The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced the finalists for the European Inventor Award 2026, one of Europe’s most prestigious distinctions in the field of innovation and invention.
The award honours inventors whose ideas and patented solutions contribute to technological development, economic progress and improvements in everyday life. This year’s finalists come from various countries in Europe, Asia and the Americas, and their inventions cover fields such as biotechnology, medicine, renewable energy, semiconductors, digital technologies, food technology, quantum technologies, rail transport and advanced manufacturing technologies.
The awards decided by the expert jury will be presented in the following five categories: Industry, Research, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), Non-EPO Countries, and Lifetime Achievement.
In addition to the prizes awarded by the expert jury, the public also has the opportunity to take part in selecting the winner of the Popular Prize. Voting for this award is open until 2 July 2026. All interested parties can learn more about the finalists, their inventions and cast their vote at the following link.
The winners will be announced at the award ceremony to be held in Berlin on 2 July 2026, with an online broadcast starting at 16:00.