The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced the winners of the Young Inventors Prize at the European Inventor Award 2024: Rochelle Niemeijer (Netherlands) was awarded first place, followed by Valentyn Frechka (Ukraine) in second and Khaoula Ben Ahmed, Ghofrane Ayari, Souleima Ben Temime and Sirine Ayari (Tunisia) in third place.
Celebrated for the first time in 2022, the Young Inventors Prize encourages the inventive prowess of the younger generation of inventors across different technology sectors and geographical regions.
Unlike the candidates of the traditional categories of the European Inventor Award, the Young Inventors Prize does not require candidates to have a granted European patent. The prize includes a financial incentive to support the winners’ ongoing projects: the winner receives €20,000, the second and third-placed finalists receive €10,000 and €5,000, respectively.
Prizes
Niemeijer, a 29-year-old Dutch scientist, won first place for her portable AI-driven chemistry kit that quickly identifies bacteria causing infections like urinary tract infections. This invention allows for faster and more accurate medical treatment decisions.
Second place went to Valentyn Frechka, a 23-year-old Ukrainian inventor, for developing a method to turn fallen leaves into sustainably-made paper, significantly reducing the need for tree harvesting in paper production.
The third prize was awarded to the Tunisian team of Khaoula Ben Ahmed, Ghofrane Ayari, Souleima Ben Temime, and Sirine Ayari, for their innovative smart wheelchair control system, which enhances mobility and autonomy for individuals with physical disabilities.
Next edition to take place in Iceland
During the ceremony in Malta, the EPO announced a new concept for the award, starting in 2025. From next year, the award will be held biennially, with the upcoming edition focusing on innovators below 30 whose inventions address one or more United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
An independent jury of former finalists will evaluate the entries. The 2025 edition will be celebrated in Iceland, marking the first of these newly biennial-focused awards, and the nominations period for all technological fields is open until the end of September.
In alternating years, starting in 2026, the EPO will return to the original concept of the European Inventor Award, featuring its traditional categories of industry, research, SMEs, non-EPO countries, lifetime achievement, and popular prize.
Jim Cornall is editor of Deeptech Digest and publisher at Ayr Coastal Media. He is an award-winning writer, editor, photographer, broadcaster, designer and author. Contact Jim here.
