October 28, 2026 | Geneva, Switzerland

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) discussed new opportunities to strengthen their longstanding cooperation under the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP), with particular emphasis on supporting independent inventors, expanding international outreach, and facilitating the commercialization of innovative technologies.

A meeting between representatives of IFIA and WIPO’s Inventor Assistance Program took place on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Geneva time.

The discussions brought together Allison Mages and Evgeniy Sesitsky of WIPO, alongside representatives of IFIA, to review existing cooperation and explore practical initiatives aimed at enhancing the program’s international reach and long-term impact.

As an existing sponsor of the Inventor Assistance Program, IFIA reaffirmed its continued commitment to supporting the initiative and contributing to its objectives through its international network of inventors’ associations, innovation events, and professional partnerships.

The meeting focused on identifying opportunities to build upon previous activities and further strengthen cooperation between the two organizations.

The WIPO Inventor Assistance Program is an international initiative designed to help eligible inventors and small businesses access professional intellectual property assistance, particularly when financial limitations prevent them from obtaining such services independently.

Through a network of volunteer patent professionals, the program helps beneficiaries navigate patent protection procedures and better understand how to protect and manage their inventions.

According to WIPO’s published information, the program currently operates in 10 participating countries: Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, the Philippines, Singapore, and South Africa.

During the meeting, participants discussed opportunities to leverage IFIA’s international network to increase awareness of the program, strengthen engagement with national inventors’ associations, and improve access to information for eligible inventors.

Particular attention was given to identifying practical ways in which IFIA could contribute to the program’s outreach and support activities in participating countries.

One of the central topics of the meeting was the importance of helping inventors move beyond the initial stages of intellectual property protection toward the practical development and commercialization of their innovations.

The discussions explored how IFIA’s international experience, professional connections, and engagement with the global innovation community could complement the existing objectives of the IAP.

Potential areas of cooperation included facilitating access to innovation networks, increasing the visibility of promising inventions, supporting technology development, and exploring opportunities for inventors to connect with relevant markets and commercialization resources.

The participants recognized the value of examining complementary forms of support that could help eligible inventors translate protected inventions into commercially viable technologies, products, and services.

Such initiatives would be subject to further discussion and agreement between the organizations.

An additional area of discussion focused on strengthening cooperation with organizations that work directly with inventors, innovators, and entrepreneurs, including business incubators, accelerators, science and technology parks, inventors’ associations, business associations, and other innovation support institutions.

Both organizations recognized that closer engagement with these stakeholders could help identify and refer promising inventors and entrepreneurs to WIPO’s Inventor Assistance Program, particularly in participating countries.

Such collaboration could also create opportunities to provide complementary support to IAP beneficiaries in areas including patent protection, business development, technology transfer, and commercialization.

Through its international network and established relationships with innovation stakeholders, IFIA could play a valuable role in facilitating connections between the IAP and relevant organizations, helping strengthen the program’s outreach and practical impact.

Another major area of discussion concerned the international visibility of the Inventor Assistance Program.

IFIA and WIPO representatives explored opportunities to promote the IAP through international invention exhibitions, innovation forums, and other events supported by IFIA.

Proposals included presenting information about the program at official IFIA exhibition stands, distributing relevant promotional materials, and introducing IAP opportunities to inventors and IFIA’s member associations through the Federation’s international communication channels.

These activities could help raise awareness among inventors who may qualify for assistance but are not yet familiar with the program and its services.

By using established international platforms and direct connections with inventors’ associations, IFIA aims to contribute to broader awareness of the IAP and its potential benefits.

The meeting also addressed the possibility of organizing a dedicated coordination session involving WIPO’s IAP management team and representatives of IFIA’s official member associations in participating countries.

The proposed initiative would provide an opportunity for national associations to engage directly with program representatives, exchange experiences, identify challenges faced by inventors, and discuss potential areas of practical cooperation.

Such engagement could strengthen communication between the program and national inventor communities while helping identify opportunities for more effective outreach and support.

In addition, the participants discussed the importance of regular coordination meetings between the President of IFIA and WIPO’s IAP management team to review cooperation, monitor progress, and explore future initiatives.

As part of the proposed next steps, WIPO expressed its intention to keep IFIA informed about additional countries joining the Inventor Assistance Program and upcoming WIPO missions to participating countries.

This information-sharing mechanism could enable IFIA to facilitate engagement with relevant national inventors’ associations, innovation institutions, and local organizations supporting inventors and entrepreneurs.

During the meeting, WIPO representatives also referred to a planned mission by Allison Mages to South Africa, scheduled for November 16–19, 2026, covering Cape Town and Pretoria.

The upcoming mission was highlighted as a potential opportunity to strengthen connections with local innovation stakeholders and explore ways of improving awareness and outreach activities related to the IAP.

This approach reflects the shared interest of IFIA and WIPO in developing more coordinated and effective engagement with national innovation ecosystems.

Another promising area identified during the discussions was the possibility of extending IFIA’s international recognition awards to eligible inventors benefiting from WIPO’s Inventor Assistance Program.

WIPO expressed its interest in exploring opportunities for IFIA recognition awards to acknowledge the achievements, innovative contributions, and potential impact of IAP beneficiaries.

Such recognition could provide additional international visibility for promising inventors and their innovations while highlighting the importance of supporting independent inventors throughout the innovation process.

The potential framework, eligibility criteria, selection procedures, and implementation arrangements for any future recognition initiative would remain subject to further discussions and mutual agreement between IFIA and WIPO.

A key outcome of the meeting was an agreement that IFIA would prepare and submit a proposal to WIPO outlining potential additional support measures for inventors participating in the IAP.

The proposal will explore opportunities to build upon IFIA’s international resources and experience, with a particular focus on innovation development, commercialization opportunities, international exposure, and practical support for inventors.

It is expected to identify possible areas where IFIA’s activities could complement the IAP’s existing services and create additional opportunities for eligible beneficiaries.

Following its preparation, the proposal will be submitted to WIPO for consideration and further discussion regarding the feasibility and potential implementation of joint initiatives.

The October 28 meeting marked a constructive step in the ongoing cooperation between IFIA and WIPO, reflecting a shared interest in strengthening the international environment for independent inventors.

Through its established sponsorship of the Inventor Assistance Program and its worldwide network of inventors’ associations, IFIA continues to support initiatives that improve access to intellectual property knowledge, professional assistance, and innovation-related opportunities.

The discussions also highlighted the importance of connecting intellectual property protection with broader innovation development and commercialization pathways.

By building on existing cooperation and exploring complementary support mechanisms, IFIA and WIPO aim to identify new opportunities to help inventors protect, develop, and realize the potential of their innovations.

The proposed follow-up activities, including the preparation of IFIA’s new support proposal, coordination with national associations, and continued engagement with WIPO’s IAP team, are expected to provide a foundation for the next phase of discussions between the organizations.

The discussions also opened new avenues for cooperation through engagement with incubators, accelerators, science and technology parks, coordination around future WIPO missions and participating countries, and the potential recognition of outstanding IAP beneficiaries through IFIA’s international awards.

 

About IFIA

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is an international organization dedicated to supporting inventors, promoting innovation, and strengthening cooperation among inventors’ associations and innovation stakeholders worldwide.

About the WIPO Inventor Assistance Program

The Inventor Assistance Program (IAP) is a WIPO initiative that connects eligible inventors and small businesses with volunteer patent professionals who provide assistance in navigating patent protection processes.

Official websites: www.ifia.com | www.wipo.int

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is pleased to announce that its President, Dr. Alireza Rastegar, has been honored by the Brazil International Innovative Inventors, Scientists and Entrepreneurs Association (ABIPIR) with the prestigious “ABIPIR 15 Years Global Innovation Impact Prize” in the Innovative Personality category.

The recognition was presented by Dr. Marcelo Vivacqua, Founder and President of ABIPIR, in connection with the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026), acknowledging Dr. Rastegar’s leadership, strategic vision, and longstanding contributions to the international invention and innovation ecosystem.

The special tribute formed part of ABIPIR’s 15th-anniversary celebrations, recognizing individuals whose dedication and leadership have contributed to strengthening innovation, international collaboration, and opportunities for inventors worldwide.

During the tribute, Dr. Marcelo Vivacqua expressed his appreciation for Dr. Rastegar’s commitment to supporting inventors and promoting cooperation among innovation organizations across different countries.

“Alireza is much more than the President of IFIA. He is a leader who understands people, believes in inventors and has dedicated his energy and intelligence to creating opportunities for those who dream of changing the world through innovation,” stated Dr. Vivacqua.

The recognition also reflects the importance of leadership that connects inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and institutions, enabling innovative ideas to develop into solutions with meaningful social and economic impact.

The tribute also highlighted the longstanding relationship between IFIA and ABIPIR, built upon mutual respect, international cooperation, and a shared commitment to empowering inventors.

Over the past 15 years, ABIPIR has undertaken various initiatives to support Brazilian inventors, scientists, and entrepreneurs while expanding their connections with international innovation networks.

Dr. Vivacqua acknowledged the role of IFIA and its President in supporting ABIPIR’s international activities and facilitating opportunities for Brazilian innovators.

“ABIPIR has reached this 15-year milestone because we have built strong partnerships with people and organizations that believe in our mission. IFIA and Alireza Rastegar have been an important part of this journey, supporting our initiatives and helping us connect Brazilian innovators with the international innovation ecosystem,” he stated.

Alongside the special tribute, ABIPIR celebrated the achievements of Brazilian inventors at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2026.

Six Brazilian inventions received international recognition, reflecting the creativity, technical capabilities, and innovative potential of Brazil’s invention community.

The award-winning projects included:

• Gold Medal – WEMILK: Giovanna Vargas Barbosa, Luca Mascarenhas Plaster, and Pedro Castro Viana.
• Silver Medal – PIETRA: A Social Robot: Vitor Gabriel Cagol Escobar and Irene Cecilia Cagol.
• Silver Medal – Hydroflex Vehicle Consumption Reducer: Marcos Landahl Cabral.
• Bronze Medal – Agribusiness Digital Dependency and Risk Intelligence System: Euclides Pereira Pardigno.
• Bronze Medal – Sentinela Vita: Intelligent Assisted Triage Surveillance: Sol Andrea Gonzalez Tapia.
• Bronze Medal – Portable Coffee Sieve and Winnower: Anatalicio dos Reis Silva.

These achievements demonstrate the importance of international invention exhibitions in providing innovators with opportunities to showcase their technologies, exchange knowledge, establish professional connections, and gain global recognition.

The recognition of IFIA President Dr. Alireza Rastegar represents more than an individual distinction. It symbolizes the value of international partnerships and the collective commitment of innovation organizations to supporting inventors and advancing technological development.

Through its global network of member organizations and international partners, IFIA continues to promote innovation, encourage knowledge exchange, and facilitate opportunities for inventors to present their ideas to the international community.

IFIA extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Marcelo Vivacqua and ABIPIR for this meaningful recognition and congratulates the organization on its 15th anniversary.

IFIA also congratulates all Brazilian inventors recognized at SVIIF 2026 and wishes them continued success in developing innovations that contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

Together, through innovation, cooperation, and shared vision, we continue to empower inventors worldwide.

The exhibition presented innovations across a broad range of fields, from industrial plants and advanced technological systems to practical solutions for everyday life. Individual inventors exhibited alongside research teams from the public and private sectors, universities, scientific institutions, and growing innovation-driven companies.

