Sorbonne University ranks among the leading European public research institutions for patent applications. According to 2025 data from the European Patent Office (EPO), published on October 22, the university achieved 11th place in Europe. This result underscores the strong innovation momentum of French public research.
With this 11th position, Sorbonne University, alongside Université Paris Cité (9th), is recognized among the top public research institutions for patent applications in 2025. The EPO highlights the "strong interdisciplinary innovation dynamic" of these two universities.
These rankings broadly highlight the performance of French public research. Three national organizations are among the top four at the European level: the National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), leading with 729 patent applications, the Atomic and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA), third with 528 applications, and the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), fourth with 432 applications.
The EPO has also released its first benchmark study on technology transfer in Europe. Conducted in collaboration with ASTP (the European association of technology transfer professionals) and Fraunhofer ISI, it analyzes patent data and survey results from 809 technology transfer offices (TTOs). The study confirms the crucial role of universities and public research organizations in European innovation, accounting for approximately 9% of European patents, a proportion similar to that in the United States.
Public research plays a significant role in several technological sectors. In 2025, public research institutions were responsible for about 34% of European patent applications in biotechnology, 29% in quantum technologies, and 26% in pharmaceuticals.
In terms of creating spin-off companies from research, France ranks second in Europe with 633 companies recorded, behind the United Kingdom. Of these, 64.5% are in the seed stage, a critical phase for commercializing inventions.
The EPO's study emphasizes the importance of strengthening technology transfer in Europe to accelerate the transition of scientific discoveries into concrete applications. This includes better access to funding, enhanced links between research, businesses, and investors, and the development of European collaborations.
