Inspiring tomorrow's changemakers for International Youth Day
On International Youth Day, the European Patent Office (EPO) is launching Inventions for Impact, a new e-learning programme that introduces young learners to the world of inventions, science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while familiarising them with the basics of intellectual property. Through engaging courses, children explore how curiosity has driven ground-breaking inventions, discover the people behind them and gain an understanding of how ideas can make a positive impact on society. By encouraging early engagement with these topics, the programme supports the next generation in developing the knowledge and mindset needed to help address future challenges and contribute to more sustainable communities.
A glimpse at the first two courses
The programme will comprise a total of ten courses. The first two are already freely available in the EPO e-learning centre. Each course includes 3 to 4 interactive lessons with short multimedia content (5–10 minutes), quizzes, flashcards, crosswords and practical activities designed for flexible online and classroom learning.
The EPO will develop the remaining courses in close co-operation with national patent offices to maximise the relevance and accessibility of the materials. Here's a preview of what learners can expect from the first two courses:
Curiosity and inventions, developed for children aged 9-10
The course uses superhero characters to guide students through four missions. These missions explore the importance of asking questions, highlight pioneering inventors and everyday heroes, and emphasise the role of perseverance in success.
Inventions through history, developed for children aged 10-11
This module explores key milestones in the history of invention. It demonstrates how breakthroughs in transportation, energy, manufacturing and communication – from writing and printing to the telegraph and the internet – have transformed society and shaped the modern world.
Support for younger generations
The learning programme forms part of the EPO’s broader children and youth initiative, which brings together role models, educational resources and opportunities to inspire a lifelong interest in creativity, science and entrepreneurship. In addition to the Inventions for Impact learning programme, the initiative comprises a range of actions, such as sponsorship of national science fairs and competitions, the Young Inventors Prize, outreach from the European Inventor Network and contributions from the Observatory on Patents and Technology. Together, these initiatives form part of the EPO’s broader endeavour to spark interest in science and technology and inspire the next generation of inventors.
About International Youth Day
International Youth Day is an annual observance that brings youth issues to global attention. This year's theme, "Different contexts, common aspirations", recognises that while young people's lives are shaped by different national and local realities, their aspirations are similar. Particular attention is given to young people in least developed, landlocked developing and small island developing states, who face overlapping challenges yet continue to demonstrate resilience and leadership in their communities.
