Public domain report highlights technologies born from astronomy

The document, produced by INAPI in collaboration with CATA, brings together a selection of 30 technologies with potential for use and transfer.

The latest public domain report prepared by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) identifies thirty patents related to astronomical technologies that are currently in the public domain in Chile. The document was developed in collaboration with the Technology Transfer Unit of the Center for Astrophysics and Associated Technologies – CATA (ANID Basal Center), which contributed its expertise in astronomical instrumentation and technology to the selection and analysis of these inventions, opening up new opportunities for innovation and technological development in the country.

The report presents technologies that, although they may be in use in other countries, are in the public domain in Chile because no patent application has been filed in the country, allowing for their free use, adaptation, and scaling in Chile. These include developments related to instrument calibration, spectrometry, spectroscopy, photogrammetry, magnetic induction, radiometers, and advanced sensors. Among the inventions are modular antennas, detection methods, image polarization, hyperspectral data recovery, lunar observation systems, and telescope systems, among others.

CATA’s participation in this report is part of its mission to promote the development of cutting-edge astronomical technology and scientific knowledge as a driver of innovation. Through its collaboration with INAPI, the Center helped identify patents with high technical and scientific relevance, providing practical value for actors in the research, development, and innovation ecosystem.

“This report reflects CATA’s role as a center of excellence not only in generating astronomical knowledge, but also in transferring technologies born from that research to other areas of society. Identifying these public domain patents makes it possible to highlight specific opportunities for researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies interested in developing technological solutions based on astronomy,” said Santiago Prat, General Manager of CATA.

This work takes on special relevance in a context in which Chile accounts for more than 50% of the world’s installed astronomical capacity and faces the challenge of transforming that observational leadership into technological capabilities, strengthening its innovation and development ecosystem.

The publication of the report also coincides with a key stage for CATA, which is preparing to embark on a new five-year period of institutional development, with an emphasis on deepening the link between science, technology, and transfer, as well as strengthening ties with public institutions and the productive sector.

“Looking ahead to the new cycle, this collaboration with INAPI allows the Center to stand out as a national and strategic benchmark for advancing instrumentation technologies and technology transfer as tools for development and innovation in the country,” concluded Santiago Prat.

Check out the full report at the following link: https://www.inapi.cl/centro-de-documentacion/informes