Nominations open for the European Inventor Award 2026
25. July 2025International Cooperation
Do you know an inventors deserving of international recognition? Have they secured a European patent for an invention that has had a positive impact on society, the environment, or the economy? You now have the opportunity to submit a nomination for the European Inventor Award 2026.
The deadline for nominations is 30 September 2025.
The award is organised by the European Patent Office (EPO) and is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of innovation and intellectual property in Europe. Established in 2006, the award is now presented every two years.
Submit a nomination via the EPO website.
Nominations are accepted in the following categories:
- Industry
- Research
- Small and medium-sized enterprises
- Lifetime achievement
- Non-EPO countries
Nominees must hold at least one granted European patent, in accordance with the conditions of each category. A jury made up of past finalists and experts in innovation and intellectual property evaluates the nominated inventions based on their technological originality, societal and environmental benefit, and economic impact. Three individuals or teams are shortlisted in each category and invited to attend the award ceremony, which will take place in Berlin in the summer of 2026.
Iceland represented in the last two editions
Icelandic inventors have been nominated in the last two editions of the award:
In 2024, Guðmundur Fertram Sigurjónsson, founder and CEO of Kerecis, was nominated in the SME category for his invention of fish-skin grafts for wound care.
In 2023, Þorsteinn Loftsson and Einar Stefánsson, founders of Oculis, were nominated in the Research category for their innovation enabling drug delivery to the back of the eye using eye drops instead of injections.
The ISIPO encourages universities, research institutions, companies, and the general public to participate and help highlight Icelandic innovation on the European stage.