Now is the time to shine a light on those inventors who make a real-world impact.
The European Inventor Award 2026, organised by the European Patent Office, is now accepting nominations.
Submit your candidate by 30 September: https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/european-inventor-award/nominations
If you know someone whose invention is making a real impact - in sustainability, healthcare, or everyday life - now is the time to nominate them
The European Inventor Award recognises technological breakthroughs and casts a spotlight on the individuals driving brighter future. It showcases inspiring ideas and underlines the vital role inventors play in building a smarter, more sustainable world.
Behind the scenes
Once the EPO has received proposals from the public, its staff, patent offices worldwide, or even inventors themselves, the journey begins.
First, an EPO panel evaluates the proposals to ensure they meet all formal requirements and represent breakthrough technologies.
The panel drafts a shortlist of some 50 candidates, which is submitted to an independent jury. During a lively meeting, the jury evaluates the list and after several voting and discussion rounds, they select the finalists and winners.
The EPO reveals the names of these outstanding inventors a few week prior to Award ceremony and invites the public to vote for their favourite in the Popular Prize. They announce the category and Popular Prize winners at the ceremony.