This diversity brought different stages and approaches to invention into a shared setting, allowing visitors to explore technologies developed through independent creativity, academic research, and industrial development. The 2026 edition continued ARCA’s longstanding role as a meeting point for innovators in the region and its established presence within the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) events calendar.

Agriculture and the food industry received particular attention through AGRO-ARCA, which showcased modern agricultural machinery, environmentally responsible production methods, and technologies addressing sustainable development and climate-related challenges.

The fair connected agricultural innovation with practical production needs, highlighting the contribution of technology to more efficient and sustainable farming and food-industry operations. Its presence alongside ARCA brought agricultural producers and sector specialists into direct contact with the wider invention and research community.

The accompanying Innovation Forum, “From Idea to Global Market: Innovation as a Driver of the Croatian Economy,” provided a setting for dialogue and networking among entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors.

The professional programme addressed three important aspects of innovation development: intellectual property, access to finance, and support for smart agriculture.

The State Intellectual Property Office delivered the lecture “What is Intellectual Property and Its Role in the Development of Innovation,” highlighting the relationship between intellectual property and the advancement of inventive ideas.

HAMAG-BICRO presented “Non-Refundable Grants and Financial Instruments,” introducing financial support mechanisms relevant to innovation and business development.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries addressed “Funding Opportunities and Non-Refundable Grants for Smart Agriculture,” connecting the agricultural focus of the fair with information about available support instruments.

Together, these sessions complemented the exhibition by addressing practical questions involved in developing, protecting, and financing innovations.

Interactive STEM workshops introduced younger visitors to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on activities designed to encourage curiosity and creativity.

The workshops added an educational dimension to the fairs, providing opportunities for young people to engage with scientific ideas alongside the inventions and technologies on display. Their inclusion connected the recognition of established innovators with efforts to nurture future inventors.

An important institutional development took place during the opening ceremony, when the Croatian Association of Innovators and the City of Slatina signed a cooperation agreement confirming Slatina as the host of AGRO-ARCA 2027.

The agreement was signed by Professor Miljenko Šimpraga, PhD, President of the Croatian Association of Innovators, and Mr. Tomo Tomić, Mayor of Slatina.

Hosting the next edition is expected to create opportunities for Slatina and Virovitica-Podravina County to strengthen connections among domestic and international innovators, scientists, agricultural producers, and entrepreneurs. The cooperation places particular emphasis on the development of smart agriculture and its contribution to the local economy.

The agreement also established a basis for continuing the agricultural innovation programme beyond Zagreb, connecting the fair’s international network with regional development priorities.

The official awards ceremony on 17 October 2026 recognized the highest-rated innovations through gold, silver, and bronze distinctions, special international awards, and the Grand Prix awards.

IFIA President Alireza Rastegar took part in presenting two special IFIA awards, recognizing the following innovations:

HelixGuard

Inventors: Stipe Ivić, Vito Puljić, and Dominik Zelić

Institution: Dugo Selo High School

MyWally Educational Console

Organisation: Mentor Sp. z o.o. Sp. k.

 Country: Poland

The IFIA distinctions formed part of the fairs’ international recognition programme, highlighting inventive achievement and the participation of both educational and business communities.

Mr. Ivan Vlainić presented two special awards from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO):

Stator of an Axial Electric Motor with Improved Cooling Means

Authors and affiliation: AXIALIS d.o.o. – Marko Đula; DIATUS – Association of Inventors Split

SMART AI

Inventor: Bartol Prezelj Šantić

Mentor: Danijel Eskeričić

Institution: Technical School for Computer Science and Networking Zagreb

These distinctions added a further international dimension to the awards ceremony, recognising innovations in electrical engineering and artificial intelligence.

The evaluation committee awarded two Grand Prix prizes, recognizing the best innovation of ARCA and the best innovation of AGRO-ARCA separately.

The awards were presented jointly by Professor Miljenko Šimpraga, PhD, President of the Croatian Association of Innovators, and Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA.

ARCA 2026 Grand Prix

Innovation:
AROMASEPT – Technology System for Controlled Farming, Improvement of Animal Husbandry Conditions and Meat Quality

Inventors: Mijo Miljak and Dubravka Olič Bašlin

Company: Svijet biljaka d.o.o.

 Association: Association of Inventors’ Societies of Istria County

The project received the Grand Prix for the best innovation of the 24th International Innovation Exhibition ARCA.

AGRO-ARCA 2026 Grand Prix

Innovation:
From Food Waste to Wearable Objects Through the Development and Shaping of Gelatin- and Kombucha-Based Materials

Authors: Professor Helena Schultheis Edgeler, Associate Professor Ivana Schwarz, PhD, and students of the Faculty of Textile Technology (TTF)

 Institution: University of Zagreb, Faculty of Textile Technology

The project received the Grand Prix for the best innovation of the 17th International Fair of Agriculture, Food Industry and Agricultural Machinery AGRO-ARCA.

Together, the two winning projects highlighted approaches to improving agricultural production and developing new materials from food waste.

ARCA and AGRO-ARCA 2026 brought exhibition, professional education, international recognition, and institutional cooperation into a single programme. The combination of nearly 300 innovations, participation from more than 20 countries, and discussions on intellectual property and financing reinforced Zagreb’s role as a regional meeting point for invention and technology exchange.

The Croatian Association of Innovators led the organization of the fairs, while IFIA’s participation in the special awards and Grand Prix presentations contributed to the international recognition of the innovators’ achievements.

With the cooperation agreement for AGRO-ARCA 2027 in Slatina providing a clear next step, the 2026 fairs concluded with a foundation for continued knowledge transfer, business partnerships, and collaboration between inventors, research institutions, and industry.

IFIA congratulates all award recipients, participating innovators, and the Croatian Association of Innovators on the successful completion of ARCA and AGRO-ARCA 2026.

The IFIA-BRICS/BRICS+ Committee invites institutions connected with the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) to join the BRICS+ Alliance for Science, Technology and Innovation, an international cooperation initiative connecting universities, research centres, innovation hubs, companies, and public and private institutions.

Operating as one of the programmes within the Committee, the Alliance provides a collaborative platform for developing institutional partnerships, exchanging knowledge, and advancing joint initiatives in education, science, technology, and innovation. More than 200 academic, research, and science, technology and innovation institutions have already registered to join the Alliance.

The initiative is led by Mr. Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA, and Mr. Liu Zhenying, President of the BRICS Academy of Skills Development and Technology Innovation (Xiamen), with the support of Professor Marcelo Vivacqua, PhD, Founder and President of ABIPIR — the Brazilian International Association of Inventors, Scientists and Innovative Entrepreneurs.

Their cooperation brings together institutional leadership and international innovation networks to create practical opportunities for universities, research organisations, inventors, and innovators. The initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening partnerships and connecting complementary expertise across borders.

Established within the framework of IFIA, the IFIA-BRICS/BRICS+ Committee develops programmes that strengthen international cooperation, expand opportunities for IFIA members, and connect innovation ecosystems across BRICS and BRICS+ countries and their international partners.

The Alliance extends this work by connecting institutions with complementary research capabilities, infrastructure, expertise, and development objectives. Its cooperation framework includes institutions from countries maintaining diplomatic relations with BRICS countries, supporting engagement beyond the BRICS membership itself.

Through these connections, the Alliance aims to help institutions identify common interests, establish partnerships, and translate shared priorities into collaborative projects and measurable results.

Participation in the Alliance offers institutions opportunities to strengthen their international presence and develop cooperation across several areas:

• International networking: Establish connections with universities, research centres, innovation hubs, enterprises, and public institutions in different countries.
• Joint research and development: Identify partners for scientific research, technological development, and multidisciplinary projects.
• Education and talent development: Explore academic cooperation, training, professional exchanges, and opportunities for researchers, students, and young innovators.
• Technology transfer and commercialisation: Exchange knowledge and technological solutions, support innovation commercialisation, and strengthen cooperation between academia and industry.
• International visibility: Present institutional achievements, research capabilities, innovative projects, and technologies to a wider international audience.
• Strategic partnerships: Develop relationships that support new initiatives, international projects, and long-term institutional cooperation.
• Sustainable development: Collaborate on solutions that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and address shared social, economic, and environmental challenges.

Participation provides a starting point for identifying common interests and exploring cooperation. The Alliance’s objective is to create the conditions for meaningful partnerships that benefit participating institutions and the communities they serve.

The BRICS+ Alliance for Science, Technology and Innovation is one programme within the wider activities of the IFIA-BRICS/BRICS+ Committee. The Committee promotes cooperation in science, technology, innovation, education, intellectual property, standardisation, technology transfer, and skills development.

Through its programmes, the Committee seeks to connect IFIA’s global network with expertise and opportunities available through BRICS and BRICS+ cooperation. The Alliance complements this work by facilitating institutional relationships that can lead to joint research, educational initiatives, innovation projects, international exchanges, and solutions with practical applications.

For IFIA member associations and connected institutions, the initiative offers a means of engaging more actively in international cooperation and sharing knowledge, expertise, and innovation across borders.

Institutions interested in joining the BRICS+ Alliance for Science, Technology and Innovation are invited to review the information document and its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for details about the Alliance’s objectives, cooperation framework, and participation opportunities.

Read the Alliance Information Document and FAQs.

Applications to join the IFIA-BRICS/BRICS+ Committee can be made by downloading the application form and following the instructions provided in the document.

Download the Committee Application Form.

For further information about the Alliance and opportunities for cooperation, please contact:

Email: cooperation@bricsfuture.org.cn
Additional contact: marcelo-vivacqua@hotmail.com

The IFIA-BRICS/BRICS+ Committee encourages IFIA member associations and connected institutions to explore the Alliance and become active participants in its expanding international network.

By connecting institutions, sharing expertise, and encouraging cooperation across education, science, technology, and innovation, the Alliance aims to turn shared ambitions into practical achievements and lasting institutional partnerships.

IFIA Bharat has partnered with the Government of Karnataka, the Bengaluru Tech Summit, and the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) to host Global Invention and Innovation Connect 2026. The event will take place from 17 to 19 November 2026 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bengaluru, India, as part of Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026. 

The initiative will bring together inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, scientists, and industry professionals from India and internationally, providing a dedicated setting for presenting inventions and connecting with policymakers, investors, and the wider technology community. IFIA Bharat describes the initiative as India’s first dedicated invention and innovation show backed directly by a state government.

Global Invention and Innovation Connect 2026 will feature two complementary components: the Global Invention and Innovation Exhibition and the Challenge to Invent. Together, they will combine the presentation of inventions with the evaluation of solutions addressing practical challenges.

The exhibition will provide a platform for selected inventors, researchers, startups, universities, and companies to showcase inventions, prototypes, and technologies. Its focus is on bringing developed solutions before industry representatives, investors, and potential collaborators, helping participants explore opportunities for adoption and commercialization.

The Challenge to Invent addresses 28 real-world challenges across nine sectors: water and environment; agriculture and food; health, biotechnology and assistive technology; artificial intelligence, deep technology and robotics; electronics, semiconductors and digital infrastructure; cybersecurity and data; electric mobility and batteries; advanced manufacturing and materials; and horology. The initiative connects inventive solutions with practical needs across these fields.

The 29th edition of Bengaluru Tech Summit will take place under the theme “AI & Beyond,” bringing together technology companies, startups, investors, researchers, and policymakers. Its wider programme includes an international exhibition, conferences, business partnering, and technology-focused activities. Within this setting, Global Invention and Innovation Connect will give invention-focused projects a dedicated presence alongside the summit’s broader technology and entrepreneurship programme. The initiative is also listed on the official Bengaluru Tech Summit website.

