The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Estonian Patent Office co-organized the High-Level Conference on the Achievements of the Baltic TTO Network Mentoring Program for Spin-Offs, held in Tallinn on January 15, 2025.
The conference marked the conclusion of the nine-month mentoring program, during which 30 participants from 18 universities and research institutions in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia gained essential expertise in IP management and spin-off development. These skills will enable them to drive technology commercialization across the region. To recognize their dedication and achievements, ADG Aleman awarded certificates to the graduates.
The event brought together key stakeholders from government, academia, and technology transfer offices, including representatives from Estonian ministries such as Renno Veinthal, Deputy Secretary General, the Ministry of Education and Research of Estonia, and Mr. Toñis Saar, Secretary General, Ministry of Justice and Digital Affairs. The conference celebrated the program’s successes and explored strategies to further strengthen IP-driven innovation. One of the key outcomes of the WIPO-Baltic TTO Network collaboration was highlighted – the recent Latvian legal reform, effective January 1, 2025, which now facilitates the creation of spin-offs.
Discussions also addressed ongoing challenges in technology transfer, particularly the lack of incentives for researchers to engage in commercialization. Vice-Rectors from Tallinn University of Technology and Vilnius Tech University emphasized the funding gap between universities and industry, stressing the need for greater financial support. ADG Aleman underscored the importance of equipping professionals with the right skills and introduced the Incentives in Technology Transfer Guide as a resource to help address these challenges.
WIPO and the Estonian Patent Office expressed their gratitude to the Patent Office of Latvia and the State Patent Bureau of Lithuania for their continued partnership. These collaborations are instrumental in fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem and driving sustainable economic growth across the region.
