European Inventor Award
Rainer Marquardt: Lifetime Achievement winner
European Inventor Award 2026 finalists
About the award
People with a passion for discovery drive innovation. Without their inquisitive minds and desire for new ideas, there would be no inventive spirit and no progress. The European Inventor Award pays tribute to inventors worldwide. It celebrates those who transform their ideas into technological progress, economic growth or improvements to our daily lives. Launched in 2006, the Award gives inventors the recognition they deserve and, like any good competition, it acts as an incentive for others.
Search for past finalists
The world’s brightest ideas and sharpest minds all in one place. Use the filters to search by year, category, field, country or name
Young Inventors Prize
Aimed at innovators aged 30 and under, this prize rewards those using technology to contribute to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. A granted patent is not required, and all finalists receive a cash prize.
Popular Prize
The Popular Prize is the only prize in which the public can vote. The winner is determined by an equal split between the jury and the public, with each contributing 50% to the final result.