European Inventor Network
The European Inventor Network aims to awaken a lifelong passion for innovation and creativity among younger generations.
Just as we are responsible for leaving a safe and sustainable world to our children, they are the ones who will shape the planet in decades to come. At this crucial period in the history of humankind, it is vital to pay it forward, to equip young people with the knowledge they will need when they become the planet's custodians. Innovation will be essential to their mission.
Through the European Inventor Network, we aim to empower young people to unleash their creativity and discover the wonders of science and technology. Inspired and equipped with knowledge, the next generation can begin to pave the way to a brighter future for all.
The Network's members are inventors and entrepreneurs of distinction, making them ideal role models to show school children and students that innovation, in all its form, is for everyone.
To reach this objective, the Network will financially support the alumni for implementing activities to inspire young generations and encourage creativity among children in schools and teenagers in secondary education. Members may propose any activity they feel will spur a long-term interest in technical fields (STEM) and foster an entrepreneurship mindset ("call for inspiring activities" step).
An internal selection committee will select the activities and grant EUR 6 000, EUR 4 000 or EUR 2 000 based on the impact and outreach of the selected activities.
The alumni will implement and report on the activities within a predefined timeframe.
FAQ
- Why should I propose an activity?
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As a successful inventor, you are a role model for the next generation of inventors. Your journeys make you an excellent ambassador to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Can I propose more than one activity?
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Yes, you can propose up to two activities
- Who should carry out the activity?
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If your proposal is selected, you will be the one responsible for implementing the activity.
- Who is the target audience?
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The activity should be addressed to: primary school children (6 years old to 12 years old), secondary school teenagers (12 years old to 18 years old).
- When should the activity take place?
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The activity should be implemented between 1.1.2025 and 31.12.2025.
- Is there available material to support me in my activity?
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The EPO can supply existing videos or presentations if needed (especially the videos of the European Inventor Award).
However, we encourage you to organise your activity based on your own material.
- Where should the activity take place?
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The activity should take place in a contracting state of the European Patent Convention. Within these states, activities may be hosted at any primary or secondary school.
- Can members team up to propose an activity?
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Yes, several alumni can team up and implement an activity together.
- How and when will the Network financially support the activity?
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The Network will award grants of EUR 6 000, EUR 4 000 or EUR 2 000 depending on the outreach/impact of the activities. The selection committee decides on the grant’s amount based on the relevance, pedagogical content, impact and outreach, target and age of the audience.
The grants, which cover the preparatory and implementation time, are paid upfront of the activity implementation following the announcement by the selection committee.
The travel/subsistence/material costs will be paid on top of the grant upon receipt of proofs of payment once the activity has been implemented. The total amount of travel + subsistence + material costs can not exceed the total amount of the grant.
- Will the information about the activity be publicly available?
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Yes, the report on the activity including video/photographs will be posted on the EPO’s website, intranet and on the social media channels of the EPO.