally. Both the lack of access to clean water and dangers from ever more frequent flood events need to be addressed urgently. Innovation in water-related technologies must be a priority when fighting the effects of climate change and global warming.
Space innovation
Space innovation is critical both for expanding our understanding of the cosmos and for improving life on Earth. The growing engagement of private actors has accelerated the pace of space innovation, increasing the need to track new developments.
Combatting cancer
As medical science reduces mortality from many other diseases, the incidence of cancer is expected to increase rapidly because of ageing populations, unhealthy lifestyles and unfavourable environmental conditions. Innovation in technologies for fighting cancer is essential to address this challenge.
Firefighting
Forest wildfires represent a severe hazard. As their frequency and intensity increase, their implications are becoming global. However, the pace of innovation is also increasing in areas such as fire prevention and firefighting.
Clean energy
In today's world, we face a multitude of energy-related issues both as a society and at an individual level. However, one issue that affects us all is climate change.
Fighting coronavirus
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has led to an urgent search for vaccines, treatments and technologies that can counter the spread of disease and save lives.
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