Nominations for the European Inventor Award 2017 are open

The Award recognises outstanding inventors from around the world, from all technical fields and backgrounds. You don’t have to be an inventor yourself to put forward a nominee. People from industry, research institutes, IP associations and universities, as well as the general public, are all welcome to make a suggestion. So why not go ahead and nominate your favourite inventor? You can even nominate yourself if you want!

The categories

Industry: for outstanding and successful technologies patented by large European companies

Research: for pioneering inventors working at universities or research institutes

SMEs: for exceptional inventions at small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

Non-European countries: for all inventors who are not European nationals but have been granted a European patent

Lifetime achievement: honouring the long-term contribution of an individual European inventor

Determining the winners

Any member of the public can nominate an inventor for the European Inventor Award. The selection process relies on the hard work of EPO experts and an independent international jury that evaluates innovations not only on their technological originality but also on their economic and social impact.

The Award

Celebrating the spirit of innovation The driving force behind the innovation process is people - people with a passion for discovery. Without their inquisitive minds, their quest for new ideas and their creativity, there would be no inventive spirit and no progress. As one of the most prestigious competitions of its kind, the European Inventor Award pays tribute to the creativity of inventors the world over, who use their technical, scientific and intellectual skills to make a real contribution to technological progress and economic growth and so improve people's daily lives.

Launched by the EPO in 2006, the award gives inventors the recognition they deserve. And, like every competition, it acts as an incentive for other potential winners. It helps to protect ideas and encourage innovation.

About the trophy

Winners of the European Inventor Award are presented with a trophy in the shape of a sail. An enduring symbol of exploration and human ingenuity, the sail recalls how an inventive idea can propel humankind to uncharted shores. The trophy was conceived by German industrial designer Miriam Irle and is crafted with new materials every year, highlighting the ever-changing nature of innovation. The symbol of the sail is particularly fitting this year, given Portugal’s nautical history.

For 2016 the trophy has been decorated in the ‘azulejos’ style – painted ceramic tilework that is a major feature of Portuguese architecture and traditionally chronicles historical and cultural events.

Determining the winners

Any member of the public can nominate an inventor for the European Inventor Award. The selection process relies on the hard work of EPO experts and an independent international jury that evaluates innovations not only on their technological originality but also on their economic and social impact.

Deadline for submissions

12 October 2016

Entry form for the European Inventor Award 2017