At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed this prize and cross-checked its current format so you know exactly how it works before the 30 September 2026 deadline. Run by the European Patent Office (EPO), the Young Inventors Prize rewards young innovators from anywhere in the world who use technology to solve a problem within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and, crucially, you do not need a patent to enter.

What the Prize Is For

💡 The EPO launched the Young Inventors Prize to encourage the next generation of inventors, rewarding young innovators from around the world.

🌍 Entrants can propose any idea, project or product in any field of technology, as long as it aims to use a technical solution to address a problem within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Who Can Apply

🎂 Any individual or group worldwide, with a maximum age of 30 at the time of the award (minors may enter with parental consent).

🧩 No patent is required. Unlike the EPO's separate European Inventor Award, this prize accepts ideas, prototypes or products, so long as they are backed by supporting information already in the public domain.

What You Submit

📎 Each proposal must be accompanied by supporting information already in the public domain, for example granted intellectual property rights, published scientific papers, case studies or audio-visual material.

📝 Applications can be made either as a self-application or as a third-party nomination, submitted online through the EPO's nomination portal; incomplete applications are rejected.

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The Prizes

🏆 According to Youth Works Hub's review of the current (standalone) format, up to ten finalists, known as "Tomorrow Shapers", each receive €5,000 and a certificate.

🥇 Three of them are named category winners (World Builders, Community Healers and Nature Guardians) and receive an additional €15,000 each, for a total of €20,000, plus a trophy.

🗳️ A People's Choice winner, decided by public vote alongside the jury, receives an additional €5,000.

How Entries Are Judged

⚖️ Entries are assessed on originality, technological impact (potential or proven), societal benefit, and contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, by a jury that includes former Young Inventors and European Inventor Award finalists.

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Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Do I need a patent? No. Ideas, projects or products qualify, as long as they are backed by publicly available supporting information.

❓ How old can I be? Up to 30 at the time of the award; there is no lower limit, and minors can enter with parental consent.

❓ Who can enter? Any individual or group worldwide.

❓ How much can I win? Finalists ("Tomorrow Shapers") receive €5,000 each; the three category winners receive €20,000 in total, and a People's Choice winner receives an extra €5,000.

❓ How do I apply? Online via the EPO's nomination portal, as a self-application or a third-party nomination.

Deadline

⏳ 30 September 2026

Link

🔗 https://www.epo.org/nominate

You'll find more global prizes and opportunities for young innovators, explained in plain language, on Youth Works Hub.

⚠️ Important Notice

Youth Works Hub is not the organiser, partner, or representative of the listed projects. This listing is shared for information only, based on details from the source. Deadlines, eligible countries, dates, and other details may change or be withdrawn at any time, and all funding, reimbursements, and allowances are set by the project coordinator or National Agency. Applications go directly to the coordinator or hosting organisation through the official link. Listings may include third-party links (ESC Portal, infopacks, forms) that Youth Works Hub does not control. Always verify the details on the official project page before applying.