IFIA Bharat has invited IFIA member organizations and their inventor communities to engage with the initiative, strengthening connections between Indian innovation and international invention networks.

The invitation extends to inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, universities, innovation organizations, and industry professionals interested in presenting their work, exchanging expertise, and developing international relationships.

FIA Bharat has also issued a call for national and international experts, including professionals from IFIA member organisations, to serve on the jury for Global Invention and Innovation Connect 2026.

The call seeks researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, industry professionals, and subject-matter specialists with relevant technical, research, entrepreneurship, investment, or sector expertise.

Jury members will evaluate inventions and innovations submitted under the Challenge to Invent and Global Invention and Innovation Exhibition categories. Selection will take into account each applicant’s expertise, sector experience, the event’s evaluation requirements, and availability during 17–19 November 2026.

Professionals interested in jury participation should contact IFIA Bharat to confirm current application arrangements.

Jury application form:
Global Invention and Innovation Connect 2026 – Jury Application

For current participation arrangements, event information, and jury-related enquiries, please contact IFIA Bharat directly. 

Global Invention and Innovation Connect 2026:
Visit the Event Portal

Bengaluru Tech Summit 2026:
Visit the Official Summit Website

Contact IFIA Bharat

Anand Kannan
National Director, IFIA Bharat Office

Email: anand@ifiabharat.com
Telephone: +91 96111 28772
Website: www.ifiabharat.com

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is pleased to announce the release of IFIA Magazine No. 23, the September 2026 edition of its official publication. Bringing together international event reports, organizational developments, and stories of inventive achievement, this issue offers readers a closer look at the activities shaping IFIA and its global innovation community.

The new edition connects the achievements of inventors with the institutions, educational initiatives, and international networks that support their development. Its coverage reflects the breadth of IFIA’s work, from recognizing outstanding inventions to strengthening cooperation, supporting young innovators, and expanding opportunities for entrepreneurship and commercialization.

IFIA Magazine No. 23, the September 2026 edition, highlights the activities and achievements of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) and its members worldwide. The publication reflects IFIA’s continued commitment to supporting inventors and fostering an international environment in which invention, creativity, and innovation can thrive.

The magazine provides a platform for sharing the work of IFIA’s member organizations, partners, and collaborators, bringing greater visibility to creative initiatives and innovative developments across the world. Through this exchange of knowledge and experience, IFIA Magazine seeks to strengthen the culture of invention, encourage international cooperation, and inspire individuals and organizations to contribute to technological and social progress.

Alongside its coverage of activities and achievements, the magazine introduces upcoming international events and opportunities within the invention and innovation community. By sharing this information, it helps readers stay informed, explore opportunities for participation, and establish connections with fellow innovators and institutions around the world.

IFIA welcomes inquiries, suggestions, and contributions concerning innovation-related events, inventions, and activities. Please contact info@ifia.com to share your news or submit material for consideration in future editions. Your contributions help IFIA Magazine continue its mission of recognizing inventive achievement, sharing knowledge, and connecting the global innovation community.

About SALGA

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) is the national voice of local government in South Africa, representing the country’s 257 municipalities. Established in 1996, SALGA operates as an autonomous association with a national office and nine provincial offices across South Africa. SALGA

SALGA is mandated to represent, promote, and protect the interests of local government, support the transformation and development of municipalities, strengthen leadership and institutional capacity, and facilitate cooperation, knowledge sharing, and improved service delivery across the local government sector. SALGA

Through its national and provincial structures, SALGA brings together political and administrative leadership and provides a unified platform through which municipalities can engage on governance, development, infrastructure, municipal finance, sustainability, innovation, and other issues affecting local communities.

The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) was established in 1996 as the national representative body for local government in South Africa. SALGA represents the country’s 257 municipalities and operates through a national office and nine provincial offices.

Since its establishment, SALGA has played an important role in representing, promoting, and protecting the interests of local government, while supporting municipalities in strengthening governance, institutional capacity, sustainable development, and service delivery.

SALGA’s vision is to lead innovation through quality and sustainable service delivery to its members, contributing to better services for communities.

Through its national and provincial structures, SALGA seeks to strengthen developmental local government and promote innovative approaches that respond effectively to the evolving needs of municipalities and communities across South Africa.

SALGA’s mission is to serve as a consultative, informed, credible, and accountable organization representing the interests of local government in South Africa.

SALGA works to strengthen municipalities, promote cooperation and knowledge sharing, support institutional development, and act as a catalyst for improved governance, innovation, sustainable development, and service delivery.

SALGA represents all 257 municipalities in South Africa, providing a unified national platform for the country’s local government sector.

Its membership brings together metropolitan, district, and local municipalities and enables collaboration among political leaders, municipal administrations, government institutions, and other stakeholders involved in local development.

Through its engagement with IFIA, SALGA also contributes to strengthening connections between local government and the international invention and innovation ecosystem, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovative solutions, and international cooperation.

SALGA recognizes innovation, technology, and knowledge exchange as important drivers for strengthening local government and improving service delivery across South Africa.

Through its engagement with the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) and the global innovation community, SALGA aims to create new opportunities for collaboration between municipalities, inventors, innovators, universities, research institutions, industry, entrepreneurs, and international partners.

This cooperation can support the development and implementation of innovative solutions addressing real challenges faced by municipalities and communities, including sustainable development, infrastructure, digital transformation, environmental challenges, economic development, and improved public services.

By connecting South Africa’s local government sector with international innovation networks, SALGA can help provide a platform for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, innovative projects, and international cooperation, contributing to smarter, more sustainable, and innovation-driven communities.

SALGA and IFIA share a commitment to promoting innovation as a practical tool for sustainable development and positive impact on communities.

The 11th International Invention Innovation Competition in Canada (iCAN 2026) was held online, bringing together 763 entries from 55 countries and regions and concluding with its online Finals on August 29, 2026. Organized by the Toronto International Society of Innovation & Advanced Skills (TISIAS) and based in Toronto, Canada, the competition marked its seventh year of online delivery.

The program progressed from a six-month application period through preliminary screening and assessment to video-based Finals evaluation. Alongside the competition, the Finals program featured an official presentation movie, two keynote presentations, a catalogue, and the award winners list, bringing together project evaluation, recognition, and knowledge sharing.

Registration opened on January 15, 2026, and continued until July 15, following an extension of the original June 15 deadline. Applicants submitted a separate entry form for each invention or project, including written descriptions and supporting visuals to explain their work.

The competition received 816 applications before initial screening. The Organizing Committee and Jury reviewed submissions for completeness, eligibility, and appropriate content, resulting in 763 entries participating in the Preliminaries. These entries were then assessed for Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal Awards.

Following the preliminary stage, 652 entries qualified to proceed to the Finals. The process provided a clear progression from application and screening to medal assessment and eligibility for further evaluation.

Entrants who qualified for the Finals could choose to submit a video presentation for additional assessment. A total of 445 entries participated in this stage, presenting their inventions through video submissions reviewed by the Organizing Committee, Jury Members, and international delegation leaders. Selected footage was also incorporated into the iCAN 2026 Finals Movie.

The video-based stage complemented the written descriptions and supporting visuals submitted during registration. It gave qualifying participants a further opportunity to present their projects while providing the material used for Finals evaluation and the event’s collective presentation of inventions.

The distinction between the two stages is important to the competition’s results: 652 entries qualified for the Finals, while 445 proceeded to compete through video submissions. Together with the 763 preliminary entries, these figures document the different levels of participation across the 2026 program.

The Finals recognized inventions through several distinctions, including the Grand Prize, Semi-Grand Prize, Best Invention Awards, Canadian Special Awards, and International Special Awards sponsored by participating delegations. These complemented the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal Awards assessed during the Preliminaries.

The Finals Award Winners List and official catalogue formed part of the August 29 program, alongside the Finals Movie. These resources documented the competition’s outcomes and provided a lasting presentation of the participating inventions and recognized achievements.

Rather than limiting the program to an announcement of awards, the Finals brought together evaluation results, project presentations, and educational content within a shared online format.

The 2026 competition welcomed entries from 55 countries and regions, reflecting participation from invention communities across the world. The official participation poster records the geographical breadth of the edition, with representation extending across the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

The participation chart on page 4 of the official show report gives a more detailed breakdown of the 652 entries qualified to proceed to the Finals. Peru accounted for 24.23%, followed by Thailand with 13.04% and China with 9.05%. Hong Kong, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia each accounted for 6.60%. Malaysia, Vietnam, Poland, and Romania were also among the ten largest groups shown individually, while the remaining entries were grouped together.

These figures describe the entries eligible to advance, rather than the smaller group that ultimately competed through Finals video submissions. They offer a detailed picture of the international composition of the competition at the qualification stage.

TISIAS organized iCAN 2026, with national support from Innovation Initiative Co-operative Inc. “The Inventors’ Circle” and international support from the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) and WIIPA. Patent Invention Magazine was also listed among the competition’s supporting organizations. IFIA’s involvement was that of an international supporting organization within this TISIAS-led event.

The wider network comprised 81 collaborating units and organizations worldwide, including invention associations, universities, research institutes, inventor clubs, and individual collaborators. This cooperation brought together a broad range of participants in the invention community around the competition and its international program.

The online edition of iCAN 2026 combined 763 preliminary entries, 652 Finals-qualified entries, and 445 video-based Finals submissions within a competition representing 55 countries and regions. Its program brought together staged evaluation, multiple award categories, expert presentations, and a collaborative network of 81 units and organizations.

With the August Finals completed, award-package distribution underway, and a year-end participant tribute planned, the eleventh edition continued beyond the evaluation process into documentation and celebration of its participants’ achievements. The resulting program offers a record not only of awards, but also of the international participation and cooperation that shaped iCAN 2026.

The 53rd Executive Committee Meeting of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) was held in September 2026, bringing together the members of the IFIA Executive Committee to review important membership applications and discuss the continued development of IFIA’s international departments and strategic initiatives.

The meeting focused on expanding IFIA’s global network, strengthening international cooperation, supporting youth innovation, and further developing the Federation’s institutional presence within emerging international innovation ecosystems.

The Executive Committee reviewed the agenda items and submitted its votes, comments, and feedback to the IFIA Secretariat in accordance with the established voting procedure.

1. 1. Opening Remarks
   2. Corresponding Membership Application – SALGA, South Africa
   3. Candidate Membership Application – Applitent Tech, Spain
   4. Collaborative Membership Application – The Global Innovation Field Trip (GIFT) / InventFuture.Global
   5. Collaborative Membership Application – Innovation World™ / Innovation World Alliance
   6. Collaborative Membership Application – New England Invents (NEI), USA
   7. Establishment of the IFIA BRICS Department
   8. Enhancement and Development of the IFIA Youth Department and Appointment of Two Representatives
   9. Closing Remarks

At the opening of the 53rd IFIA Executive Committee Meeting, the members were invited to review a series of proposals aimed at strengthening IFIA’s international network, expanding institutional cooperation, and further developing the Federation’s activities in support of inventors and innovators worldwide.

Particular attention was given to the admission of new organizations from South Africa, Spain, and the United States, as well as international organizations and initiatives focused on youth invention and innovation.

The meeting also addressed the continued development of the IFIA BRICS Department and the strengthening of the IFIA Youth Department, reflecting the Federation’s broader strategy of expanding international cooperation and creating new opportunities for innovators, particularly young inventors.

The Executive Committee reviewed the membership application of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) for admission as a Corresponding Member of IFIA.

