EPO announces inaugural Young Inventors prize finalists

24. Mai 2022

An AI-driven
waste management system, biodegradable absorbents to combat period poverty and
an app to detect Parkinson’s disease early are the three problem-solving
initiatives developed by the inaugural finalists of the Young Inventors prize. The newly established prize recognises
individuals or teams of innovators aged 30 and younger and celebrates technological
solutions that support the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to its focus on sustainability,
the inaugural event features equal gender representation and finalists from
four countries: Brazil, Belgium, the United Kingdom and the United States.

• Rafaella de Bona Gonçalves (Brazil): Biodegradable
  pads and tampons to combat period poverty
• Victor
  Dewulf and Peter Hedley (Belgium/United Kingdom): AI-driven waste management
• Erin
  Smith (United States): AI brings earlier care to new Parkinson’s patients

„It is an honour to announce the finalists in our first Young
Inventors prize,“ said EPO President António Campinos. „Their
ingenuity and perseverance are an inspiration for all of us, and underline the
vital role that the next generation of innovators will play in building a more
sustainable world.“

The finalists were selected by a jury from a pool of hundreds of candidates
and teams of inventors put forward by members of the public, national patent
offices, and EPO staff. The winners of the Young Inventors prize will be
announced at the 2022 European Inventor Award ceremony. Additionally, the
winner will receive a EUR 20 000 cash prize, with the second and third place
finalists receiving EUR 10 000 and EUR 5 000 respectively.

You are invited to learn more about the greatest minds of the next
generation at the livestream Award ceremony on 21 June at 12:00 hrs CEST.