he lack of information available to companies and the need for support measures for the management of Intellectual Property (IP) for the growth of SME were the driving factors behind the creation of the VIP4SME project. This initiative, which aims for the valorisation of Intellectual Property of SME is financed by the European Commission through HORIZON2020.

In general, the purpose is to contribute to the increase of innovation capacity in SME and, consequently, also increase their competitiveness and capacity for technological growth. Specifically, the objective of this project is to provide information and support to companies that wish to choose the best strategy for the protection of their innovation/creations. It should be noted that, in the ambit of this project, the “IP ToolBox” was developed, a tool that offers practical and viable solutions to companies. It is aimed at providing better management and exploration of IP, and where companies can access information on the commercialisation of IP, national and local events for SME, publications, among other.

As an associated partner of VIP4SME, TecMinho is one of the organisations that collaborates in the implementation of the activities foreseen in this project. Focussing on the information and initiatives available to support SME, enabling them to recognise the true value of the Intellectual Property they create and possess.
More information can be consulted at www.innovaccess.eu, the website used for the VIP4SME project.