Established in 1996, SALGA is the national representative body for local government in South Africa and represents all 257 municipalities through its national office and nine provincial offices. Its activities include capacity building, training, research, policy support, knowledge sharing, advocacy, and cooperation with national and international partners.

SALGA also participates in international networks related to local governance and sustainable development, including engagement through United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG).

Considering SALGA’s national reach and institutional role, its application was presented with the objective of strengthening cooperation between IFIA and South Africa’s local-government and innovation networks.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved with 21 votes from the Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee considered the application of Applitent Tech, Spain, for admission as a candidate Member of IFIA.

Applitent Tech is a Madrid-based organization established in 2026. The organization focuses on supporting inventors, innovators, students, researchers, and startups in Spain.

Its planned activities include educational guidance, workshops and seminars, support for young inventors and students, networking programs, participation in international invention exhibitions, and cooperation with IFIA members and other innovation-related institutions.

The application was presented to strengthen IFIA’s active presence in Spain and develop broader engagement with the Spanish invention and innovation community.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved with 21 votes from the Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee reviewed the Collaborative Membership application of The Global Innovation Field Trip (GIFT) / InventFuture.Global.

GIFT is an international online initiative providing young inventors and innovators from around the world with opportunities to present their inventions, innovative ideas, and creative solutions to a global audience.

According to the information presented to the Executive Committee, the initiative has involved more than 1,800 presenters from 74 countries across 17 GIFT celebrations, while approximately 2,500 innovation stories have been collected in its Library of Innovation.

InventFuture.Global also operates international programs for young innovators, including the InventFuture.Global Innovation Challenge, providing opportunities for students to develop and present ideas, applications, prototypes, and solutions internationally.

The application was presented in view of the strong alignment between these activities and IFIA’s objectives in promoting invention, youth innovation, international cooperation, and knowledge exchange.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved with 21 votes from the Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee considered the Collaborative Membership application of Innovation World™ / Innovation World Alliance.

Innovation World and the Innovation World Alliance operate within an international ecosystem dedicated to encouraging creativity, invention, and innovation among young people while connecting students, educators, mentors, innovators, and innovation organizations across countries.

Innovation World is also identified as the organizer of the Global Innovation Field Trip (GIFT), through which young innovators present their inventions, projects, and innovative solutions to international audiences.

Through its international activities and cooperation with InventFuture.Global, the initiative seeks to create opportunities for young innovators to gain international exposure, exchange experiences, develop their ideas, and connect with the wider global innovation community.

The application was therefore presented in view of the shared objectives of IFIA and Innovation World in supporting inventors, promoting innovation education, empowering young innovators, and expanding international cooperation.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved with 21 votes from the Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee reviewed the application of New England Invents (NEI), USA, for admission as a Collaborative Member of IFIA.

NEI is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, promoting, and supporting independent inventors. Its activities are designed to assist innovators in moving their ideas toward patentable, manufacturable, and commercially viable products.

The organization provides educational seminars, networking events, individual consulting and mentoring, product-pitch sessions, and guidance covering intellectual property protection, prototyping, funding, manufacturing, licensing, marketing, and commercialization.

NEI has also expanded its activities to support K–12 young innovators through educational and mentorship initiatives and has developed programs supporting military veterans and their families in independent invention and innovation.

Considering NEI’s engagement with independent inventors and its educational and commercialization activities, its application was presented as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with IFIA’s international inventor network.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved with 21 votes from the Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee received an update concerning the IFIA BRICS Department, which was established within the framework of IFIA in October 2025 to strengthen cooperation between IFIA’s global innovation network and the innovation ecosystems of BRICS and BRICS+ countries.

As part of its continued development, the IFIA–BRICS/BRICS+ Committee is being formed to bring together representatives and experts from BRICS countries while also enabling participation and cooperation with other IFIA members worldwide.

The Department and its Committee are intended to facilitate international cooperation in areas including innovation and technology, intellectual property, technology transfer, research, education, skills development, international programs, competitions, and knowledge exchange.

As part of this development, Mr. Liu Zhenying will serve as Head of the IFIA BRICS Department, supporting the coordination and further development of its international activities and cooperation.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved with 21 votes from the Executive Committee members.

The Executive Committee received an update on the continued development and strengthening of the IFIA Youth Department.

The IFIA Youth Department is dedicated to encouraging creativity, invention, and innovation among young people and expanding opportunities for young inventors to participate in national and international innovation activities. IFIA’s Youth Network has been active since 1995, promoting creativity and inventiveness among younger generations.

As part of IFIA’s continuing efforts to strengthen the Department, greater emphasis will be placed on engagement with young innovators, educational initiatives, international youth programs, and global innovation networks.

The development also follows the renewal of IFIA’s International Youth Invention Olympiad, reflecting an expanded focus on international youth innovation activities.

To support these activities, Ms. Juli Shively and Mr. Jake Mendelsohn are proposed to serve as representatives of the IFIA Youth Department and contribute to the expansion and coordination of its international youth activities.

✅ This agenda item was unanimously approved with 21 votes from the Executive Committee members.

The 53rd IFIA Executive Committee Meeting concluded following the presentation and consideration of all agenda items.

The meeting reflected IFIA’s continuing efforts to strengthen its global institutional network, expand cooperation with organizations supporting inventors and innovators, develop new international partnerships, and enhance the Federation’s activities in the areas of youth innovation and international cooperation.

The IFIA Secretariat expressed its appreciation to the members of the Executive Committee for their continued participation, cooperation, and contribution to the Federation’s activities and international development.

The official meeting communication stated that the Secretariat would compile the votes, comments, and feedback received from Executive Committee members and subsequently communicate the final decisions concerning the relevant agenda items.

Fahd bin Mansour Al-Arjani

SIGMA – Sovereign Human-AI Algorithmic Interaction System

International Patent Application: PCT/SA2026/050007

International Publication: WO2026/071935

International Publication Date: 02 April 2026

SIGMA – Sovereign Human-AI Algorithmic Interaction System is a Decision Governance Infrastructure System (DGIS) designed to govern the lifecycle of algorithmic decisions within Human-AI environments.

The system introduces a structured governance layer between AI-generated outputs and operational execution, integrating human authority, decision verification, risk and compliance controls, authorization, execution governance, accountability, traceability, and provenance.

SIGMA is designed to ensure that algorithmic decisions pass through defined governance and oversight processes before execution while maintaining clear human authority and accountability throughout the decision lifecycle.

SIGMA introduces a governance-centered architecture for managing the transition of algorithmic decisions from generation to execution.

Rather than functioning as an AI model or replacing existing artificial intelligence systems, SIGMA operates as a governance infrastructure positioned around the decision lifecycle. Its purpose is to ensure that AI-generated or algorithmically generated decisions are subject to structured verification, risk assessment, compliance assessment, trust evaluation, authorization, execution control, and traceability before operational execution.

The system establishes a controlled Human-AI environment in which computational intelligence may contribute to decision generation while authority over execution remains governed.

“Intelligence may generate decisions, but authority over execution remains governed”

This approach is intended to preserve human authority, operational accountability, decision provenance, and auditable governance across AI-enabled environments.

SIGMA governs algorithmic decisions through a structured operational lifecycle:

Human Input → Identity & Attribution → Algorithmic Processing → Sovereignty Filtering → Hybrid Decision Formation → Risk Assessment → Compliance Assessment → Verification → Trust Assessment → Authorization → Execution Control → Governed Execution → Traceability & Provenance

Through this architecture, a decision is evaluated through multiple governance layers before being released for execution.

The architecture therefore separates decision generation from decision authorization and execution, providing defined control points throughout the lifecycle.

Fahd bin Mansour Al-Arjani is the inventor of SIGMA – Sovereign Human-AI Algorithmic Interaction System.

His work on SIGMA focuses on Human-AI decision governance, human authority preservation, algorithmic accountability, execution governance, traceability, and sovereign decision architectures.

Through the SIGMA ecosystem, he has documented a broader institutional and engineering architecture addressing governance frameworks, operational models, assessment structures, professional knowledge systems, and sector-specific applications for Human-AI decision environments.

The vision behind SIGMA is to contribute to the development of Human-AI environments in which technological advancement is accompanied by clear mechanisms for human oversight, authorization, accountability, verification, and responsible governance.

SIGMA approaches the future of artificial intelligence from the perspective that increasing computational capability should be accompanied by stronger mechanisms for governing how algorithmic decisions transition into real-world actions.

The second stage of the 15th InnovaCities – International Fair of Smart, Happy, Human and Resilient Cities successfully concluded in Foz do Iguacu, Parana, Brazil, bringing together inventors, researchers, academics, entrepreneurs, students, and innovation professionals from around the world. Held from September 15 to 18, 2026, the program began with project pitch presentations before an international jury at Faculdade Uniguacu on September 15 and 16, followed by the public exhibition and awards ceremony on September 17 and 18. The final two days were held in conjunction with the 4th Iguassu Valley Summit, creating a broader platform for innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and regional development.

The 2026 edition demonstrated the growing international reach of InnovaCities, with the two competitions attracting more than 70 innovative projects from 13 countries:

Brazil, Canada, China, Congo, Egypt, Ghana, India, Iran, Jordan, Paraguay, Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Participants represented a wide range of scientific disciplines and sectors, presenting solutions designed to address contemporary technological, environmental, social, and economic challenges.

Two competitions were organized simultaneously during the event.

The 2nd LATAM BRICS Technological Innovation and Talent Development Competition was held in cooperation with the BRICS Academy in Xiamen, China, and Faculdade Uniguacu.

Alongside it, the 2nd InnovaCities Regenerative Innovation Competition was organized in partnership with UNILA – Federal University for Latin American Integration.

Together, the competitions provided innovators with opportunities to present their projects to evaluators, gain international exposure, exchange knowledge, and connect with institutions involved in research, technology, education, and entrepreneurship.

InnovaCities is organized by ABIPIR – Brazil International Association of Innovative Inventors, Scientists and Entrepreneurs – and endorsed by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), under the support of IFIA President Alireza Rastegar.

The event forms part of the wider activities of the ABIPIR-IFIA LATAM Office, strengthening IFIA’s engagement with inventors, universities, innovation organizations, and entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout Latin America.

The overall coordination of the 2026 event was led by Mariangela Luckmann, Director of Education and Events at ABIPIR and the ABIPIR-IFIA LATAM Office.

Through its endorsement of international initiatives such as InnovaCities, IFIA continues to support platforms that connect inventors with global networks, encourage international cooperation, and increase the visibility of innovative solutions.

An important outcome of the closing and awards ceremony was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at expanding cooperation within the innovation ecosystem.

The agreements involved the BRICS Academy, represented by Lu Simon on behalf of BRICS Academy President Liu Zhenying, and ABIPIR, represented by its Founder and President Marcelo Vivacqua, with four institutions:

• UNILA – Federal University for Latin American Integration, represented by Rector Professor Diana Araujo Pereira
• IDESTUR – Institute for Tourism Development, represented by Founder Newton Paulo de Abreu Angeli
• UNIOESTE, represented by Sergio Moacir Fabriz, General Director of the Foz do Iguacu Campus
• Faculdade Uniguacu, represented by Fabio Corbari, Director of Expansion and Development and Coordinator of Research and Extension

These agreements represent an important step toward strengthening connections between academic institutions, innovation organizations, entrepreneurship networks, and international partners.

The closing ceremony also provided an opportunity to recognize outstanding projects through medals and certificates.

In addition, medals previously won by Brazilian innovators at the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF) in Santa Clara, California, were formally presented during the program.

