In a world where innovation is key to success, Iprova, a Swiss-based company, is pushing the boundaries of invention through artificial intelligence (AI). Led by Ioannis Ierides, the company harnesses AI to help large corporations such as Procter & Gamble, Deutsche Telekom, and Panasonic uncover new, patentable ideas. Iprova's technology offers something new in an age where time and creativity are as valuable as the inventions themselves: it can accelerate the process of idea generation by scanning and connecting data across far-flung industries.
At the core of Iprova’s offering is an AI tool designed to sift through vast volumes of literature—ranging from patents to peer-reviewed articles—and suggest inventions by combining previously unconnected ideas. While humans remain the officially recognized inventors, the AI system plays a crucial role in providing inspiration and direction, enabling companies to keep pace with fast-changing industries.
AI in Action: Redefining Invention
Ierides, a business-development manager at Iprova, uses the company’s AI-powered software to help companies find new solutions to complex problems. For example, Panasonic sought Iprova’s help in developing novel uses for autonomous vehicles. The AI-driven tool suggested a forward-thinking solution: when passengers aren't using autonomous cars, they could double as gig workers, delivering parcels. This inventive idea resulted in Panasonic filing a patent.
What makes Iprova’s tool so effective is its ability to bridge disparate fields of knowledge. The system identifies connections between otherwise unrelated research areas to propose inventions. A standout example is when Iprova connected the fields of lithium batteries and encryption technology. Their AI discovered that the random degradation of lithium batteries could be used to generate unique encryption keys, opening up a novel approach to mobile device security.
While AI can suggest a myriad of ideas, Iprova’s process still relies on human intuition and creativity. As Iprova’s CEO Julian Nolan explains, “Invention is a winner-takes-all activity. If you’re second, you’re too late.” He emphasizes that while the AI software presents ideas, it’s up to the inventors and clients to refine and pursue them—highlighting the symbiotic relationship between AI and human ingenuity.
The Human Touch: Invention with a Twist
The AI’s strength lies in its ability to parse vast amounts of information and recognize patterns that would take humans much longer to identify. However, invention remains a collaborative process between human inventors and AI. As Nolan often points out, AI can suggest novel “ingredients” for an invention, but it takes human insight to understand how best to combine those ideas into something practical and commercially viable.
This human-AI partnership is critical because, while AI can identify potential inventions, it lacks the ability to assess their practicality or market potential. Procter & Gamble’s research fellow, Paul Sagel, succinctly summarized this relationship during a panel at an Iprova-organized industry meeting: “AI really can’t invent. It has to have some element of human assistance… otherwise it hallucinates.” AI-generated inventions, much like hallucinations, may present strange or unusual connections, but it takes human expertise to determine whether they are worth pursuing.
AI’s Role in Intellectual Property and Competitive Edge
In the world of intellectual property, securing a patent is often about being first to market with an idea, and Iprova’s software gives its clients a distinct advantage by accelerating the innovation process. However, not every idea is destined to become a commercial product. Companies may patent ideas to protect intellectual property, even if they aren’t yet ready to bring those ideas to market. In some cases, these patents act as a deterrent to competitors or as a way to secure future licensing opportunities.
While some might view this as “patent trolling,” Iprova’s model is built on collaboration with clients rather than producing ideas in isolation. According to Harry Cronin, Iprova’s head of standards, the company’s software is tailored to client needs, ensuring that the inventions generated are relevant and actionable.
Moreover, Iprova’s AI isn’t just about protecting ideas—it’s about navigating an increasingly complex technological landscape. For example, the company’s software is equipped to track telecom standards and help inventors develop 3GPP-compatible inventions. This capability is crucial in a world where telecom and technology standards are proliferating, and keeping up with them can be a significant challenge for inventors.
The Future of AI-Driven Invention
As AI continues to evolve, it’s likely to play an even more central role in the invention process. Some, like Julian Nolan, envision a future where invention becomes a more predictable and regular occurrence, driven by AI’s ability to consistently deliver new ideas. Others, like Biomedit’s chief technology officer Eric Bonabeau, embrace the chaotic, serendipitous nature of AI-generated inventions, likening them to a “mushroom trip” that opens up new avenues for innovation.
Ultimately, while AI can greatly enhance the speed and scope of idea generation, it remains a tool—one that still requires human creativity and insight to turn ideas into practical, commercially viable inventions. As AI continues to improve, the line between human and machine-generated innovation may blur, but for now, it’s clear that invention is still a fundamentally human endeavor, with AI as a powerful assistant.
In a world where the race for innovation is faster than ever, Iprova’s AI-powered approach is helping companies stay ahead of the curve—making invention a process not just of creativity, but of data-driven strategy.
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