Children and youth
Inspiring the next generation of inventors
Every great invention starts with a question: What if? By nurturing curiosity, creativity and confidence from an early age, we can help equip young people with the skills and mindset needed to become the inventors, creators and problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Through its Children and Youth initiative, the European Patent Office (EPO) encourages young people to explore how ideas can become solutions that improve lives and help address global challenges. Bringing together inspiring role models, educational resources and opportunities to engage with the world of invention, the initiative aims to spark curiosity and foster a lifelong interest in creativity, science and entrepreneurship.
The initiative includes a range of actions and activities, such as a comprehensive learning programme for children aged 7 to 17, sponsorship of national science fairs and competitions, the Young Inventors Prize, support from the European Inventor Network (EIN) and Stream 3 (Diversity and Transformation) of the Observatory on Patents and Technology.
Together, these activities help inspire the next generation to imagine, create and shape the world around them.
Inventions for Impact Learning Programme
The Inventions for Impact learning programme is designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurship, while also raising children’s interest in STEM subjects and their awareness of the value of intellectual property. Ten online, self-paced courses can be integrated into school curricula across Europe and include interactive exercises as well as opportunities for classroom use. Through real-world examples, students learn how ideas can be transformed into solutions that benefit society and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Aimed at students aged 7 to 17, Inventions for Impact develops the key competences for lifelong learning as identified by the Council of the European Union. By strengthening students’ understanding of the foundations of inventiveness, the programme empowers them to envision solutions to future societal challenges.
Our Courses
Support for science fairs and STEM outreach
The EPO’s Children and Youth Sponsorship programme supports science fairs, technology contests and broader STEM outreach activities in member states, in close cooperation with national patent offices.
This support can include:
- sponsorship of science fairs and contests aimed at young people
- access to expert speakers and jury members, including PATLIB experts and members of the European Inventor Network
- communication support and dissemination through established EPO and partner networks
Events are proposed by national patent offices, with sponsorship generally granted to one event per participating member state per year.
Additional information about EPO initiatives aimed at children and youth
Inventions for Impact learning programme
Educational resources designed for use by national patent offices and educational stakeholders to engage young people with invention, creativity and problem-solving. The programme supports inquiry-based learning and helps connect science and technology to real-world challenges.
European Inventor Network
Through the European Inventor Network, young people can discover the stories behind successful inventions and gain insight into the journeys, challenges and achievements of inventors from across Europe.
Young Inventors Prize
An initiative celebrating outstanding young innovators aged 30 and under whose solutions demonstrate the power of creativity to address challenges and improve quality of life. It showcases role models who inspire future generations.
Observatory on Patents and Technology – Stream 3: Diversity and transformation
A workstream focused on promoting inclusive participation in innovation, addressing diversity gaps and supporting a more representative and accessible innovation ecosystem.