The recognized Brazilian innovators were: Sol Andrea Gonzalez Tapia, Vitor Gabriel Cagol Escobar, Irene Cecilia Cagol, and Anatalicio dos Reis Silva.

This connection between InnovaCities and other international innovation platforms illustrates the growing opportunities available to Latin American innovators to present their work within global invention networks.

The 2026 program also highlighted the growing international activities of UNIGUACU, which participated actively in InnovaCities and contributed to the organization of stages of international innovation competitions in partnership with ABIPIR and the BRICS Academy, with IFIA endorsement.

The initiative brought together researchers, inventors, students, entrepreneurs, and specialists from different countries, while activities continued during the Iguassu Valley Summit 2026.

This model strengthened the integration of education, science, technology, entrepreneurship, and regional development, while creating new opportunities for students, researchers, companies, and innovation stakeholders.

Through InnovaCities 2026, Foz do Iguacu further strengthened its position as a meeting point for regional and international innovation.

The cooperation among universities, innovation organizations, businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, and international networks demonstrates how regional ecosystems can become increasingly connected to global knowledge and technology communities.

For IFIA, supporting initiatives of this kind aligns with its mission of encouraging international cooperation, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and creating greater opportunities for inventors to connect their ideas with wider networks and practical applications.

Following the successful conclusion of the 2026 edition, organizers are already looking ahead to InnovaCities 2027.

The continued international growth of the event, together with new institutional agreements and the expanding involvement of universities and innovation organizations, provides a strong foundation for further collaboration.

Through its continued endorsement of InnovaCities and the activities of the ABIPIR-IFIA LATAM Office, IFIA will continue supporting opportunities that connect inventors, researchers, entrepreneurs, and institutions across borders and contribute to innovation with meaningful social, technological, and economic impact.

BRICS Technological Innovation Competition Results: CLICK HERE

Regenerative Innovation Competition Results: CLICK HERE

Event Photo Gallery: CLICK HERE

The opening program brought together senior government, scientific, intellectual property and innovation representatives. Among the distinguished speakers and participants reported at the opening were:

• Zhao Guosheng, Vice Mayor of Guangzhou
• Yu Huarong, Party Secretary of the China Association of Inventions
• Zhang Yong, Mayor of Haikou, the Guest City of the 34th Guangzhou Fair
• Xue Qikun, President of Southern University of Science and Technology, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and recipient of China’s Highest Science and Technology Award
• Hu Wenhui, Deputy Commissioner of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)
• Alireza Rastegar, President of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA)

In the opening remarks, speakers emphasized the importance of connecting scientific discovery and invention with industrial application, intellectual property protection and international cooperation. The program highlighted Guangzhou and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area as a major environment for translating technological achievements into economic and societal value.

IEI 2026 significantly expanded its international dimension. The International Inventions area gathered inventors and projects from multiple countries, with the event as a whole bringing together participants from 35 countries and international organizations. The exhibition was organized around seven specialized areas designed to improve visibility, technical exchange and resource matching:

• International Inventions
• New Quality Productivity Development
• Defence Technology
• Research Achievements of Higher Education Institutions
• Invention Achievements of Innovative Craftsmen
• Green Production and New Material Innovations
• Youth Talent Invention and Innovation

These exhibition areas presented achievements across strategic and emerging fields including artificial intelligence, digital technologies, advanced manufacturing, new energy storage, biomedicine, environmental technologies, new materials and youth innovation. By combining technical diversity with specialized zones, the exhibition enabled visitors and professional stakeholders to identify relevant technologies and engage more directly with their creators.

A central feature of IEI 2026 was its focus on innovation that can contribute directly to industrial upgrading and the development of new quality productive forces. Technologies with practical application potential were given strong visibility, reflecting an increasing emphasis on inventions that can move beyond laboratory or prototype stages toward manufacturing, deployment and market adoption.

The program encouraged interaction among research institutions, universities, technology enterprises and industry specialists, supporting a broader innovation chain in which invention, intellectual property, technical validation, industrial demand and commercialization are considered together.

The “Belt & Road” and BRICS Competition of Skills Development and Technology Innovation (BRBC 2026) was held concurrently with IEI 2026. The competition created an international environment for skills exchange, technical problem-solving and the development of applied innovation capabilities among participants from Belt and Road and BRICS-related networks.

Together with the invention exhibition, BRBC 2026 strengthened the connection between technical skills, invention and workforce development, while providing participants with opportunities to exchange methods, compare solutions and engage with international innovation resources.

IEI 2026 also placed strong emphasis on the transformation and commercialization of innovative achievements. Two-way intellectual property project roadshows and matchmaking meetings were organized during the event to connect technology owners with potential partners, enterprises, institutions and commercialization resources.

The organizers introduced a more structured project-matching approach, including the selection of projects with potential relevance to industries in Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area, followed by project presentations, dedicated roadshows and one-to-one discussions. This model supported technology cooperation, intellectual property transfer, investment dialogue and potential industrial implementation.

The closing program on August 23 recognized outstanding inventions and innovation achievements presented during the exhibition. International distinctions formed an important part of the awards program, reinforcing the global profile of participating inventors, research teams and technologies.

A highlight of the closing ceremony was the presentation of the IFIA Best Invention Award 2026. The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) recognized three outstanding inventions for their inventive merit, technical significance and potential for real-world impact:

1. Name of Invention: Wondaleaf® Afresh
   Name of Inventor: Dr. John Tang Ing Ching
   Organization: Twin Catalyst Sdn Bhd – MINDS
2. Name of Invention: Key Components, Integration and Applications of High-Performance Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks
   Name of Inventor: Minfang Han
   Organization: Tsinghua University / Xuzhou Huatsing Jingkun Energy Co., Ltd.
3. Name of Invention: High-Resolution, Fast-Response Multi-Parameter Plasma Diagnostic Technology and Applications for Space Electric Propulsion
   Name of Inventor: Weizong Wang
   Organization: Beihang University

Together, the three IFIA Best Invention Award 2026 recipients reflected the breadth of innovation represented at IEI 2026, spanning user-centered product development, high-performance clean-energy systems and advanced diagnostic technology for space electric propulsion. The recognitions underscored IFIA’s commitment to identifying inventions that combine technical excellence with strong potential for scientific, industrial and societal value.

The concurrent organization of IEI 2026 and the 34th Guangzhou Fair created a broader environment for connecting invention with industry and markets. While IEI focused on inventions, technology and innovation achievements, the Guangzhou Fair brought together a much larger commercial and industrial community, including thousands of exhibiting enterprises and professional buyers.

This parallel format helped bridge the gap between technological creativity and market demand. For participating inventors, researchers and technology organizations, it provided access to a wider network of potential industrial partners, procurement channels, enterprises and regional cooperation opportunities.

IFIA’s support for IEI 2026 reflects the Federation’s continuing commitment to strengthening international cooperation among inventors, invention associations and innovation organizations. By supporting major international platforms such as IEI, IFIA contributes to greater visibility for inventors and encourages stronger links between invention, intellectual property, scientific collaboration and commercialization.

The participation of international inventors, universities, enterprises and innovation institutions also reinforced the role of IEI as a meeting point between China’s innovation ecosystem and the wider global invention community. This international exchange is increasingly important as emerging technologies require cross-border cooperation, multidisciplinary expertise and access to diverse markets.

With more than 3,700 inventions and innovation achievements, participation from 35 countries and international organizations, seven specialized exhibition areas, BRBC 2026, intellectual property matchmaking activities and a strong connection with the 34th Guangzhou Fair, IEI 2026 represented one of the major international invention gatherings held in China this year.

The event demonstrated how international invention exhibitions are evolving beyond traditional display and competition formats. Increasingly, they serve as platforms for technology transfer, international networking, skills development, intellectual property utilization, industry engagement and market-oriented cooperation.

A global platform for invention, science, entrepreneurship and international cooperation

SVIIF 2026 brought together inventors, researchers, academics, young innovators, international delegations, consular representatives, innovation leaders and thousands of visitors for three days of exhibitions, professional evaluation, networking and recognition.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – Silicon Valley became a meeting point for the international invention community as the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026) returned to the Santa Clara Convention Center from August 14 to 16, 2026. Across three intensive days, the festival combined international exhibition, professional judging, official visits, medal presentations and a culminating Special Awards and Grand Prix Ceremony.

With more than 4,000 registered visitors, the participation of 31 countries, and the presentation of more than 400 inventions and innovative projects, SVIIF 2026 created a truly international platform for innovation in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visitors had the opportunity to explore technologies and creative solutions presented by participants from Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Canada, China, Croatia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, South Korea, Mexico, Palestine, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Spain, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, while engaging directly with inventors, researchers, experts, and potential partners from around the world.

3 Days | 31 countries | 4,00+ Inventions & Innovations | 4,000+ Registered Visitors | 22 Jury Members | 2 Days of Evaluation

The opening day began with the international jury’s pre-evaluation meeting at 8:30 a.m. The session reviewed judging standards, procedures, scoring methods, project assignments and coordination. At 9:00 a.m., the official evaluation process started, with jurors visiting exhibition booths in their respective fields of expertise.

Inventors presented the scientific and technical foundations of their work, prototypes, practical applications, development status and commercialization potential. The professional evaluation continued throughout August 14 and 15, allowing projects to be assessed through direct presentation and expert discussion.

A 22 – Member International Jury

The SVIIF 2026 evaluation was conducted by a 22- member international jury representing expertise across academia, engineering, invention, intellectual property, industry, entrepreneurship, research, technology development and commercialization. The jury worked under the leadership of John Calvert, Jury President, with Dr. Amin Ghafooripour serving as Chair of the Jury Committee and coordinating the professional evaluation process.

Projects were assessed on originality and innovation, scientific and technical merit, practical application, stage of development, problem-solving capacity, potential impact, economic value and commercialization potential. The evaluation framework emphasized not only the novelty of an idea, but also its relevance, technical substance and prospects for real-world implementation.

At 10:30 a.m. on August 14, SVIIF 2026 officially opened with a ceremony welcoming inventors and international delegations to Santa Clara. The program brought together the Mayor of Santa Clara, festival leadership, members of the international jury, VIP guests, national delegation leaders, and consular and diplomatic representatives connected with participating countries and regions.

The opening remarks highlighted the importance of research, fair and professional evaluation, international cooperation and the role of invention exhibitions in helping strong ideas move toward meaningful scientific, social and commercial impact.

Official Exhibition Tour

Following the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Santa Clara, accompanied by VIP guests and international representatives, toured the exhibition and met directly with inventors and national teams. The visit provided participants with an opportunity to demonstrate their technologies and explain their work to city officials, innovation leaders and representatives of international organizations.

The festival was organized under the esteemed patronage of:

• International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA)
• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
• United Inventors Association of America (UIA)

This strong institutional support ensured SVIIF 2026 upheld its reputation as a world-class platform for invention and innovation.

Throughout August 14 and 15, jurors continued their assessment of participating inventions. Inventors were expected to explain the problem addressed by their work, the genuine point of innovation, the maturity of the technology, prospective users, scalability and the pathway from exhibition-stage presentation to practical scientific, social, industrial or commercial application.

More than 4,000 visitors registered to attend the festival, including students, researchers, families, technology enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, business professionals, academics, investors and members of the broader innovation community. Visitors met inventors directly, examined prototypes, asked questions and discovered technologies presented by participants from around the world.

This public engagement gave the festival an important market-facing dimension and reinforced SVIIF’s role not only as an international invention competition, but also as a platform for technology discovery, networking and future collaboration.

