Ten remarkable young inventors from around the world gathered in Reykjavik, Iceland, to receive recognition that most scientists only dream of. The European Patent Office’s 2025 Young Inventors Prize celebrated these brilliant minds, all aged 30 and under, who are using their creativity to tackle some of the planet’s biggest challenges. From Uganda, Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita developed biodegradable sachets that help fruit last longer, potentially transforming food security for farmers across Africa. Meanwhile, in Austria, Franziska Kerber is revolutionizing electronic waste with her paper-based parts that dissolve easily, making it simple to recover valuable metals from old devices.
The competition was fierce, with over 450 candidates worldwide, but these young innovators stood out for their commitment to creating solutions that benefit everyone. Spanish inventors Pilar Granado, Pablo Sosa Domínguez, and Luis Chimeno created smart food labels that change color when food spoils, helping families avoid waste and food poisoning. Each winner received €5,000 to further develop their inventions, with special prize winners earning an additional €15,000. These young inventors prove that the future is in capable hands. The next generation isn’t just dreaming about change, they’re creating it.