31.03.2025Patent Index 2024: Switzerland leads patent applications per capita

Switzerland demonstrates its innovative prowess, ranking fist in Europe for patents per capita, according to the Patent Index 2024 from the European Patent Office (EPO).

Switzerland continues to lead the field in terms of patent applications per capita, followed by several Nordic countries. This impressive performance underlines the importance of innovation and research in our country!

The Patent Index 2024 published by the European Patent Office (EPO) shows that inventive activity continues to flourish. Not only large companies are contributing to this: 22% of all patent applications from Europe come from individuals or SMEs and 7% from universities and public research institutions.

In 2024, the University of Zurich recorded 35 patent applications and 61 invention disclosures. By helping researchers recognise, develop and realise the innovation potential of their ideas and research, the Innovation Hub by the University of Zurich plays a central role in promoting and transferring innovation.