Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, polluting not just our environment but also even our bodies. Thankfully, the latest advancements in plastic waste recovery and recycling are paving the way towards a more sustainable future. Join Marguerite McCaughan as she explores the complexities behind these processes and speaks with experts about cutting-edge solutions and the role EU policies play in promoting recycling. In this episode Paloma Aldeguer, Chief of Staff at Recycleye, shares insights into how artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionising plastic sorting and recycling. Joana Xavier, Director of Transformation and Sustainability at Valorsul, also discusses the technologies currently employed at Portugal's largest municipal waste processing plant. Pauline Vandoolaeghe, a patent examiner in polymer chemistry, joins the conversation to explain the chemical processes involved in plastic recycling, which include pyrolysis, chemolysis and enzymatic depolymerisation. Together, they provide an insightful look into the future of sustainable plastics. Narrator: Marguerite McCaughan, Communications manager, EPO Guests: Paloma Aldeguer, Chief of Staff, Recycleye Joana Xavier, Director of Transformation and Sustainability, Valorsul Pauline Vandoolaeghe, Patent examiner, EPO Further information: EPO technology platform on plastic waste management and alternative plastics Full report "Plastics in transition - technologies for plastics waste management"Deep Tech Finder
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17:01
What's up? What's down? - Technologies in 2024
Curious where the latest technology trends are heading? The EPO's annual Patent Index offers a comprehensive look into these advancements, tracking technological growth and patenting activity as well as top applicants and countries in the lead. Join EPO experts as they guide you through 2024’s key insights and explore some of the top fields like computer technology; electrical machinery, apparatus, energy; and transport. They also discuss the uptake of the Unitary Patent and how often women inventors were named on patent applications. Narrator: Jeremy Philpott, EPO Communication Manager Guests: Gilles Requena, EPO Chief Patent Research and Policy Officer Wiebke Hinrichs, EPO Patent Examiner in Cycles, Frames, Chains & Safety Marc Nicolas, Business Analyst at the EPO Yann Ménière, EPO Chief Economist Further resources: Patent Index 2024 Studies and reports Women’s participation in inventive activity (November 2022) EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology
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19:39
Closing the funding gap to boost Europe’s tech startups
How can European startups bridge the funding gap they face compared to their US counterparts? A recent study by the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology highlights the important role of tech-savvy investors and provides a comprehensive mapping of investors supporting European innovators. Discover the unique value that tech-focused investors bring to startups from Adéla Dvořáková, a Tech-to-Market Advisor at the European Innovation Council, and Sara Frykstrand Ångström, Head of Intelligence at Sweden's venture capital fund Industrifonden. Hear them discuss the study’s key findings as they share insights on the importance of a dual financing and IP strategy, the role of smart and patient capital and the need for a balanced pipeline of investors at various stages of a startup’s technological maturity. They also discuss the main challenges European investors face compared to their US counterparts. Moderator: Pere Arque Castells, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology Guests: Adéla Dvořáková, Tech –to Market Advisor, European Innovation Council Sara Frykstrand Ångström, Head of Intelligence, Industrifonden Further resources: “Mapping investors” study Financing innovation programme of the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology Deep Tech Finder - EPO’s tool helping match startups with investors
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28:23
Rocket science 101: inside space propulsion
Space technology is evolving at light speed and may
even offer solutions to global challenges such as climate change. Join expert guests as they explore the significance of space propulsion for various applications, the
rapid transformation of the space sector, the growing number of players in the field and the boom in spacecraft launches over the past decade. The episode provides fascinating insights into propulsion systems, including chemical and electric propulsion, and their applications in different phases of space missions. The panel also touches on innovative concepts like atmosphere-breathing
propulsion and tethered propulsion, which may drive future space missions.
Moderator:
Johannes Schaaf, EPO Chief Economist Unit
Guests:
Lars Petzold, Research Fellow, European Space Policy Institute
Stephan Speidel, Technology Transfer Engineer, HE Space
Operations
Geert Boedt, EPO Chief Economist Unit
Further resources:
Patent insight report on propulsion systems for space (May 2024)
Space innovation platform
Previous podcasts on space:
“From Mars to Morocco: space innovations for Earth challenges”
"Houston, we have solutions"
"Earth observations for a greener planet" podcast
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31:39
Breaking the silence on noise pollution
Inspiring Inventors
Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease…these are just some medical issues that can be caused by loud noise. Friends and business partners Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll are tackling this problem with an advanced acoustic material that can dampen noise in a variety of applications. What began as a school science fair project evolved into a business with a unique product and exceptional potential. In this episode, we explore Rhona’s journey and how friendship became the foundation for a groundbreaking business. We’ll also hear about the vital support they received from local business development organisations and patent attorneys.
Moderator: Edward Cooke, EPO, patent examiner
Inspiring Inventors:
Each episode features a former European Inventor Award finalist, delves into the story behind their invention and provides insights on how they took their idea from the lab to the market.
“Talk innovation: unlocking technology” is brought to you by the European Patent Office (EPO). Expert presenters and guests – including our patent examiners - provide their perspective on technology trends and highlight ground-breaking inventions. Join us to learn more on the role of patents and the intellectual property (IP) system in supporting society and the economy.
Opinions expressed by podcast participants are their own and may not reflect the views of the EPO.
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