Following two days of professional evaluation, the Gold, Silver and Bronze Medal results were announced at 4:00 p.m. on August 15. The distinctions reflected the scores and assessments of the international jury and recognized projects demonstrating notable levels of innovation, technical merit and development potential.

On the final day, the exhibition remained open until 5:00 p.m., giving visitors and delegations one more opportunity to explore the projects and meet participants. From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., attention shifted to the SVIIF 2026 Special Awards and Grand Prix Ceremony, celebrating outstanding achievements among inventors, researchers, youth teams, universities, companies and international delegations.

Selected SVIIF 2026 Special Awards: The Special Awards section highlights the SVIIF Grand Prix and Semi-Grand Prix distinctions, together with awards presented by the City of Santa Clara, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), and the United Inventors Association of America (UIA).

Grand Prix – Silicon Valley International Invention Festival 2026

The festival’s highest honor was presented by Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA and Founder of the Festival; Lisa Gillmor, Mayor of the City of Santa Clara; and John Calvert, Jury President.

• Dr. Simson Wu / Amonova Limited – United Kingdom / Regenerative Solar-Driven Air-to-Fertilizer Production Platform

Grand Prix – Silicon Valley International Youth Innovation Olympiad

• Yu-Sheng Huang, Chin-Yu Yang, Chin-Siang Yang, Kenneth Hsu, Jayden Weichieh Chen, Chen-Hsiang Ko, Yin-Hsi Liang, Calvin Yokuan Creekmore – Chinese Taipei / AllerDetect GO: An AI-Powered Comprehensive Allergen Detection and Analysis System

Semi-Grand Prix – Silicon Valley International Invention Festival

• Meiyun Wang, Dinggang Shen, Yaping Wu, Yan Bai, Wei Wei, Lingzhi Hu, Tuoyu Cao, Jianmin Yuan / Henan Provincial People’s Hospital – China / Systems and Methods for Correlating Medical Images with Medical Reports
• Jehaad Aljohani, Duaa Mufarreh, Alanoud Alqarzaie, Hassan Alzahrani, Abdulrahman Alduraibi, Madaa Mufarreh / King Abdulaziz University & Tuwaiq Academy – Saudi Arabia / Solara
• Safarali Safarli, Laman Safarli, Malak Baghirova, Sevinj Aliyeva, Arzu Ibrahimova, Anar Mammadov, Togrul Guluzade, Tunjay Isgandarli, Kamran Mahmudov, Nurlan Abdullayev, Javid Jalilov, Ilham Suleymanov, Jahid Jabizada – Azerbaijan / M.R.S – Mercy Rescue Snake
• Keawaram, T. Boonprakob, J. Sittiyoth, W. Sawasdee, T. Sankumlue and C. Saengchan / Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) – Thailand / Smart Data Fusion: Enhancing UAV Photogrammetric Point Clouds with Terrestrial Laser Scanning
• KOEN, Electreeko – South Korea / Sponge Ball Degassing Saturation Device

Semi-Grand Prix – Silicon Valley International Youth Innovation Olympiad

• An-Yun Liu, Yu-Chieh Hsiao, Phoebe Lee, Yu-Kai Lin, Chia-Hsun Yao, Tsung-Yu Tsai, Allen Pin-Kuan Yeh, Pin-Yi Yeh, Pin-Wei Yeh – Chinese Taipei / Rhythm Racer
• Amir Hashem Mohammad Alkhalaileh / Al-Amad Technology School – Jordan / Clean Plant Energy System for Future Aviation
• Zirui Wu, Zaiyao Liu / Guangzhou True Light Middle School, Tianjin Eco-City Affiliated to Beijing Normal University – China / An Energy-Saving Lighting Control Scheme Controlled by Low-Power IoT Technology

City of Santa Clara / Mayor’s Awards

• ICTK Co., Ltd. – South Korea – Best International Innovator – Apparatus and Method for Generating Physical Unclonable Function by Modifying Photo Mask of Semiconductor Process
• Seikun Design – Huan Hsiung Tseng and Kuo-Hung Tseng – USA – Best American Innovator – Original Shift System (O.S.S.)

The Silicon Valley International Invention Festival Audience Choice Award

• Best Inventor To: Chen Yongbing, Li Sidan, Zhang Qian, Zhang Bingdong, Xing Guirong / Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China Science Huachen Innovatech Co., Ltd. – China / Laparoscopic Surgical Robot with Microwave Scalpel and Embodied Intelligent
• Best Young Innovator To: Yu-Cheng Lin, Yi-Li Chen, Kuan-Chen Kuo, Yu-Che Chiang, Jui-Tse Sun, Chien-Hung Tien, Tzu-Hsun Kuang, Hsin-Tung Liu – Chinese Taipei / Visible Knowledge: An Interdisciplinary Marble-Run STEM Learning Platform

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Awards

• WIPO National Award for Inventor to Dr. Fu Hong, Prof. Chan Che Hin Chetwyn, Hou Beibei, Prof. Xu Yanwen, Prof. Wang Jun, Wang Ying, Li Xiao, Qiu Minyu, He Ziyu, Wang Yanyue, Han Lin – Hong Kong SAR / RoMetric: Intelligent Hand Function ROM Assessment System
• WIPO National Award for Creativity to FIREBUSTER INC. – South Korea / Fire Extinguisher Having Convenience to Manage and Use
• WIPO National Award for Enterprises to Sungrai, M. Utsintong, P. Kookasamkij, T. Thaneerat / Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine – Thailand / DTAM AlcoDeltaBlock Effervescent Tablets: An Innovative Public Health Solution for Alcohol Use Disorder Management
• WIPO National Award for WIPO Users to Chui-Ping Hu, Jung-Hui Yen, Chen-Ying Chiang, Robert David Suhr, Chun-Tai Yen – Chinese Taipei / LSF Intelligent Cross-Domain Pre-Test System
• WIPO National Award for Schoolchildren to Liu Haolin, Ming Junyi, Xuan Xiwen, Ye Chun Yuk, Yan Zihan, Zhang Haoxuan / Shenzhen RDF International School – China / Underwater Garbage Cleaning Robot

IFIA Best Invention Awards

• Ting-Wei Hsu – Chinese Taipei / Novel Artificial Electronic Nose
• Sengnongban, S. Thammasirikul, P. Rittarwet, A. Khantachawana / Smart MED Group 2019 Co., Ltd. with Thai Biomedical Engineering Association – Thailand / PEAK: A Daily Bone-Support for Targeted Preventive Bone Care
• Le Minh Ngoc, Nguyen Hoang Tung Lam, Nguyen Hoang Ngan Linh – Vietnam / An Explainable CT-Based AI Radiomics Model for Noninvasive EGFR Mutation Prediction in Vietnamese Lung Cancer Patients
• Si-Zhao J. QIN, Lisha YU, Weijian ZHANG, Haochen HOU – Hong Kong SAR / GaitGPT: Bridging Clinical Reporting and Quantitative Gait Metrics for Accurate and Traceable Gait Analysis
• Kimblade Co., Ltd. – South Korea / Wiper Blade Strip

United Inventors Association of America (UIA) Awards

• UIA Most Innovative Award to Domagoj Orec / IZO-DOM Thermal Insulation Made from Recycled Textiles
• UIA Pinnacle Award  to K-DEFENSE CO., LTD. / KOREA FIRE INSTITUTE / One Touch Type Air Tank Connecting Assembly
• UIA Best Marketing Award to FIREBUSTER INC. / Fire Extinguisher Having Convenience to Manage and Use
• UIA Rising Star Youth Award to Hui-Han Cheng, Kaijing Hsu / Intelligent Hazard Alarm Safety Helmet Management System

The complete list of SVIIF 2026 Special Awards and winners is available on the official festival website: https://sviif.com/winners

The SVIIF 2026 awards reflected the international character of the festival itself. Participants arrived in Silicon Valley with different technologies, backgrounds and challenges to solve, yet shared a common purpose: to bring ideas to an international stage, receive professional evaluation and create meaningful impact.

From the Grand Prix and Semi-Grand Prix distinctions to awards presented by the City of Santa Clara, WIPO, IFIA and UIA, the final ceremony recognized both individual achievement and the broader international community working to transform ideas into practical solutions.

As the awards ceremony concluded on the evening of August 16, SVIIF 2026 officially came to a close. For many participants, however, the end of the festival marked the beginning of a new stage: further development, new partnerships, international visibility and opportunities for future cooperation.

The booths would be dismantled and delegations would return home, but the relationships established in Santa Clara, the feedback received from international experts and the conversations initiated with researchers, organizations and industry professionals could continue well beyond the exhibition floor.

Official Website of SVIIF
www.sviif.com

SVIIF 2026 Official Exhibition Guidebook
SVIIF Guidebook 2026 – Online Version

Special Award Winners List 2026
SVIIF 2026 Special Awards

SVIIF Photo Gallery & Highlights
SVIIF Media Gallery

SVIIF Media Gallery IFIA

IFIA Official Website
www.ifia.com

KIWIE 2026 brought women inventors, entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovation leaders together in Seoul. The Korea International Women’s Invention Exposition ran from July 16 to 18, 2026. Its venue was The Platz Hall at COEX, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Over three days, participants shared inventions and explored new ideas. They also exchanged knowledge about intellectual property and built links across borders. Together, these activities highlighted women’s contributions to technology, business, and society.

The Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP) hosted the event. Meanwhile, the Korea Women Inventors Association (KWIA) organized the program.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) supported the event. The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) also provided support.

The Korea International Women’s Invention Competition featured 591 inventions in 2026. Of these, 137 came from Korea and 454 came from 20 countries. In addition, the exhibition brought together 53 Korean companies.

Participants came from Azerbaijan, China, Croatia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Korea, Kuwait, Mongolia, and New Zealand. Other participants represented Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Yemen.

By comparison, KIWIE 2025 featured 445 inventions from 16 countries. That total included 133 Korean inventions and 312 international entries. The rise to 591 inventions therefore showed strong growth, especially in international participation.

As a result, more women inventors could share their work on a global stage. They could also exchange expertise and make new professional contacts.

KIWIE 2026 offered more than an exhibition and competition. Its program included an opening ceremony, invention evaluations, and a welcome dinner. In addition, participants could attend intellectual property education sessions and the final awards ceremony.

The IP Leadership Academy for Global Women took place on July 17 at COEX. It added an educational focus to the event. Meanwhile, photographs in the official report document the opening ceremony, international gathering, academy sessions, and exhibition activities.

By combining learning with invention displays, KIWIE gives women innovators more than a place to show their work. It also helps them build knowledge and networks. These resources can help inventors protect their ideas and explore opportunities beyond the exhibition.

As a supporter of KIWIE 2026, IFIA continued its work to promote women in invention and innovation. Its mission includes helping talented inventors gain recognition across borders. In this way, IFIA seeks to widen access to a global audience.

Women inventors create solutions in science, engineering, energy, healthcare, education, and digital technology. They also address sustainability and everyday needs. Events such as KIWIE help bring these achievements to wider attention.

In 2026, IFIA recognized four outstanding inventions with the IFIA Best Invention Medal. The awards highlighted the projects’ originality and potential impact.

The KIWIE 2026 Awards Ceremony took place on July 18 at Studio 159, COEX. During the ceremony, four innovators received IFIA medals. They represented the Republic of Korea, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia.

