Deadline: 30 September 2026

The Young Inventors Prize rewards those who innovate with a purpose and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using technology. Aimed at individuals 30 and under, the Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognises the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future. Up to EUR 15 000 may be awarded.

Categories

In each edition, the European Patent Office (EPO) spotlight ten Tomorrow Shapers: young innovators (or teams of innovators) whose work in the field of sustainability deserves recognition. Three categories are considered:

• World Builders: These innovators work to ensure a better, more sustainable future for us all. Their solutions help make sure we have things like water and energy in a sustainable way. By enabling a circular economy, World Builders also support the creation of prosperous communities.
• Community Healers: With incredible empathy, these innovators are working to heal the wrongs of the world. Community Healers develop solutions that ensure equal access to food, education, and decent work, preventing discrimination in any of its forms.
• Nature Guardians: Protecting our ecosystems and the flora and fauna that live therein is their number one goal. Nature Guardians look after endangered species on land and under water, aiming to prevent damage to our ecosystems or reduce the impact of climate change.

In addition, there is the People’s Choice award.

Eligibility

• The Young Inventors Prize is open to any public/published initiative, by an individual or a group of individuals worldwide with a maximum age of 30 years at the time of the Award ceremony.
• Candidates may be of any nationality.
• Only public/published initiatives will be considered as this avoids the risk of unwillingly disclosing information that may impact future patent applications.
• Self-nominations are welcome, as are those from intellectual property professionals and members of the public. 

Prize

Each winner will receive EUR 5 000 and a certificate. Three special prize winners will each receive an extra EUR 15 000 and a trophy. The People’s Choice winner will be awarded an additional EUR 5 000. In the case of team entries, the prize money is shared by the team.

How to apply

Nominations are done through a dedicated platform. Each nomination must be accompanied by supporting information. Examples of supporting documents include granted patents or utility models, published scientific papers, business plans, videos or documentaries, or web articles. Please note that not all supporting documentation carries the same weight. For example, a granted patent is a clear statement of originality and potential technological impact, whereas ideas disclosed on a blog may not necessarily be so.

Supporting material

Previously winners and additional information can be checked here.