Global Innovation Sparks Fly at IEI 2025 in Guangzhou, China
The 11th International Exhibition of Inventions (IEI 2025) and the “Belt & Road” and BRICS Skills Development and Technology Innovation Competition (BRBC 2025)
Introduction
Event Date: August 22–24, 2025
Venue: China Import and Export Fair Exhibition Hall, Guangzhou, China
Organizers: China Association of Inventions (CAI), supported by the Guangzhou Municipal Government
The 11th International Exhibition of Inventions (IEI 2025), held alongside the “Belt & Road” and BRICS Competition of Skills Development and Technology Innovation (BRBC 2025) and the 33rd Guangzhou Fair, concluded successfully in Guangzhou, China. This three-day event was a significant international platform for showcasing creativity, strengthening global cooperation, and celebrating cutting-edge inventions and technologies.
The exhibition brought together innovative forces from over 30 countries and regions and displayed more than 2,000 leading inventions and technological solutions, reinforcing Guangzhou’s status as a major hub for scientific and technological collaboration.
Opening Ceremony and Distinguished Participation
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of:
- Wu Zhaohui, Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of CAI
- Sun Zhiyang, Mayor of Guangzhou
- Lu Pengqi, Deputy Director General, China National Intellectual Property Administration
- Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA
- Yu Huarong, Secretary General of CAI
These leaders addressed the audience and jointly toured the exhibition, highlighting the importance of innovation as a driver of sustainable development.
Closing Ceremony and Key Remarks
The closing ceremony featured speeches and award presentations by:
- Yu Huarong, Executive Vice President and Secretary General of CAI
- Liu Hua, Director of the China Office of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
- Alireza Rastegar, IFIA President
- Leaders of the Guangzhou Cooperation Office and other distinguished guests
Yu Huarong emphasized the exhibition’s role in showcasing the latest advancements in AI, new energy, biomedicine, high-end equipment, and digital technology, reflecting global trends in innovation. He highlighted that the event provided a powerful platform for young skilled talents to engage with international innovation resources, thereby contributing to global sustainable development.
Liu Hua praised China’s progress in intellectual property protection and confirmed WIPO’s commitment to supporting inventors worldwide. She also congratulated CAI on its 40th anniversary, promising closer cooperation through WIPO platforms like PCT, Madrid, Hague, TISCs, and WIPO Academy.
Competitions and Awards
The event featured a rigorous judging process, resulting in:
- 323 Gold, 444 Silver, and 503 Bronze awards for exhibition inventions
- 8 Special Awards presented among the Gold Award winners
- 36 Gold, 34 Silver, 45 Bronze, and 14 Special Awards for international projects
- 18 Gold, 32 Silver, and 28 Bronze awards for the BRICS Technology Innovation Competition
Special recognitions included:
- WIPO Best Invention Award, WIPO Best Women Invention Award and WIPO Best Youth Invention Award
- IFIA Best Invention Awards
- International Special Awards presented jointly by IFIA and CAI leadership
BRBC 2025: Skills and Innovation for the Future
The BRBC 2025 competition featured over 300 participants from more than 10 countries, covering seven key areas:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Green Energy
- Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Agriculture
- Digital Healthcare
- Future Technology
- Public Management
These competitions enhanced participants’ practical skills and promoted the integration of international standards for talent development and technical exchange.
Commemorative Activities for CAI’s 40th Anniversary
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of CAI, several special events were organized:
- Intellectual Property Roadshows
- The 5th China Top 500 Hidden Unicorn Conference
- Future Life Technology Innovation Press Conference (Xiangjiang No. 1)
- Welcome Reception for Foreign Guests
- Symposiums for International Cooperation
- These activities deepened collaboration between domestic and international innovation ecosystems and fostered dialogue on the future of technological development.
Visitors and Impact
IEI 2025 attracted over 100,000 on-site visitors and surpassed one million online live views, making it one of the most widely attended innovation events of the year. Notable attractions included the Alibaba Entertainment Video Production Vehicle, winner of the WIPO Best Invention Award, which drew significant crowds throughout the exhibition.
The event successfully provided inventors, researchers, and entrepreneurs with networking opportunities, investment prospects, and access to global partners, consolidating its position as a premier global platform for innovation.
International Engagement
During the event, CAI Secretary General Mr. Yu Huarong held discussions with Dr. Josefine Wallat, Consul General of Germany in Guangzhou, along with CAI Vice Presidents Tang Dali and He Zhenfu. Dr. Wallat praised the exhibition for its scale and quality, reaffirming the potential for Sino-German cooperation in innovation.
Conclusion
The 11th International Exhibition of Inventions (IEI 2025) and BRBC 2025 were not just exhibitions but major catalysts for global innovation cooperation. They provided inventors with a prestigious stage, strengthened intellectual property exchange, and contributed to building an inclusive and balanced global innovation ecosystem.
The active participation of IFIA, WIPO, CAI, government representatives, and inventors from across the globe underscores the growing importance of international collaboration in driving technological advancement and sustainable development.