• European Patent Office (EPO) announces knowledge-sharing tool for researchers, entrepreneurs and policymakers working in space sector
• The platform, enabling easy and precise navigation of the information found in patents, presented at online event
• EPO’s Deep Tech Finder also updated to make it easier to search for investment-ready space startups
• New patent insight report published on propulsion systems for space

 MUNICH - The European Patent Office (EPO) is launching a new technology platform to help scientists, engineers, governments and businesses in the space sector navigate the wealth of free information available in patents, according to the official website of EPO. 

Space technologies are crucial not only for their role in advancing our understanding of the universe, but also for tackling global challenges and enhancing our daily lives, from mobile communication and weather forecasting to safety and security. While governments are important engines in the space sector, private actors are becoming increasingly involved. This has accelerated the sector’s growth, increasing the need to monitor new developments.
According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, the space economy could be worth USD 1.8 trillion by 2035, up from USD 630 billion in 2023

EPO President António Campinos said: “So many of the breakthroughs that happen here on earth, are made possible by breakthroughs that happen in space. This technology platform offers a real-time window into technology trends in two important domains of space: cosmonautics and space observation.”

The new platform on space-related inventions allows users to easily identify patent documents concerning over 60 technical topics in cosmonautics and space observation. Patent examiners from national patent offices and the EPO have put their expertise into creating advanced search strategies, enabling those unfamiliar with patent searching to navigate through Espacenet, the world’s most advanced database for patent literature.   

Connecting European space startups with investors

In addition to the platform, the EPO has updated its free Deep Tech Finder by adding a new filter for space-related technologies. This tool includes profiles (including the patents and funding history) of more than 8,400 startups that have filed patent applications at the EPO from all over Europe. It can now help investors and potential partners find innovative European space startups, thus supporting the development and commercialization of new technologies.

Patents and propulsion systems: identifying trends

The EPO also published a new patent insight report today, “Propulsion systems for space”, which maps developments in this rapidly expanding field. The report finds that space propulsion systems have seen a strong increase in patent activity in the past 20 years, increasing on average by 9% a year. International patent activity is mainly concentrated in traditional space sector leaders, including the US, Europe and China. This is the fourth in a series of patent insight reports published by the EPO together with the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI) in collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) to investigate global patent filing trends in different fields of space technologies.

The new platform and other tools are being launched today at a free online conference “Space technologies: tracking innovation and startup development”. The event brings together experts from the EPO, the European Southern Observatory (ESO), ESA, ESPI and companies active in this sector.