After more than two decades, the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) has officially announced the revival and modernization of the International Youth Invention Olympiad, originally approved and launched in 1998 with the support and participation of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and IFIA international partners.

The renewed initiative will be officially introduced during the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2026 (SVIIF 2026), taking place from August 14–16, 2026 at the Santa Clara Convention Center – Mission City Ballroom, California, USA.

This new generation of the Olympiad aims to inspire young inventors worldwide by creating a global platform where creativity, problem-solving, science, technology, and entrepreneurial thinking come together.

The original IFIA Youth Invention Olympiad was established in 1998 with the support of international innovation organizations and educational institutions. The program encouraged children and teenagers to develop inventive thinking and present original ideas through national and international competitions.

The initiative successfully engaged thousands of young participants from different countries and became one of the earliest international programs dedicated to youth creativity and invention.

Now, in response to the rapid evolution of technology, artificial intelligence, sustainability challenges, and global innovation ecosystems, IFIA has decided to relaunch the Olympiad with a modern structure adapted for the future generation.

The updated Olympiad at SVIIF 2026 will focus on empowering young innovators aged 7–18 through:

• Innovation and creative thinking
• STEM and AI-based projects
• Sustainability and environmental solutions
• Robotics and future technologies
• Smart cities and digital transformation
• Health and social impact inventions

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Exhibit inventions internationally
• Compete for medals and awards
• Meet global inventors and mentors
• Connect with universities and innovation organizations
• Experience Silicon Valley’s innovation ecosystem firsthand

Families, schools, and educational institutions are also encouraged to attend and support the next generation of inventors.

The Youth Olympiad will become one of the central highlights of SVIIF 2026, welcoming young inventors from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and beyond.

International innovation organizations, invention associations, and IFIA member countries are expected to participate in the renewed program, creating a multicultural environment for collaboration and inspiration.

According to IFIA representatives, the initiative reflects the organization’s long-term mission:

“Innovation begins with imagination, and young inventors are the architects of tomorrow’s world.”

Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2026

Santa Clara Convention Center – Mission City Ballroom

August 14–16, 2026

Silicon Valley, California, USA