Ten young inventors have recently been awarded for their groundbreaking technologies aimed at advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This honor was presented at a ceremony in Reykjavík, Iceland, organized by the European Patent Office (EPO) as part of the 2025 Young Inventors Prize. Out of more than 450 international applicants aged 30 and under, the selected inventors, labeled “Tomorrow Shapers,” were recognized for their innovative contributions in areas such as rare earth recycling, food preservation, and carbon capture. While ten inventors or teams were acknowledged for their developments, three received special awards in categories like “World Builders,” “Community Healers,” and “Nature Guardians.” Additionally, one inventor was chosen as the People’s Choice winner through public voting.
Among the notable recipients, the Nature Guardians prize was awarded to twin sisters Neeka and Leila Mashouf from the United States for their revolutionary invention that converts carbon dioxide into cellulose-based fibers. Recognizing the substantial impact of the textile industry, which accounts for 8% of global CO2 emissions, their company, Rubi, employs an enzymatic process that emulates trees’ natural CO2 absorption. This method circumvents land and water usage traditionally associated with textile production, allowing them to create sustainable fibers without deforestation. Neeka Mashouf articulated their mission, highlighting their innovative process that transforms carbon into essential materials echoing the ecologically beneficial growth of trees.
The Community Healers award was presented to Ugandan entrepreneurs Sandra Namboozo and Samuel Muyita, who devised a biodegradable sachet aimed at combating food waste. With food waste contributing to 10% of global CO2 emissions, their innovative product called “Karpolax” significantly prolongs the shelf life of fruits by up to 30 days. This sachet, made from plant-based components, releases substances that inhibit enzymes responsible for fruit deterioration. Namboozo emphasized the profound connection their invention has to their agricultural roots, showcasing their commitment to improving food preservation within farming communities while addressing the larger issue of food waste in a sustainable manner.
On the other hand, Marie Perrin, a French-American chemist, garnered the World Builders prize for her pioneering approach to recycling rare earth elements from electronic waste. Rare earths, a group of 17 elements vital for modern technology and green energy solutions, have historically been dominated by Chinese production, presenting both geopolitical and environmental challenges. Perrin’s inventive technique facilitates the recovery of europium from discarded fluorescent lamps, thereby mitigating the negative consequences of traditional mining methods. She referred to recycling as a “magic bullet” that not only alleviates environmental harm but also addresses the complexities of rare earth supply chains, emphasizing the multifaceted benefits of her work.
The People’s Choice award was claimed by a Spanish research team consisting of Pilar Granado, Pablo Sosa Domínguez, and Luis Chimeno. They developed a biodegradable food label that changes color upon contact with bacteria, providing a real-time indication of a food item’s freshness. This innovative label aims to combat food waste—a staggering 59 million tonnes of which are discarded in Europe annually—by helping consumers identify expired products and avoid foodborne illnesses. Chimeno expressed that this recognition validates their journey in searching for pragmatic solutions to everyday problems, reinforcing the impact of their technological advancement on public health and sustainability.
Collectively, these awarded inventions underscore a vital trend in contemporary innovation: the intersection of technology and sustainability. With pressing challenges such as climate change and resource depletion, the inventive efforts of these young creators demonstrate a commitment to devising solutions that not only address current issues but are sustainable in the long run. Their work exemplifies how passionate individuals can challenge existing paradigms to establish new, sustainable practices across various industries. As they continue to develop their innovations, the broader implications of their work will likely spark further dialogue about the critical role of young inventors in shaping a more sustainable future.
