五間英國初創企業取得 Panasonic、Nokia、NEC 及 DENSO 的八項專利技術

Five UK startups have won the rights to patented technologies developed by some of the world's largest corporations, a prize that could transform their ability to compete at home and internationally. 

The five winners of IPHatch UK 2026 have secured eight patents originating from Panasonic,  Nokia, NEC and DENSO, giving them access to innovations that would ordinarily be far beyond the reach of young businesses.  The achievement follows a highly competitive selection process for the fourth annual UK  competition.

Twenty-one startups were shortlisted for the final pitch day at City of Glasgow  College, and five were selected.  Winners also gain a direct relationship with the corporations behind the technology, which could open doors to future collaboration, investment and international markets.  The five successful companies are: 

• CALMS International (West Midlands), an enterprise software company, awarded  an NEC patent 

• Cyber Nandhini (Aberdeen), a cybersecurity business, awarded a Nokia patent

• The Discourse AI (Suffolk), an education technology and AI company, awarded two  Panasonic patents 

• Mixd Reality (Staffordshire), an augmented reality and education technology  company, awarded a Panasonic patent 

• RS9 Technologies (West Midlands), a cybersecurity and AI business, awarded three  DENSO patents 

As AI accelerates, patents could become an even bigger competitive advantage  AI is rapidly cutting the time and cost of building software, making it harder for businesses to rely on their technology alone to stay ahead of competitors. 

Building on an existing, granted patent can reduce R&D time and cost for a startup, and give it patented technology developed by a global corporation.

For major corporations, the model puts valuable but underused patents to work through ambitious startups, rather than leaving them sitting in corporate portfolios.

 For smaller businesses, it offers a rare chance to build on years of corporate R&D,  strengthening their technology, competitive position and potential for international growth. 

Deepak Pathak, European Ambassador for Piece Future /IPHatch, said: 

"Britain has some extraordinary entrepreneurs, but imagine what more they could achieve if we connected them directly with the technology, expertise and resources of the world's largest companies. 

We're opening doors that would ordinarily be closed to smaller businesses, giving them valuable technology, stronger protection against competition and opportunities for future partnerships with global giants.“

Operated by  Piece Future, IPHatch has commercialised more than 350 patents and welcomed more than  100 startups through 14 competitions across 12 markets, connecting entrepreneurs with technologies developed by multinational corporations. 

Lead image: Deepak Pathak, now European Ambassador for Piece Future / IPHatch, presenting at the IPHatch UK launch event.  Photo: IPHatch.