The 2026 IFIA award recipients were:

• Lee Hyun Jin – ANYLOCK Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea
  Push-pull Door Lock with a Clutch Mechanism
• Hwang Choon Hong – Dowgene Co., Ltd., Republic of Korea
  Forensic Science Experience DNA Electrophoresis Kit
• Shaden N. Albalawi – King Abdul Aziz University, Saudi Arabia
  Adaptive Hybrid Photonic Layer for Enhanced Solar Energy Harvesting
• Jenan Alshehab – ELECTRODIS TECH, Kuwait
  Wireless Power Transmission System

Together, the four inventions cover mechanical engineering, science education, solar energy, and wireless power. They highlight the breadth of women’s contributions to technology.

KIWIE 2026 brought together ideas from many countries and fields. In fact, 454 international inventions made up most of the competition’s 591 entries. This broad participation underlined the event’s global reach.

The IFIA medal winners also showed the range of challenges women inventors address. For example, the door-lock project focuses on practical engineering and ease of use. The DNA electrophoresis kit supports hands-on learning in forensic science.

Meanwhile, the photonic-layer project explores ways to improve solar energy harvesting. The wireless power system addresses another area of electrical and energy technology. Together, these projects show how women’s ideas span both daily needs and longer-term technical challenges.

KIWIE 2026 showed why support for women inventors matters. It helps more people share ideas and contribute to global innovation. Moreover, it connects recognition with learning and professional exchange.

With 591 inventions, the event highlighted the creativity and technical skills of women innovators worldwide. Intellectual property education also gave the program a practical focus beyond awards and displays.

Through its support for KIWIE, IFIA helps women inventors reach international audiences. It also recognizes promising inventions and encourages connections within the innovation community.

Women continue to shape science, technology, business, and sustainable development. Therefore, platforms such as KIWIE remain valuable places to share their work. They can help ideas move from an invention showcase toward wider impact.

Ultimately, KIWIE 2026 celebrated both successful inventions and the women behind them. Their work reflects a growing contribution to the technologies and solutions of the future.

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has reaffirmed its support for the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026) through an official written and video message from Mr. Marco M. Alemán, Assistant Director General of WIPO, and by designating five WIPO Awards to be presented during the Festival. These initiatives reflect WIPO’s continued commitment to promoting innovation and its longstanding collaboration with the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA).

Marco M. Alemán Delivers an Official Message

In his official written and video message, Mr. Marco M. Alemán congratulated IFIA on organizing SVIIF 2026 and emphasized the Festival’s role as an international platform that connects inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and intellectual property stakeholders from around the world.

He highlighted WIPO’s continued efforts to strengthen innovation through its global intellectual property ecosystem, including the Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), the WIPO INSPIRE platform, IP analytics, and the Inventor Assistance Program (IAP). Mr. Alemán also acknowledged IFIA’s longstanding contribution to supporting inventors worldwide and expressed his best wishes for the success of SVIIF 2026.

 

In addition to the official message, WIPO has designated five WIPO Awards that will be presented during SVIIF 2026. The certificates, signed by Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, recognize outstanding achievements in five categories:

• WIPO Award for Creativity
• WIPO Award for Inventors
• WIPO Award for Enterprises
• WIPO Award for WIPO Users
• WIPO Award for Schoolchildren

The certificates confirm that the awards will be presented during the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026), organized by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) in Santa Clara, California, USA, on August 16, 2026.

Organized with the support of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026) welcomes innovators from around the globe to present their inventions, compete for prestigious awards, connect with investors, and gain international recognition.

Official Website:
www.sviif.com

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is proud to announce that Lisa M. Gillmor, Mayor of Santa Clara, California, will officially present two distinguished awards during the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026).

This special recognition reflects the City of Santa Clara’s commitment to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological excellence while strengthening collaboration between local leadership and the global innovation community.

 

Since 2018, the City of Santa Clara has served as the host city for the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF), welcoming innovators, researchers, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders from around the world. Over the years, the City’s leadership has consistently demonstrated its commitment to encouraging innovation by facilitating an environment where international collaboration, technological advancement, and entrepreneurship can thrive.

The continued engagement of the Mayor of Santa Clara in SVIIF reflects the City’s long-standing appreciation for the role of innovation in economic growth and community development. As the home of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara provides a globally recognized setting that brings together inventors, universities, startups, industry leaders, and investors, fostering meaningful international connections and celebrating technological excellence.

 

During the awards ceremony, Mayor Gillmor will personally honor outstanding inventors by presenting the following prestigious distinctions:

• Best American Innovator
• Best International Innovator

These awards recognize exceptional creativity, technological achievement, and inventions with the potential to create meaningful impact across industries and societies worldwide

SVIIF 2026 will bring together inventors, startups, universities, research institutions, investors, and technology leaders from around the world. The festival provides an international platform for showcasing breakthrough inventions, building strategic partnerships, attracting investment, and expanding global collaboration

The participation of the Mayor of Santa Clara further enhances the international prestige of SVIIF 2026 and reinforces Silicon Valley’s position as one of the world’s leading centers for innovation, entrepreneurship, and advanced technology

Organized with the support of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), the Silicon Valley International Invention Festival (SVIIF 2026) welcomes innovators from around the globe to present their inventions, compete for prestigious awards, connect with investors, and gain international recognition.

Official Website:
www.sviif.com

Innovators:

Maryam Rastegari, Alireza Rastegari, Amin Khalili, Mohammadhossein Sharifnia, Tahereh Nikoudel

Owners of the innovation:

Shadow Faucet: Systems and Methods for Designing and Fabricating an Improved Multi-Component Washing and Fire-Fighting Device

 

Acknowledgment: Congratulations on being one of the pioneer innovators who have obtained the IFIA Innovation Standard certificate (IIS).

Following your inquiry for an IIS certification, the jury board evaluated your application according to the criteria. And after the assessment and examinations, your innovation was granted with IFIA Innovation Standard Grade A.

IFIA hopes that by having this certification, you will take an essential step in the commercialization of your innovation. Also, by entering international markets, you can contribute to the realization of the global slogan: Generating wealth through innovative knowledge.

A Smarter Way to Clean, Dry, and Protect Surfaces

Cleaning systems have changed very little over the past decades. Most still depend on large volumes of water, long washing cycles, and separate drying processes. In homes, public facilities, factories, hospitals, and industrial environments, this approach leads to unnecessary water consumption, higher energy use, longer operating times, and gradual damage to surfaces exposed to moisture.

Our invention was developed from a simple question: Can water be used more intelligently rather than simply used in greater quantities?

The answer became a multi-component washing and fire-fighting system that combines fluid engineering, controlled heating, pressure management, and rapid drying in a single integrated device. Instead of relying on excessive water flow, the system improves the effectiveness of the cleaning fluid itself and then removes residual moisture quickly and efficiently.

Why Conventional Systems Fall Short

Whether a system uses liquid water or steam, the same practical problems are often encountered:

• High water consumption during cleaning operations.
• Long washing and drying times.
• Energy losses caused by heating large volumes of water.
• Residual moisture left on surfaces after cleaning.
• Corrosion, oxidation, and gradual surface degradation.
• Higher maintenance and operating costs.

These challenges become especially important in places where cleaning is performed repeatedly every day or where water and energy efficiency are critical.

How the Technology Works

The system uses a coordinated set of mechanical, thermal, and fluid-control components to manage the behavior of water and other cleaning fluids during the washing process.

By controlling intermolecular interaction, temperature, and pressure conditions, the device increases cleaning efficiency while reducing the amount of fluid required. Immediately after washing, the same system accelerates evaporation and drying, minimizing the time that water remains on the surface.

In practical use, the device performs cleaning, sanitizing, and drying as one continuous process rather than three separate operations.

This approach not only saves resources but also helps protect metals, ceramics, stone, composite materials, and other sensitive surfaces from long-term moisture-related damage.

Key Benefits

• Substantially lower water consumption.
• Faster cleaning and drying cycles.
• Reduced energy demand.
• Less corrosion and oxidation on treated surfaces.
• Lower operational and maintenance costs.
• Improved hygiene and cleaning performance.
• Longer service life of equipment and surfaces.
• Environmentally responsible operation.

Applications

The technology is designed to be scalable and adaptable across a wide range of environments:

• Industrial manufacturing facilities.
• Hospitals and healthcare centers.
• Hotels, restaurants, and public buildings.
• Food-processing and sanitation facilities.
• Transportation and municipal cleaning systems.
• Fire-fighting support and emergency response equipment.
• Smart building and infrastructure projects.

Environmental Contribution

Water scarcity is no longer a regional issue; it is a global reality. The purpose of this invention is not simply to make cleaning faster, but to make it more responsible. By reducing water consumption and shortening drying time, the system decreases both resource use and energy demand while maintaining effective cleaning performance.

For countries and industries seeking practical solutions for sustainability, this technology offers a realistic step toward more efficient use of water without compromising operational requirements.

Recognition and Intellectual Property

The invention has been officially registered through the international intellectual property system and has received recognition at major international invention exhibitions, including awards from Germany, Switzerland, and the United States. It has also been presented at leading technology and sustainability events in the Middle East and Europe.

This project began with concern for a resource that every society depends on: water. Through years of practical experience, engineering development, and international collaboration, we created a system that cleans more efficiently, dries more quickly, and uses less water. Our goal is straightforward to provide a technology that makes every day cleaning safer, more economical, and more sustainable for the generations ahead.

Innovator:

Inv. Sepideh Abedi

Owner of the innovation:

Plant Response Diagnosis System for Hidden Stress Detection in Soilless Crops (PRDS)

 

Acknowledgment: Congratulations on being one of the pioneer innovators who have obtained the IFIA Innovation Standard certificate (IIS).

Following your inquiry for an IIS certification, the jury board evaluated your application according to the criteria. And after the assessment and examinations, your innovation was granted with IFIA Innovation Standard Grade B.

IFIA hopes that by having this certification, you will take an essential step in the commercialization of your innovation. Also, by entering international markets, you can contribute to the realization of the global slogan: Generating wealth through innovative knowledge.

The Plant Response Diagnosis System (PRDS) is an explainable decision-support system designed to detect hidden physiological stress in soilless greenhouse crops such as rockwool, coco coir, and hydroponic systems. In modern greenhouses, substrate and environmental sensors may show acceptable values, while the plant may still suffer from stress caused by high atmospheric demand, osmotic pressure, root-zone limitation, oxygen deficiency, unsuitable root temperature, or non-uniform irrigation. PRDS addresses this problem by analyzing substrate data, environmental data, and plant-response data in one integrated diagnostic framework. The system estimates the Expected Plant Response (EPR) based on current substrate and environmental conditions and compares it with the Actual Plant Response (APR) observed from the plant. 

When a meaningful deviation is detected, the system calculates a Mismatch Index (MI), classifies the probable cause of stress, and provides a practical corrective recommendation.
Unlike conventional greenhouse monitoring systems that mainly display sensor values separately, PRDS evaluates whether the plant is responding as expected under the current growing conditions. This makes the system useful for early detection of hidden stress before severe visible symptoms appear.

This innovation is eligible to receive the IFIA Innovation Standard (IIS) certification because it presents a new and practical approach to smart greenhouse diagnosis. The main innovation is not the use of a new sensor, but the creation of an explainable diagnostic process that compares the expected behavior of the plant with its actual physiological response.
Most existing greenhouse systems focus on monitoring substrate conditions, plant status, or environmental parameters separately. PRDS combines these three layers and transforms raw sensor data into meaningful diagnostic outputs. By detecting mismatches between expected and actual plant responses, the system can identify hidden stress conditions that may not be recognized through ordinary monitoring.
The innovation has strong practical value because it helps growers move from simple data observation to decision-making. It can support earlier stress detection, better irrigation and climate management, reduced crop loss, and more efficient use of water, nutrients, and energy. The system is also scalable and can be implemented with low-cost IoT hardware, web dashboards, and future greenhouse automation platforms. Its explainable structure makes it suitable for growers, researchers, and commercial greenhouse operators.

