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Inventor and Innovation Awards

Four young people giving "high-five"

Outstanding innovations will be rewarded

Awards presented at ceremonies for epoch-making achievements in the field of research and development are moving those into the centre of public attention who, day in, day out, carry out important research mostly without attracting the attention of the media: innovators. Inventor and innovation awards are, above all, aimed at rewarding those people who have turned the results of their work into cutting-edge solutions in the field of technology. At the same time, the awards encourage the spirit of invention, innovative thinking and progress.

However, the awards for technical inventions, presented to individuals or teams, also impressively demonstrate how important it is to protect innovation. That is why the DPMA has supported many of these prestigious inventor and innovation awards for years. The President and other executives of the DPMA are members of the jury and/or members of the board of trustees of several innovation awards.

Attention female inventors
Call for applications for the European Women Innovators Award 2025 launched

The European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) have launched the "European Women Innovators Award 2025". The prize is intended to inspire girls and women to become active inventors themselves. It highlights the central role that women play in promoting innovation.

There are three prize categories for female applicants:

  • EIC Women Innovators category: Applications are open to inventive female founders from the EU and associated countries. Three prizes of up to EUR 100,000 will be awarded.
  • EIC Rising Innovators category: Applications are open to female inventors under the age of 35. Three prizes of up to EUR 50,000 will be awarded.
  • EIT Women Leadership category: Women who are connected to the EIT community can apply. Three prizes of up to EUR 50,000 will be awarded.


Further information

Deutscher Zukunftspreis – the Federal President’s award for technology and innovation

The Deutscher Zukunftspreis is an accolade for excellent inventions; it recognises the scientific-technological level of innovation, successful commercialisation and the creation of sustainable jobs. Furthermore, it aims to encourage young people to get involved in science and technology. This prize is presented personally by the Federal President. The President of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office is a member of the board of trustees, which determines the final criteria for the selection process. As an institution entitled to propose candidates, the DPMA also nominates projects for the Deutscher Zukunftspreis to the jury. As an inventor you can contact us about your projects.
Details you will find

WIPO Global Awards

The externer Link WIPO Global Awards recognize exceptional companies and individuals who use their intellectual property to make a positive contribution to society in economic, social or cultural terms. An international jury with expertise in intellectual property, innovation and business evaluates the candidates. The categories of the WIPO Global Awards change annually.

European Inventor Award

The European Inventor Award is presented annually by the European Patent Office (EPO). It recognises outstanding inventors from Europe and around the world, who have made an exceptional contribution to social development, technological progress and economic growth. In order to be nominated, at least one valid European patent must have been granted for the invention. The awards are presented in the categories: "Industry", "Research", "SMEs", "Non-European Countries" as well as "Lifetime Achievement". The patent examiners of the DPMA submit proposals for the nominations.

European Inventor Award 2024: DPMA President Eva Schewior congratulates - AI researcher and engineer from Germany awarded the European Inventor Award 2024

Innovationspreis Bayern

The Innovationspreis Bayern (Bavarian innovation award) is awarded by the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy, the association of Bavarian chambers of commerce and industry and the association of Bavarian chambers of crafts and trades in recognition of outstanding innovative achievements. It pays tribute to innovations that have started gaining success in the market or can be expected to soon have success in the market. The President of the German Patent and Trade Mark Office is a member of the high-profile jury, which selects the winners of three main awards and a maximum of four special awards. Innovationspreis Bayern is a recognition award which is not financially funded. It is awarded biennially.

Innovationspreis Thüringen

For twenty years, the Innovationspreis Thüringen has been jointly given by the Thuringian Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Foundation for Technology, Innovation and Research of Thuringia (STIFT), TÜV Thüringen e.V. and Ernst-Abbe-Stiftung (Ernst Abbe Foundation). Markus Ortlieb, the Head of the Jena Sub-Office (DPMA), is a member of the jury, which chooses the award winners in up to five categories. The award is endowed with 100,000 euros of prize money.

Jugend forscht

Jugend forscht is the biggest youth contest in Europe in the fields of mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering. This foundation aims to foster young people and spark their interest in these subjects to contribute to ensuring the future of society.
The DPMA is a member of the jury and is involved in the Jugend forscht competition at the national level in Bavaria.

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Picture: iStock.com/g-stockstudio

Last updated: 29 November 2024