Educational session #4: Protect, Valorise, Fund: Leveraging intangible assets as strategic growth factors - Recording available
March 5, 2026
How can deep-tech innovators protect their knowledge, turn intangible assets into strategic value, and use them to attract investment? The EIC ACCESS+ Educational session on the topic “Protect, Valorise, Fund: Leveraging intangible assets as strategic growth factors”, organised on 26 February in collaboration with the EIC Ecosystem Partnership Programme, explored best practices for transforming breakthrough science into investable businesses.
Insights from the session
The session featured contributions from three EIC Ecosystem Partners who addressed different aspects of intellectual property strategy, technology valorisation and investment readiness.
- Cabinet M. Oproiu, represented by Raluca Vasilescu, introduced the fundamentals of developing a strategic patent approach. The presentation explored the key decisions innovators need to take when protecting their inventions, including when to file patents, how to align patent strategy with business objectives and how to avoid common mistakes such as premature disclosure of technical information. View presentation.
- FUEGA, represented by Teresa Sixto Anello, focused on how intellectual property can function as a strategic asset for technology transfer and commercialisation. The presentation highlighted how companies can use IP to support collaboration, licensing or spin-off creation, and how assessing technology readiness and market potential can help position innovations for successful exploitation. View presentation.
- De Tullio & Partners, represented by Elio De Tullio, addressed the role of intellectual property in investment readiness and fundraising. The presentation showed how well-structured IP governance and clear ownership of intangible assets are essential during investor due-diligence processes and can significantly influence negotiations and funding outcomes. View presentation.
Together, the presentations illustrated how intellectual property management, technology valorisation and investor readiness are closely interconnected in the journey from innovation to market.
Key takeaways:
The session highlighted how intellectual property and intangible assets can play a strategic role in the development and scaling of deep-tech innovation.
- Protect – Building a clear patent strategy early
Speakers emphasised the importance of protecting inventions before any public disclosure and aligning patent decisions with technology development, market strategy and funding plans. Understanding when and where to file patents, and recognising early signs of under-protection, helps innovators secure their technological advantage.
- Valorise – Turning intellectual assets into economic value
Intellectual property can support different commercialisation pathways, including licensing, spin-offs and co-development partnerships. Assessing technology readiness, market potential and competitive positioning helps innovators prepare their technologies for successful exploitation.
- Fund – Using IP to strengthen investor readiness
A well-structured IP portfolio can support fundraising efforts. Clear ownership of intellectual property, freedom-to-operate analysis and a coherent commercialisation strategy help companies demonstrate credibility and readiness during investor due-diligence processes.
About the Educational Sessions
The EIC ACCESS+ educational sessions are part of a broader effort to offer a practical and value-driven format to help EIC Awardees and Seal of Excellence holders navigate their most common challenges. Each session is led by experienced EIC Ecosystem Partners who share use cases, expert guidance, and actionable tools drawn from their service offerings. The aim is to help beneficiaries better understand the specialised support available within the EIC Service Catalogue, make informed decisions based on their needs and maturity level, and build meaningful connections supported by the EIC ACCESS+ initiative.
If you are interested in learning more about EIC ACCESS+ initiatives, we invite you to join our matchmaking and info sessions or watch the recording of the previous educational session: