Visit by WIPO to the EPFL Changemakers & Blaze Spring 2023 Award Ceremony

Representatives of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) attended the Changemakers and Blaze Spring 2023 Startup Accelerator award ceremony at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). The event showcased a range of innovative start-ups operating across multiple sectors including education, sustainability, healthcare, construction and design. 

Participants highlighted the spirit of entrepreneurship and ingenuity, presenting groundbreaking projects that demonstrated the potential to revolutionize their respective industries. Projects featured included the Conspicuity Robotics, a breakthrough service that provides affordable access to advanced robotic systems through a unified interface. Neosens is a solution aimed at reducing unnecessary antibiotic treatment for newborns in low- and middle-income countries. Neuralworks Technologies has introduced a non-invasive computer interface for controlling spacecraft. 

EPFL's 10-week learning initiative, the Changemakers Program, has played a key role in fostering student ideas and turning them into viable start-up projects. Meanwhile, the EPFL Blaze Accelerator, a well-received 2-3 month accelerator program, provided coaching, community access and non-dilutive funding opportunities to help startups succeed in the competitive marketplace.

In collaboration with the EPFL Blaze Startup Accelerator, WIPO organized an intellectual property (IP) workshop tailored to participating startups. The aim of the workshop was to provide the necessary knowledge to identify IP within a project and develop appropriate protection strategies. By leveraging WIPO's expertise and resources, the EPFL Blaze Startup Accelerator aims to raise IP awareness among students and entrepreneurs, foster a culture of innovation and protect their creations. 

WIPO representatives were enthusiastic about working with the EPFL Blaze Startup Accelerator. Both organizations are interested in using the tools and training provided by WIPO to further support the startup ecosystem. The goal of this collaboration is to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by deepening their understanding of IP rights and creating an environment in which innovative ideas can flourish.