Young Inventors Prize for Sustainable Solutions

The Young Inventors Prize 2027, organised by the European Patent Office (EPO), recognizes young innovators from around the world who are developing technology-driven solutions that address global sustainability challenges and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Selected innovators receive international recognition, cash prizes of up to €20,000, and opportunities to showcase their inventions on a global stage.

About the Young Inventors Prize 2027

The Young Inventors Prize 2027 celebrates outstanding young inventors whose innovations use science, engineering, and technology to solve pressing social and environmental challenges.

Organised by the European Patent Office (EPO), the competition highlights inventions that have the potential to improve lives, protect the environment, strengthen communities, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

The prize recognizes individuals and teams whose publicly available innovations demonstrate originality, technological excellence, and measurable impact.

Programme Objectives

The Young Inventors Prize aims to:

• Recognize outstanding young innovators worldwide.
• Promote technology-driven solutions for global challenges.
• Support innovations aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Encourage entrepreneurship and scientific research.
• Increase global visibility for promising inventors and innovators.
• Inspire the next generation of sustainable technology leaders.

Priority Innovation Areas

The competition welcomes innovations across a wide range of sectors, including:

Sustainability and Climate Innovation

Projects may focus on:

• Climate action.
• Renewable energy.
• Carbon reduction.
• Circular economy.
• Sustainable resource management.

Clean Technologies

Eligible innovations include:

• Clean energy solutions.
• Green technologies.
• Energy efficiency.
• Sustainable manufacturing.
• Environmental engineering.

Healthcare Innovation

Innovations may address:

• Medical technologies.
• Public health.
• Digital healthcare.
• Accessible healthcare solutions.
• Disease prevention.

Environmental Protection

Projects may support:

• Biodiversity conservation.
• Pollution reduction.
• Water management.
• Waste reduction.
• Ecosystem restoration.

Science, Engineering and Technology

The competition also welcomes innovations in:

• Engineering.
• Scientific research.
• Artificial intelligence.
• Robotics.
• Advanced technologies.
• Digital innovation.
• Social innovation.
• Technology entrepreneurship.

Award Categories

An independent jury will select up to 10 “Tomorrow Shapers.”

Among these finalists, three special award winners will be chosen:

• World Builders
• Community Healers
• Nature Guardians

In addition, one participant will receive the:

• People’s Choice Award

The People’s Choice winner is selected through a combination of public voting and jury evaluation.

Prize Benefits

Tomorrow Shapers

Each selected Tomorrow Shaper receives:

• €5,000
• Certificate of recognition

Special Award Winners

Each winner receives:

• Additional €15,000
• Trophy
• Winner’s certificate

Total prize value: €20,000

People’s Choice Award

The recipient receives:

• Additional €5,000

Additional Benefits

Selected innovators also receive:

• International recognition through the Young Inventors Prize website.
• Promotion through European Patent Office communication channels.
• Media exposure.
• Newsletter features.
• Promotional campaigns.
• Travel and accommodation for the award ceremony, where applicable.

Who Is Eligible?

The competition is open to:

• Individual innovators.
• Teams of innovators.

Applicants from all countries are eligible.

Age Requirement

All team members or individual applicants must be:

• 30 years of age or younger at the time of the award ceremony.

Nationality Requirements

There are:

• No nationality restrictions.

Innovators from anywhere in the world may participate.

Eligible Innovations

Projects must:

• Already be publicly available or published.
• Demonstrate technological innovation.
• Address one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Show originality and practical impact.

Supporting Documentation

Nominations should include evidence supporting the innovation, such as:

• Granted patents.
• Utility models.
• Scientific publications.
• Business plans.
• Videos.
• Documentaries.
• Relevant web articles.
• Other documentation demonstrating innovation and impact.

Nomination Process

The programme accepts:

• Self-nominations.
• Nominations submitted by intellectual property professionals.
• Nominations submitted by members of the public.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by an independent jury.

Assessment considers:

• Originality.
• Technological innovation.
• Sustainability impact.
• Contribution to the SDGs.
• Public availability of the innovation.
• Potential for positive social and environmental impact.

Why This Prize Matters

The Young Inventors Prize highlights young innovators who are creating practical solutions for global challenges.

The programme helps innovators:

• Gain international recognition.
• Increase visibility among investors and industry.
• Promote sustainable technologies.
• Inspire future innovators.
• Expand opportunities for collaboration.
• Showcase innovations with global impact.

By celebrating technology that contributes to sustainable development, the competition encourages innovation that benefits both people and the planet.

How to Apply

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure that:

• You meet the age requirement.
• Your innovation is publicly available.
• Your project addresses one or more SDGs.

Step 2: Prepare Supporting Evidence

Gather documents demonstrating your innovation, including:

• Patent information.
• Publications.
• Business documentation.
• Videos.
• Articles.
• Technical information.

Step 3: Complete the Nomination

Applicants may:

• Submit a self-nomination, or
• Be nominated by another individual.

Step 4: Submit Before the Deadline

Complete the nomination process with all required documentation before the official closing date.

Tips for Applicants

Strong nominations should:

• Clearly explain the problem being solved.
• Demonstrate measurable impact.
• Show alignment with specific SDGs.
• Highlight innovation and originality.
• Include high-quality supporting evidence.
• Explain the technology in simple, understandable language.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid:

• Submitting innovations that are not publicly available.
• Providing insufficient evidence of technological innovation.
• Failing to explain SDG impact.
• Omitting supporting documentation.
• Submitting incomplete nominations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Young Inventors Prize 2027?

It is an international competition organised by the European Patent Office that recognizes young innovators developing technology-based solutions for global sustainability challenges.

Who can apply?

Individuals and teams worldwide whose members are 30 years of age or younger at the time of the award ceremony.

How much prize money is available?

Each Tomorrow Shaper receives €5,000, while winners of the three special categories receive a total of €20,000 each. The People’s Choice Award winner receives an additional €5,000.

Can I nominate myself?

Yes. The competition accepts self-nominations as well as nominations from intellectual property professionals and members of the public.

What types of innovations are eligible?

Technological solutions addressing one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are eligible.

Is a patent required?

No. While granted patents and utility models are accepted as supporting evidence, applicants may also submit scientific publications, business plans, videos, documentaries, or relevant web articles demonstrating their innovation.

What additional benefits do winners receive?

Selected innovators receive international media exposure, promotion through EPO communication channels, recognition on the Young Inventors Prize website, and travel and accommodation for the award ceremony where applicable.

Conclusion

The Young Inventors Prize 2027 offers young innovators an outstanding opportunity to gain international recognition for technology-driven solutions that address global sustainability challenges. With cash awards of up to €20,000, worldwide visibility, and recognition from the European Patent Office, the competition supports the next generation of innovators working to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.