Celebrating Innovation at the 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva

The 50th edition of the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, held from April 9 to 13, 2025, at Palexpo, marked a historic milestone in the global innovation community. With a record-breaking 1,043 inventions from 42 countries and regions, and more than 28,000 visitors, this jubilee edition reaffirmed Geneva’s reputation as a premier global platform for inventive excellence​.

The event’s vibrant atmosphere was enhanced by the presence of a Swiss Pavilion, representing the dynamism of Swiss innovation, and an interactive program filled with family-oriented scientific workshops led by institutions such as CERN, EPFL, and the University of Geneva. Notably, the European Space Agency (ESA) served as the guest of honour, offering inspiring exhibitions and lectures including a special address by astronaut Jean-François Clervoy highlighting the role of space-driven technologies in everyday life.

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) played a visible role during the five-day event. As a globally recognized advocate for innovation and inventor support, IFIA facilitated numerous high-level meetings with inventors and heads of member associations. Key participants in these dialogues included: Korea Invention Promotion Association (KIPA), China Association of Inventions (CAI), Union of Croatian Innovators (UIH) and BRICS Academy of Skills Development and Technology Innovation.In these sessions, IFIA reinforced its mission of promoting transnational cooperation, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building among its global network.

The IFIA booth also served as an important hub where inventors from all continents gathered to discuss the challenges and opportunities in bringing their inventions to life.

The Exhibition’s Grand Prize was awarded to Dr. Saad Alenezi, a Saudi ophthalmologist, for inventing a cost-effective surgical tool for cataract operations. This innovative device enables the creation of a precise and cauterized circular opening in the anterior lens capsule a vital step in cataract surgery. It represents a significant breakthrough for millions of patients in low-resource regions where access to laser technology is limited.

As part of its continued efforts to spotlight breakthrough innovations with exceptional social, technological, or economic impact, IFIA awarded two prestigious IFIA Best Invention Medals during the closing ceremony of the exhibition:

1- Dana Al Suliman from Saudi Arabia

Invention: Bio-MXenes – biohacking precision diagnostics 2D material-based electrochemical biosensor for enzyme-free microRNA biomarker detection

Significance: This groundbreaking biosensor offers a highly sensitive, enzyme-free method for microRNA detection, paving the way for advanced medical diagnostics.

2- GOOD ELEVATOR CO., LTD. From South Korea

Invention: Elevator Defibrillator System

Significance: This life-saving system integrates emergency defibrillation capabilities within elevators, offering immediate response to cardiac events in high-rise environments.

These awards reflect IFIA’s ongoing dedication to recognizing and encouraging innovations that have the potential to transform lives and address urgent global needs.

The 50th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva was not only a celebration of creativity and technical brilliance but also a testament to the power of international collaboration and meticulous organization. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the Organizing Committee and the support of Palexpo, the event successfully brought together over a thousand innovations from around the world in a vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring atmosphere.

Their commitment to showcasing technological excellence, promoting educational outreach, and providing a professional platform for inventors was key to the resounding success of this milestone edition.

As the exhibition continues to grow in scale and influence, the organizers’ dedication to innovation and global dialogue ensures that Geneva remains a central hub for the world’s inventors to connect, share, and thrive.