#Renewable Energy #Iceland #Reykjavik #Young Inventors #Marie Perrin

Recognizing the Innovators of Tomorrow

On June 23, 2025, in a remarkable ceremony held in Iceland, the European Patent Office (EPO) announced the winners of the 2025 Young Inventors Prize. This event celebrates exceptional inventors aged 30 and under who are using their creativity to tackle urgent global challenges aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Within a competitive pool of over 450 candidates from around the world, the ten finalists, dubbed the Tomorrow Shapers, stood out for their groundbreaking innovations.

Special Prize Winners

Three finalists received prestigious special prizes, acknowledging their extraordinary contributions:

Marie Perrin - World Builders Prize Winner

French-American chemist Marie Perrin claimed the World Builders Prize for her innovative method for recycling rare earth elements (REEs) from discarded fluorescent lamps. As raw materials critical to modern technology, rare earths are notoriously tricky to extract without causing environmental harm. Perrin's method, cultivated through her company REEcover, sidesteps harmful solvents and intricate purification techniques, allowing resources to be repurposed sustainably. By enabling a selective recovery process for europium, Perrin's approach also significantly minimizes toxic waste.

Marie expressed her excitement: "It has been a true privilege to stand alongside such inspiring young innovators from across the globe, and I hope it encourages more young women to see themselves as inventors and changemakers."

Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita - Community Healers Prize Winners

From Uganda, entrepreneurs Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita earned the Community Healers Prize for their creation of biodegradable sachets that extend the shelf life of fruits without refrigeration. By releasing plant-based compounds to slow ripening, their solution has the potential to drastically reduce food waste. In pilot programs, fruits treated with their sachets have been shown to remain fresh for up to 33 days.

"Winning a special prize is a powerful validation," they noted. "Innovation rooted in empathy can change the world."

Neeka and Leila Mashouf - Nature Guardians Prize Winners

Twin sisters Neeka and Leila Mashouf from the United States developed a pioneering carbon capture process that mimics photosynthesis, earning the Nature Guardians Prize. Their method, via their company Rubi Laboratories, transforms carbon dioxide emissions into biodegradable cellulose used in textiles. Their revolutionary, closed-loop system captures carbon from industrial waste streams, creating sustainable products without oil-based materials or dyes. "It took countless trials, errors, and optimizations to make it all work," Neeka commented.

People's Choice Winner

The ceremony also recognized the People's Choice winners: a Spanish trio of innovators—Pilar Granado, Pablo Sosa Domínguez, and Luis Chimeno. They developed smart labels that indicate food spoilage through bacterial growth. Their project, selected through a public vote, promises to enhance food safety and reduce waste throughout the supply chain. The team expressed their gratitude, stating, "This award shows that we are on the right track to creating a more sustainable and safer food system."

A Platform for Young Innovators

The Young Inventors Prize, which began in 2022, is designed to illuminate the remarkable capabilities of young people and their ability to contribute to a sustainable future. With each Tomorrow Shaper receiving €5,000, the special prize winners received an additional €15,000, exemplifying the EPO's commitment to fostering innovative minds.

By honoring the achievements of these young visionaries, the 2025 Young Inventors Prize not only highlights the importance of creativity and innovation in addressing global issues but also inspires future generations to envision a better, more sustainable world. For more information on these groundbreaking inventions and the stories behind them, visit the EPO's official page.

About the EPO

The European Patent Office (EPO) is among Europe's leading public service institutions, committed to patent cooperation across the continent. With a focus on supporting innovation, the EPO aims to equip inventors with the capabilities to protect their ideas effectively across multiple markets.

The winners' achievements exemplify the possibilities that lie ahead when young minds harness technology's power to create positive change. Let us continue to support and recognize these inventors who strive to shape a more equitable and sustainable future for all.