#Germany #Munich #EPO #Tomorrow Shapers #Young Inventors

Young Innovators Prize 2025 Unveiled by the European Patent Office

In an exciting development for 2025, the European Patent Office (EPO) has revealed the top ten innovators who will compete for the inaugural standalone edition of the Young Inventors Prize, taking place in Reykjavik, Iceland. This initiative recognizes the extraordinary contributions made by individuals under 30 who are addressing critical global challenges through innovative science and technology.

A Celebration of Tomorrow’s Leaders

The top ten finalists, referred to as Tomorrow Shapers, have been selected from a remarkable pool of over 450 candidates by an independent jury. Their innovative solutions are aligned closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing how creativity can lead to a more sustainable and equitable world.

The grand award ceremony is set for June 18, and it will be broadcasted globally, allowing audiences everywhere to witness this momentous occasion. The event will also include the announcement of three special prize winners, further highlighting the immense talent and contribution of these young visionaries.

Categories of Recognition

During the ceremony, three categories will be honored:

• - World Builders Prize: Celebrating initiatives that drive sustainability and promote circular economies.
• - Community Healers Prize: Recognizing projects that ensure equal access to essential resources for all.
• - Nature Guardians Prize: Highlighting efforts focused on the preservation and protection of ecosystems.

In addition, the People's Choice winner will gain recognition through an online voting mechanism, allowing the public to engage with and support the innovators whose projects resonate most strongly with them.

Prominent Innovators Making a Difference

Among the ten selected innovators, notable projects include:

• - Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita from Uganda, whose biodegradable sachet technology extends the shelf life of fresh produce, reducing waste and supporting local farmers.
• - Franziska Kerber from Austria, who has developed dissolvable electronic components aimed at reducing e-waste and enabling recovery of valuable metals.
• - Mark Kennedy Bantugon, a Filipino engineer pioneering sustainable aviation sealants made from Pili Tree resin to replace harmful materials currently in use.
• - Marie Perrin, a French-American chemist, who has streamlined the process of recycling europium from discarded fluorescent lamps.
• - Lastly, Mariana Pérez from Colombia, introducing a Direct Air Capture system to clean air of harmful pollutants, contributing significantly to environmental health.

Shaping a Sustainable Future

EPO President António Campinos expressed the importance of celebrating young inventors, underscoring their role as architects of a brighter future. He stated, “Young inventors are bringing fresh perspectives and bold solutions to the world’s most daunting challenges. By acknowledging their achievements, we spotlight the transformative power of technology and science.”

The Importance of Youth Innovation

The Young Inventors Prize is aimed at honoring youth creativity and offering them a platform to showcase their technologies that could influence the future. Each nominee will receive financial support to further their projects, with special prize winners receiving additional funding to enhance their impact.

This initiative, rooted in the belief that young people hold the potential to drive change, fosters an environment where innovative solutions can thrive, contributing to a more sustainable world.

For more insights and updates leading up to this transformative event, stay tuned to EPO’s channels and witness the incredible journey of these Tomorrow Shapers as they pave the way towards a better future for all.