IFIA 52nd Executive Committee Meeting Held on June 2026

The 52nd Executive Committee Meeting of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) was held in June 2026 under the chairmanship of Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA, with the participation of the esteemed members of the Executive Committee. During the meeting, members reviewed and discussed several strategic agenda items aimed at strengthening IFIA’s international cooperation, expanding its global innovation network, and approving new organizational initiatives that support inventors and innovation worldwide

• Opening Remarks
• Establishment of the IFIA Focal Point Office in Canada
• Candidate Membership Application – Sultanate of Oman
• Corresponding Membership Application – Female Inventors & Rising Entrepreneurs (FIRE), USA
• IFIA Global Technology & Innovation Support Network Expansion
• Strategic Collaboration Between IFIA and the Bayh-Dole Coalition (USA)
• Establishment of the IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department
• IFIA Participation in the WIPO General Assembly 2026 – Geneva
• Green Product Awards 2026 – Successful Cooperation and Future Collaboration
• Introduction of Ms. Saranya Vemuri to the IFIA Executive Committee
• Report on the Distribution of CHF 34,000 in Cash Awards to Global Inventors in 2025 and Continuation of the Award Program in 2026
• Introduction of Ms. Joelle Flynn to the IFIA Women Inventors Committee
• Closing Remarks

At the opening of the meeting, IFIA President Alireza Rastegar welcomed the members of the Executive Committee and emphasized the importance of strengthening IFIA’s global presence through strategic international partnerships, institutional development, and support for innovation ecosystems across different regions.

He highlighted that the agenda reflected IFIA’s long-term vision of expanding international cooperation while reinforcing the Federation’s mission of promoting invention, innovation, commercialization, and knowledge exchange. The President noted that each agenda item had been carefully prepared to support sustainable growth, improve institutional capacity, and create new opportunities for inventors and innovation organizations around the world.

Particular attention was given to expanding IFIA’s international representation through the establishment of new focal points, strengthening global technology and innovation support networks, reviewing new membership applications, and approving new strategic initiatives designed to increase IFIA’s impact on both regional and international levels.

The Executive Committee reviewed each proposal in detail, exchanged views on future cooperation opportunities, and adopted a series of resolutions aimed at further strengthening IFIA’s global innovation ecosystem.

The Executive Committee reviewed the proposal to establish the IFIA Focal Point Office in Canada with the objective of strengthening IFIA’s institutional presence in North America, enhancing cooperation with innovation organizations, expanding regional activities, and supporting international collaboration among inventors and innovators.

Following the presentation and discussion, the Committee recognized the strategic importance of the Canadian focal point in promoting IFIA’s mission and increasing engagement across the region.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee reviewed the membership application submitted by the Sultanate of Oman. Members discussed the applicant’s activities, commitment to IFIA’s objectives, and potential contribution to strengthening innovation and inventor support within the region.

Following a comprehensive review, the Committee agreed that the application meets the Federation’s membership objectives and will contribute to expanding IFIA’s international network.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Committee considered the corresponding membership application submitted by Female Inventors & Rising Entrepreneurs (FIRE), USA. Members discussed the organization’s activities in supporting women innovators and entrepreneurs and its potential role in strengthening IFIA’s international collaboration.

Recognizing the organization’s commitment to innovation and inclusive entrepreneurship, the Executive Committee endorsed the proposal.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee discussed the expansion of the IFIA Global Technology & Innovation Support Network, an initiative designed to connect inventors, researchers, universities, innovation centers, and industry partners with international expertise, commercialization support, intellectual property resources, and technology transfer opportunities. The initiative will further strengthen IFIA’s role as a global platform for innovation collaboration.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee considered a proposal for strategic collaboration with the Bayh-Dole Coalition (USA). The proposed partnership aims to promote international cooperation in technology transfer, commercialization of research outcomes, innovation policy, and intellectual property management. Members agreed that such collaboration would provide valuable opportunities for IFIA members and contribute to strengthening global innovation ecosystems.

The Executive Committee was informed about IFIA’s planned participation in the WIPO General Assembly 2026 in Geneva. The President emphasized the importance of maintaining IFIA’s active presence at the world’s leading intellectual property forum and encouraged Executive Committee members who intend to participate in the General Assembly or related meetings to coordinate with the IFIA Secretariat in advance.

The Committee acknowledged that participation in the WIPO General Assembly provides valuable opportunities to strengthen IFIA’s international relations, engage with global intellectual property stakeholders, and promote the interests of inventors worldwide.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee received a report on the successful cooperation between IFIA and the Green Product Awards, highlighting the international visibility achieved for inventors and innovative sustainable technologies through this partnership.

The President presented the achievements of the collaboration and outlined future opportunities for expanding joint activities during 2026 and beyond. Members expressed their appreciation for the partnership and recognized its contribution to promoting sustainable innovation and environmentally responsible technologies on the international stage.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee was officially introduced to Ms. Saranya Vemuri, who has joined the IFIA–SVIIF International Judging Panel. Her distinguished professional background includes leadership positions at Amazon, Meta, and Google, with extensive experience in product innovation, emerging technologies, and digital transformation.

The Committee welcomed her appointment and acknowledged that her expertise will significantly strengthen IFIA’s international judging system, enhance evaluation quality, and further reinforce the Federation’s global network of experts.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee received a comprehensive report on IFIA’s international inventor support initiatives, including the successful distribution of CHF 34,000 in cash awards through IFIA-supported international invention competitions during 2025.

The President also presented plans for continuing and expanding the award program throughout 2026, reaffirming IFIA’s commitment to recognizing outstanding inventions and encouraging excellence among innovators worldwide.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee was introduced to Ms. Joelle Flynn as a new member of the IFIA Women Inventors Committee. Her appointment is expected to strengthen IFIA’s initiatives supporting women inventors, innovators, researchers, and entrepreneurs while expanding the Federation’s international network of experts and advocates for innovation.

Members welcomed her participation and expressed confidence that her experience and international perspective will contribute significantly to advancing the Committee’s activities and promoting greater inclusion within the global innovation community.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved by the 20 participating Executive Committee members.

IFIA Exco Members:

1. Mr. Avdo Halilovic / Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Dr. Marcelo Vivacqua / Brazil
3. Ms. Guo Yan / China
4. Mr.  Leo Pincan/ Croatia
5. Mr. Lukas Zmeskal / Czech Republic
6. Dr. Mahmoud Hafez / Egypt
7. Mr. Winfried Sturm / Germany
8. Mrs. Elinora Inga Sigurdardottir / Iceland
9. Mr. Hossein Vaezi Ashtiani / Iran
10. Mrs. Traiza Jasim Ridha / Iraq
11. Dr. Yahya Abdal / Kuwait
12. Mr. Radwan Chouaib / Lebanon
13. Prof. Kareem Tahboub / Palestine
14. Mrs. Agnieszka Mikołajska / Poland
15. Dr. Adnan Al Naimi / Qatar
16. Dr. Andrei Victor Sandu / Romania
17. Prof. Dr. Unchalee Sanguanpong / Thailand
18. Mr. Matt Nuccio / USA
19. Ms. Caroline Simonet / Switzerland
20. DR. MEHDI KORKI / Australia 
21. Babak Khodaparast / Canada
22. Anand Kannan / India
23. DR. ŽELJKO ZDRAVKOVIĆ / Serbia 

IFIA Exco Members:

1. Mr. Radwan Chouaib / Lebanon
2. Mr. Lukas Zmeskal / Czech Republic
3. Anand Kannan / India