Young Inventors Prize 2027
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Quick Answer
The Young Inventors Prize by EPO recognizes young innovators worldwide developing technology-driven solutions for global sustainability challenges, offering cash prizes up to €20,000 and global visibility.
- Funding amount
- ₹4.75 Lakhs – ₹19 Lakhs
- Funding type
- Competition
- Provider
- European Patent Office
- Application deadline
- 8d — 30 Sept 2026
- Location
- International
About this competition
The Young Inventors Prize 2027, organized by the European Patent Office (EPO), is a prestigious international competition designed to acknowledge and celebrate the ingenuity of young innovators worldwide. This initiative specifically targets individuals and teams who are actively developing and implementing technology-driven solutions aimed at tackling pressing global sustainability challenges, directly contributing to the ambitious targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through this prize, the EPO seeks to not only provide significant international recognition but also substantial cash prizes, up to €20,000 (approximately ₹19 lakh), and unparalleled opportunities for laureates to showcase their groundbreaking inventions on a global stage. The competition serves as a crucial platform to elevate inventions that possess the inherent potential to profoundly improve lives, safeguard our planet's delicate ecosystems, fortify community resilience, and ultimately pave the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all. It places a strong emphasis on publicly available innovations that demonstrate exceptional originality, robust technological excellence, and a clear, measurable positive impact. The prize also aims to promote entrepreneurship and scientific research among the next generation of sustainable technology leaders, inspiring them to continue developing solutions for global betterment.
Eligibility
See if you're eligible
Full eligibility criteria — entity type, stage, sector, founder profile and registration requirements — plus your fit for this program. Sign up to view.
Organizers
The European Patent Office (EPO) provides high-quality patents and efficient services to foster innovation, competitiveness, and economic growth in Europe. Through its Observatory on Patents and Technology, it offers insights into technology trends via digital tools, events, and…
Learn morePrizes & Awards
- Amount
- ₹4.75 Lakhs – ₹19 Lakhs
What You Get
The prize offers significant financial awards and unparalleled global exposure. 'Tomorrow Shapers' receive €5,000 (₹4.75 lakh) along with a certificate of recognition. Three 'Special Award Winners' (World Builders, Community Healers, Nature Guardians) are granted an additional €15,000 (₹14.25 lakh), bringing their total prize value to €20,000 (₹19 lakh), plus a trophy and winner's certificate. An additional €5,000 (₹4.75 lakh) is awarded to the 'People's Choice Award' recipient. Beyond the monetary prizes, recipients gain extensive international recognition through the Young Inventors Prize website, promotion via European Patent Office communication channels, and significant media exposure. Travel and accommodation are provided for the award ceremony, where applicable, ensuring winners can attend the prestigious event.
- Disbursement
- Lump Sum
- Cohort size
- 10 startups
- Bootstrap friendly
- Yes
Timelines & Process
Selection Process
The selection process is rigorous and multi-staged, overseen by independent experts. Initially, an internal EPO panel meticulously evaluates all submitted proposals to ensure they fully meet the formal eligibility requirements of the prize. Following this preliminary screening, the panel compiles a carefully curated shortlist of eligible innovations. This shortlist is then presented to an distinguished independent jury. This jury is composed of highly experienced individuals, including former Young Inventors Prize and European Inventor Award finalists and winners, bringing a wealth of expertise and insight to the evaluation. The jury's primary task is to select the 'Tomorrow Shapers' and to identify the three special-prize honourees. The key assessment criteria include the innovation's originality, its technological advancement, the magnitude of its sustainability impact, its direct contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), evidence of its public availability, and its overall potential for generating positive social and environmental change. The names of the 'Tomorrow Shapers' are typically revealed a few weeks prior to the official Prize ceremony, at which point the public is invited to cast their votes for their favourite innovation to determine the 'People's Choice Award' recipient.
Application Process
- 1
Confirm Eligibility
Applicants must confirm they meet age, innovation status (publicly available), and SDG alignment criteria.
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How to apply
Four steps from draft to disbursement — one action each.
- 1
Submit on the official portal
Use the official application link and verify all details before final submission.
- 2
Follow up
Reach out 5–7 days after submitting to confirm receipt and ask about the review timeline.
Program templates & documents
Files the program publishes for applicants — download these and apply in the prescribed format.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary purpose of the Young Inventors Prize?
The prize aims to recognize and promote young innovators worldwide who develop technology-driven solutions addressing global sustainability challenges and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Who can apply for this prize?
Individual innovators or teams of innovators from any country are eligible, provided all members are 30 years of age or younger at the time of the award ceremony.
What kind of innovations are eligible?
Eligible innovations must already be publicly available or published, demonstrate technological innovation, address one or more UN SDGs, and show originality with practical impact.
What are the prize amounts?
'Tomorrow Shapers' receive €5,000. 'Special Award Winners' receive an additional €15,000, totaling €20,000. The 'People's Choice Award' recipient receives an additional €5,000.
What supporting documents are required for nomination?
Nominations should include evidence such as granted patents, utility models, scientific publications, business plans, videos, documentaries, and relevant web articles to support the innovation's claims.
How are winners selected?
An EPO panel first evaluates proposals for formal requirements. A shortlist is then submitted to an independent jury, which selects the 'Tomorrow Shapers' and 'Special Award Winners'. The public participates in voting for the 'People's Choice Award'.
Sources
Data on this page is compiled from official program and provider references.
