#Germany #Munich #European Patent Office #Young Inventors Prize #Tomorrow Shapers

EPO's Young Inventors Prize: Celebrating Future Innovators

In a groundbreaking move, the European Patent Office (EPO) has officially launched the standalone Young Inventors Prize, recognizing and celebrating the exceptional contributions of young innovators across Europe. This initiative was born out of the desire to empower individuals under the age of 30, showcasing their transformative ideas aimed at resolving significant global challenges in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This new format marks a notable transition from its previous iteration linked to the European Inventor Award, which has celebrated inventors for over a decade.

A New Era for Young Innovators

The inaugural standalone ceremony is set to take place in Reykjavik, Iceland, on June 18, 2025. The event will shine a spotlight on ten visionary innovators, selected from a pool of over 450 candidates. These awardees, dubbed Tomorrow Shapers, have been recognized for their innovative solutions to pressing global issues, thus paving the way for a sustainable future.

This year’s distinguished finalists have demonstrated remarkable capability in addressing a range of social, economic, and environmental challenges. They have been categorized into three unique groups:

1. World Builders - Innovators focused on sustainable access to basic necessities such as water and energy, while promoting the circular economy and reducing waste.
- Recognition varies from SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

2. Community Healers - Individuals or teams dedicated to enhancing food security, education, healthcare, and fair labor conditions, thereby ensuring equity and combating discrimination.
- Their work aligns with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

3. Nature Guardians - Champions of environmental preservation, actively involved in initiatives that combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and uphold ecosystems.
- Their efforts resonate with SDGs 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).

Awards Structure and Public Engagement

Each finalist will be awarded €5,000, while those selected for the special prizes will receive an additional €15,000 each. Moreover, the prize will also include the People's Choice Award, enabling the public to vote for their favorite innovator. This winner will receive an extra €5,000 based on the outcome of online voting.

The ceremony promises to be an engaging celebration of innovation, streamed live to a global audience eager to witness the enthusiasm and creativity of youth-led projects making a real impact in the world. This not only fosters a spirit of innovation but also encourages a community dedicated to progress towards sustainability.

About the Young Inventors Prize and EPO

The Young Inventors Prize was established in 2022 to uplift and recognize young talent, propelling us towards a more sustainable future. The competition seeks to highlight the remarkable potential of youth-driven solutions and acknowledges the brilliance of young innovators who are steering society towards positive change.

The EPO, headquartered in Munich with additional offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague, and Vienna, stands as one of Europe’s most significant public service institutions. Established to enhance cooperation on patents across Europe, the EPO serves as a vital hub for patent information and services, enabling inventors to secure protection across numerous countries.

With the new adjustments in place, the Young Inventors Prize is set to become a cornerstone of innovation recognition in Europe, celebrating not just the achievements of today’s inventors but also inspiring the passion and creativity of tomorrow’s leaders and change-makers.

For more information regarding the Young Inventors Prize and the finalists for 2025, you can visit the EPO's official website.