Sepideh Abedi is an agricultural engineering and horticultural science specialist with professional experience in technical consulting for farmers and agricultural production systems. Her academic and professional background is closely related to plant physiology, horticulture, crop production, and greenhouse management. This background provides a strong foundation for developing an innovation focused on plant response, root-zone conditions, soilless cultivation, and smart agricultural decision-support.
Through the PRDS project, she has contributed to the development of an applied AgTech innovation that connects plant physiology with sensor-based greenhouse management. The project reflects her interest in practical agricultural problem-solving, modern greenhouse technologies, and the development of tools that can help growers make more accurate and timely decisions. PRDS also represents a bridge between traditional agricultural expertise and emerging technologies such as IoT, data-driven diagnosis, and explainable decision-support systems.

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 

The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is pleased to announce that the 52nd Executive Committee Meeting has officially approved the establishment of the IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department, marking an important milestone in the Federation’s strategic expansion of its global innovation ecosystem.

The newly approved department has been created to strengthen IFIA’s mission of advancing invention, innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialization while generating measurable social and economic impact through education, inclusion, employment development, startup support, and community-driven innovation initiatives.

Designed as a global platform for social innovation, the department will foster collaboration among inventors, entrepreneurs, governments, universities, innovation organizations, and community partners. It will also expand access to innovation opportunities for underserved communities while maintaining IFIA’s primary focus on invention, intellectual property, commercialization, and international cooperation

The department is structured around five strategic pillars that provide an integrated pathway from community innovation to international collaboration:

• Social Innovation
• Inventor Development
• Community & Economic Development
• Innovation Access Programs
• Events & Global Networking

Through these pillars, the department will encourage innovative solutions addressing social challenges, strengthen inventor capacity, promote startup readiness and commercialization, support local innovation ecosystems, and create new opportunities for international cooperation.

A central objective of the department is expanding access to innovation by supporting persons with disabilities, newcomers, emerging innovators, inclusive entrepreneurship initiatives, and historically underrepresented communities, ensuring broader participation in IFIA’s worldwide innovation network while preserving the Federation’s core focus on invention, innovation, commercialization, and intellectual property development

The department’s official public platform operates through Inclusive Innovators, a Canadian initiative dedicated to advancing inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development by connecting innovators with educational resources, collaborative programs, and international opportunities.

Official Website: https://inclusiveinnovators.ca

The platform serves as a gateway for innovators, community organizations, government partners, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs seeking to participate in programs and initiatives aligned with the mission of the IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department

The establishment of the IFIA Social Innovation & Community Development Department reflects IFIA’s long-term vision of creating an innovation ecosystem where technological advancement and social progress go hand in hand. By fostering collaboration across sectors and empowering innovators from diverse backgrounds, the department will contribute to building stronger communities, sustainable economies, and greater international cooperation through innovation.

The department was presented by the First Institute of Canadian Inventors (FICI), Canada’s Official Representative to IFIA, and will further strengthen IFIA’s presence in North America while expanding opportunities for inventors and innovation stakeholders worldwide

International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA)
 https://ifia.com

Inclusive Innovators – Official Public Platform
https://inclusiveinnovators.ca

First Institute of Canadian Inventors (FICI)
https://fici.ca

Provides a platform for building synergies through communication among students, universities, and inventors from all over the world promotes healthy competition and deeply believes that students will get inventive inspiration from interaction among participants through MiiEX.
Bridging for inventors and investors to apply for Funds from the Macao Government. Free evaluation consultation for exchange status of inventors at international levels, enhances mutual assistance and experience amongst inventors of the world.

Free consultation for filing patents in China and Macao to raise public awareness of the significance of innovation through local media promotion by TV news, Newspapers, and Portals. Free entry to Macau Science Center during the Expo (MiiEX) period. Opportunity for form 6 students directly enter to Famous Taiwan CTU, with a scholarship. The opportunity to surf through more than hundreds of inventions, to network with other company representatives.

MIIEX offers interested parties a convenient way to find new innovation ideas and products.

• Visiting hundreds of innovations available to turn out ideas into products that are ready to be commercialized.
• Providing platform for building synergies through communication among students, universities, inventors from all over the world.
• Promoting healthy competition and deeply believing that students will get inventive inspiration from interaction among participants through MIIEX.
• Bridging for inventors and investors to apply for Funds from Macao Government.
• Free evaluation consultation for exchange status of inventors at international levels, enhancing mutual assistance and experience among inventors of the world.
• Free consultation for filing patents in China and Macao.
• Raising public awareness on the significance of innovation thru local media promotion by TV news, Newspapers and Portals.
• Free entry to Macau Science Center during expo period.

The iENA Nuremberg – International Trade Fair Ideas – Inventions – New Products – is the professional marketplace for ideas and inventions and the leading trade fair of contacts and excellent opportunities for inventors and representatives of trade and industry. The world of invention is waiting excitedly for the start of this year’s iENA, because it will be the event at which inventions from throughout the world will be presented to the public for the very first time; the inventions will be celebrating their world premiere at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre. It is an important forum for enabling free inventors to get in contact with licensees and exploiters from all over the world.”

iENA International Trade Fair, Ideas, Inventions, and New Products will take place from 31 October to 02 November 2026 at Nuremberg Exhibition Center, Germany.

You have an idea, a prototype, or even a finished product already and you’re now looking for a manufacturer, a distributor, or someone to explore its patent potential?

Then present your idea at the International Trade Fair for ideas, inventions, and new products and write the story of your success. Meet dealers, developers, and consultants who can assist you with the development or marketing of your invention.

You have an idea, a prototype, or even a finished product already and you’re now looking for a manufacture, a distributor, or someone to explore its patent potential?

Then present your idea at the International Trade Fair for ideas, inventions, and new products and write the story of your success. Meet dealers, developers, and consultants who can assist you with the development or marketing of your invention.

• More than 800 inventions from 35 countries almost every year– creative minds from all over the world present themselves in Nuremberg
• Trade visitors from 40 countries visit the iENA regularly  – users, representatives from trade, industry, and manufacturers
• Around 90% of the exhibitors surveyed to evaluate the iENA’s contact opportunities as “very good” and “good”
• 29 inventors are able to make concrete deals during the trade fair annually
• More than 57% of the exhibitors expect good post-fair business because of the conversations and promising contacts
• Worldwide media attention from radio, television, and print media
• High regard for the iENA medals particularly for the market introduction of innovations
• A high-quality moderated entertainment program with specialized lectures and podium discussions round off the specialized competence of the trade fair
• Longstanding partnerships with inventor associations from all over the world – the IFIA International Federation of Inventors’ Association is a partner of the trade fair.

The participation at the trade fair iENA offers you a down-to-earth way to put your invention in the spotlight and get in contact with trade visitors as well as journalists from all over the world. Your participation provides you the opportunity to communicate directly with trade visitors and representatives of well-known trading and industrial companies. Make your inventions come alive.

The 15th China International Patent Fair (CIPF 2026) will be held from November 6 to 8, 2026, at the Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition Center in Wuxi City, Jiangsu Province, China.

Hosted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), organized by the Wuxi Municipal People’s Government, and co-organized by Intellectual Property Publishing House Co., Ltd., CIPF is one of China’s highest-level, most specialized, and most influential national-level events in the field of intellectual property.

The Fair serves as an important platform for international intellectual property exchange and cooperation, as well as for the cross-border transfer, application, and commercialization of patent technologies. It brings together enterprises, universities, research institutions, industry organizations, innovators, and other innovation-driven entities from China and around the world.

Event: The 15th China International Patent Fair (CIPF 2026)
Date: November 6–8, 2026
Venue: Wuxi Taihu International Exhibition Center
City: Wuxi, Jiangsu Province
Country: China
Exhibition Area: Approximately 22,000 m²

Hosted by: China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA)
Organized by: Wuxi Municipal People’s Government
Co-organized by: Intellectual Property Publishing House Co., Ltd.

thematic exhibition zones, presenting cutting-edge developments in intellectual property, innovative technologies, patent achievements, and their industrial applications.

The 2026 edition consists of three core components:

• Opening Ceremony
• Exhibition
• Thematic Events

The Opening Ceremony will be held concurrently with the 26th China Patent Award Ceremony, described in the official Exhibition Guide as the highest honor in the field of Chinese patents. The ceremony will showcase some of the year’s most valuable patent technologies and innovative achievements.

• More than 30 high-level thematic activities are planned during CIPF 2026, covering key areas such as:

  • Intellectual property finance
  • Patent commercialization and utilization
  • Improvement of patent examination quality
  • Patent pool development
  • Industrial operation centers
  • Technology transfer and commercialization

  The activities will include thematic seminars, professional competitions, technology roadshows, professional exchanges, and targeted matchmaking, providing a professional platform for innovation-driven organizations to establish connections, exchange expertise, and explore cooperation opportunities.

CIPF 2026 welcomes participation from innovation-driven organizations and entities from China and abroad, including:

• Enterprises and companies
• Universities and academic institutions
• Research institutions
• Industry organizations
• Technology and innovation organizations
• Other innovation-driven entities

Participants will have the opportunity to showcase innovative achievements and patent technologies, engage in professional exchanges, establish international connections, and explore opportunities for technology transfer and commercialization.

The previous edition of the China International Patent Fair attracted participants from 14 countries and regions and featured 317 exhibitors.

A total of 55 activities were organized, including policy briefings, exchange meetings and seminars, technology roadshows, product and technology launches, and transaction negotiations.

The cumulative online and offline visitor attendance and event participation reached nearly 100,000.

For inquiries regarding booth types, accommodations and transportation, as well as the registration fee, please contact the China Association of Inventions (CAI) directly via email at int@cainet.org.cn

The International Warsaw Invention Show 2026 is designed to:

• Present the accomplishments of Polish scientists and inventors within the context of international innovations.

• Provide opportunities for inventors to connect with prospective investors and partners.

• Raise public awareness of the successes and contributions of Polish inventors.

• Enhance the global reputation and perception of Polish science.

• Encourage creativity and innovation among younger generations.

You are invited to participate in this year’s IWIS 2026, the 20th edition of the International Warsaw Inventions Show, which will be held from 7 to 9 November 2026 at Warsaw Copernicus Science Center. 

The exhibition will present inventions and innovations from Poland and the world. It will include a significant number of innovations that are the result of the creativity of individuals, teams in companies, the academic community, and other structures of society as well as innovations that are the result of the knowledge and inventiveness of young people from the education system.

15Th World Competition of Chemical Inventions

International Warsaw Inventions show (IWIS) organized by the Association of the Polish Inventors and Rationalizers is one of the biggest invention and technical solution Exhibitions in Europe enjoying the patronage of the highest authorities in the country namely the President of the Republic of Poland, Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Ministry of Economy.

During the last editions, IWIS was attended by representatives from lots of Asian, African, American, and European countries such as Saudi Arabia, Croatia, Egypt, Iran, Canada, Malaysia, Korea, Romania, and the United Kingdom. Last year polish and international inventors presented more than 400 inventions. These solutions provide an overview of technical developments, some of which are used in practice. Each year, the International Warsaw Invention Show is accompanied by lectures and seminars on intellectual property rights and the granting of patents.