Children and young people are the inventors of the future. The Dutch Order of Inventors (NOVU) is organizing the Young Inventor Award for the first time this year. Do you know someone aged between 6 and 17 who can come up with an invention to solve a problem in the world? Sign up by October 1st or refer that person! School classes are also welcome to participate.

What is the Young Inventor Award?

With this national award, NOVU aims to ignite the innovative power of the new generation. Whether it’s a smart way to clean water, save food, or reduce waste, every idea is welcome, no matter how small!

“The world needs original thinkers and doers,” says Ralph Stuyver, director of NOVU. “By encouraging young inventors now, we are building the innovation capacity of tomorrow.” 

How to participate in the competition

Participation can be done as follows:

  1. Children/young people/school classes aged between 6 and 17 choose one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. These goals are about a better world, such as less waste, cleaner water, or better coexistence.
  2. Then they create their invention on paper, as a video, or as a handmade model. Think of a craft made of cardboard or building blocks.
  3. The submission must be submitted digitally by October 1, 2025. Young inventors can send their submission via the online form on the NOVU website. Include photos, drawings, or a video. Note: as a class, you can submit 1 entry.

What happens next?

A panel of experts will review all ideas. On October 15, they will select the 10 best inventions. These will be announced via email and the online channels of NOVU.

National Inventors Day

The 15 best inventions will be showcased on National Inventors Day. This will take place on November 8 at the Library Amstelland in Amstelveen.

Want to know more? 

For more information, visit the NOVU website. 

Patent Center Netherlands, part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency, is helping as a partner in this competition. 

Questions about inventing or patents? Call 088 042 40 02.

In collaboration with:
  • Netherlands Enterprise Agency