According to a new study by the Patent and Technology Observatory of the European Patent Organization, developed in cooperation with Fraunhofer ISI, the country ranks 16th out of 39 European states in patent applications filed by public entities.

Between 2001 and 2020, Portuguese organizations submitted 265 patent applications to the European Patent Organization, corresponding to more than ten percent of the national total. The number gains special relevance as it reflects the growth of research capacity and the consolidation of a science and technology ecosystem that is beginning to compete with its European peers.

In the last two decades, the country has seen its institutions reinforce their commitment to innovation and technology transfer. The percentage of patents directly held by public organizations grew from 59% to almost 87%, a clear sign of a more mature and strategic institutional commitment. The study also highlights the role of reference entities such as INESC and the Institute of Telecommunications, which lead the volume of national applications.

Another fact that deserves attention is Portugal's strong adherence to the new Unitary Patent system, a model that simplifies the protection of inventions throughout Europe. National public organizations have a membership rate of more than 92%, more than double the European average, which places the country among the continental leaders, side by side with Italy and Spain.

Portuguese universities also stand out, with 92.9% of their patents granted in the first half of 2025 opting for unitary protection. These figures show not only scientific capacity, but also a growing orientation towards the practical application of research.

With 16 Portuguese startups among the more than 2,800 European startups that submit patent applications involving researchers from universities and public centers, Portugal strengthens the link between science, technology, and entrepreneurship. This is a clear sign of the maturity of the ecosystem and a solid foundation for growth that is preparing to gain new visibility on the Web Summit stage.