Each year, ten young innovators, known as Tomorrow Shapers, are recognized for their impactful work in sustainability. During the award ceremony, three special prizes will be given to standout Tomorrow Shapers, and the public will vote for their favorite. All ten Tomorrow Shapers will receive a certificate and a EUR 5,000 cash prize. Additionally, the three special prize winners will receive an extra EUR 15,000, a trophy, and a winner's certificate. The People's Choice winner will also earn an additional EUR 5,000.

A Tomorrow Shaper can only be awarded one special prize by the jury, but they may also win both a special prize and the People's Choice award simultaneously.

The Young Inventors Prize is available to any public or published project created by individuals or groups globally, provided they are 30 years old or younger at the time of the award ceremony. The project must clearly outline how it aims to address a problem within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, utilizing a solution from any technological field.

Applicants can be of any nationality, as this prize is not restricted to citizens of EPO Member States. Only public or published projects are eligible, to avoid unintentionally revealing information that could affect future patent applications.

Each entry must include supporting documents, such as granted patents, utility models, published scientific papers, business plans, videos, documentaries, or web articles. Not all types of supporting documentation are equally weighted; for example, a granted patent strongly indicates originality and potential technological impact, while ideas shared on a blog may not be as influential. The jury will evaluate submissions based on a specific hierarchy of evidence.

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