The 2025 Young Inventors Prize

The European Patent Office (EPO) typically serves a specialised audience—policymakers, legal experts and industry leaders. But in today’s world, where innovation must solve global challenges, public understanding and youth engagement are no longer optional. The Young Inventors Prize was created to recognise innovators aged 30 and under whose work supports the UN Sustainable Development Goals. In 2025, the EPO used this award as a platform to transform its communications approach—turning a legacy institution into a global storytelling force. The campaign set out to demystify science and intellectual property, spotlight human stories, and build emotional connection with younger and general audiences across global markets. It used accessible formats to simplify complex ideas, while creators helped localise and personalise content. The campaign was supported by a global media push, targeting 18 markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, with tailored press outreach adapted for local audiences. Multilingual content was designed for cultural relevance across regions. A TV-style ceremony then served as a narrative anchor, tying the campaign together and amplifying its reach through livestreams and repackaged highlights. More than 45.7 million users were reached on social media, with 8.8 million video views and media coverage spanning markets across Europe, Asia, Africa and North and South America. The campaign redefined how public institutions can lead with creativity, reframing innovation from something abstract into something human, hopeful, and universally relevant.