Exceptional inventors have been awarded with the European Inventor Award 2019 at a ceremony in Vienna. The winners, from Austria, France, Japan, the Netherlands and Spain, were honoured for their outstanding achievements in plastic recycling, cancer diagnostics, rechargeable battery technology, marine antifouling and DNA testing.

“The imagination, intellect and expertise on display at this year's European Inventor Award are inspirational; all of the finalists and winners are pushing boundaries and achieving new heights in their respective disciplines," said President of the European Patent Office (EPO) António Campinos at the Award ceremony on 20 June in Vienna. “These inventors' stories also show how patent protection can help turn innovation into market success. What's more, intellectual property rights are fuelling the European economy,” he added.

Further information on the winners