Clean water, equitable access to education, protection of endangered species: The European Patent Office (EPO) is looking for people under 30 who are making the world a better place through innovation. The Young Inventors Prize honors individuals and groups who contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a technology-based solution.
Are you under 30 and working on a qualifying project – or do you know someone who fits this description? Submissions or nominations are open until September 30, 2026.
Who can participate?
Individuals and groups from around the world who are 30 years old or younger at the time of the award ceremony are eligible to apply. The initiative must be public or have been published and clearly demonstrate how it provides a technical solution to an SDG challenge. A granted patent is not required for participation.
What prizes are up for grabs?
- The ten winning “Tomorrow Shapers” will each receive €5,000 and a certificate
- The three winners of the special “World Builders,” “Community Healers,” and “Nature Guardians” awards will each receive an additional €15,000 and a trophy
- In addition, a People’s Choice Award worth €5,000 will be presented
- For team nominations, the prize money will be divided among the members
You have until September 30 to apply for the 2027 Young Inventors Prize – or to nominate others – on the European Patent Office’s nomination platform. The awards ceremony will take place in Vienna in the summer of 2027, and the nominees will be announced a few weeks beforehand.
Full details about the prize, the criteria, and past winners can be found on the EPO website.