IFIA Honors Outstanding Inventors and Strengthens Global Innovation Partnerships at iENA 2026 in Nuremberg
580 Inventions from 21 Countries, IFIA Special Awards, and International Cooperation Highlight iENA 2026 in Nuremberg
Nuremberg, Germany | November 5, 2026 — The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) participated in the 2026 edition of iENA, the International Trade Fair for Ideas, Inventions and New Products, held from October 31 to November 2, 2026, at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre in Germany.
As one of the internationally recognized platforms dedicated to invention and technological creativity, iENA once again brought together inventors, universities, researchers, innovation-driven companies, intellectual-property professionals and representatives of international organizations.
According to the exhibition figures reported for iENA 2026, the event featured 580 inventions, 340 exhibitors including Hack & Make, and participation from 21 countries and regions, demonstrating its continued role as a meeting point for international innovation.
Through its longstanding cooperation with iENA, IFIA continues to promote international collaboration, support inventors and encourage the development of innovative technologies that address scientific, industrial, environmental and societal challenges.
Official Opening Ceremony of iENA 2026 Brings Together International Innovation Leaders
The official opening ceremony of iENA 2026 took place on October 31, 2026, at 4:00 PM, at the Nuremberg Exhibition Centre.
The ceremony brought together distinguished representatives of the international invention community, exhibition organizers, intellectual-property institutions and innovation organizations.
Among the prominent speakers and representatives participating in the opening program were:
- Thilo Könicke and Henning Könicke, Managing Directors of AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH, organizers of iENA.
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Oliver Mayer, Chairman of the International iENA Medal Jury.
- Alireza Rastegar, President of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA).
- Herbert Boos, Chairman of the Board of the German Inventors’ Association (Deutscher Erfinderverband e.V.).
- Heike Karzel, representing the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA).
The opening ceremony emphasized the importance of international cooperation, the protection of intellectual property, the commercialization of inventions and the development of stronger connections between inventors, research institutions and industry.
The ceremony was also attended by a representative responsible for scientific and innovation affairs from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Germany, highlighting the international and diplomatic significance of the event.
The participation of IFIA President Alireza Rastegar reflected the Federation’s ongoing commitment to international invention exhibitions and its efforts to strengthen cooperation among inventors and innovation institutions worldwide.
iENA 2026: Connecting Inventors, Research Institutions and Global Innovation Networks
Throughout the three-day exhibition, iENA 2026 provided a dynamic environment for presenting technological developments, exchanging scientific knowledge and exploring international cooperation opportunities.
The exhibition featured innovations across numerous technological sectors, including robotics, healthcare, biomedical engineering, advanced materials, environmental technologies, sustainable industrial processes and resource recovery.
Participants had the opportunity to showcase their inventions, engage with international experts, exchange technical expertise and establish connections with potential research and commercial partners.
Saudi Arabia was featured as the official partner country of iENA 2026, reflecting the increasing international visibility of Saudi inventors and innovation institutions.
For IFIA, the event represented another opportunity to promote cooperation among inventors, universities, research organizations, national inventors’ associations and innovation-driven enterprises.
IFIA Special Awards Recognize Outstanding Innovations at iENA 2026
A major highlight of iENA 2026 was the presentation of the IFIA Special Awards during the closing and awards ceremony on November 2, 2026.
The awards recognized outstanding inventions from different technological fields, highlighting creativity, technical development and the potential to contribute to industrial and societal progress.
The recognized projects demonstrated the diversity of international innovation, ranging from intelligent humanoid robotics and preventive health technologies to sustainable industrial solutions and mobile healthcare systems.
Embodied Orchestral Performance Humanoid Robot — Hong Kong SAR, China
Invention Title: Embodied Orchestral Performance Humanoid Robot
Inventor / Applicant: SOTA Robotics (HK) Limited
Country / Region: Hong Kong SAR, China
This innovative project explores the application of humanoid robotic systems in orchestral performance, bringing together robotics, intelligent motion and creative human–robot interaction.
The invention demonstrates the expanding possibilities of robotics in artistic, educational and interactive environments.
Preventive Weight Management Technology — 100BURN
Invention Title: Apparatus and Method for Preventive Weight Management Based on Weight Change Decomposition Parameters
Inventor / Applicant: 100BURN
This invention introduces a technological approach to preventive weight management through the analysis of weight-change decomposition parameters.
The project reflects the growing importance of data-driven innovation and personalized approaches in preventive health and wellness technologies.
High-Performance Silicon Carbide Ceramic Membranes for Sustainable Resource Recovery — China
Invention Title: High-Performance Silicon Carbide Ceramic Membranes and Skid-Mounted Systems for Iron Phosphate Wash Water Treatment and Resource Recovery
University: Fuzhou University
Inventors: Minghong Wu, Songlin Liu, Shaoxiu Xue, Yunfei Zhang, Xianjuan Pu and Xingding Zhang
Collaborating Organizations: State Key Laboratory of Green and Efficient Development of Phosphorus Resources; Guizhou Phosphate Chemical (Group) Co., Ltd.; Fuzhou University; and Zhejiang Jianmo Technology Co., Ltd.
This advanced invention focuses on silicon carbide ceramic membrane technology and integrated systems for the treatment of iron phosphate wash water and the recovery of valuable resources.
The project addresses important challenges in industrial wastewater management, resource efficiency and sustainable manufacturing.
By combining advanced materials with practical treatment systems, the invention represents an example of innovation supporting environmental sustainability and circular resource management.
Innovative Composition for Alleviating Alcohol-Induced Intoxication and Resisting Fatigue
Invention Title: Composition for Alleviating Alcohol-Induced Intoxication and Resisting Fatigue
Invention Number: 223
Inventor: Xiaolin Xu
Organization: XuanNeng Tang Health Technology Co., Ltd.
This invention presents a composition developed for potential applications relating to alcohol-induced intoxication and fatigue.
The project reflects ongoing research into health-related formulations and innovative approaches to physiological well-being. Its claimed benefits would require appropriate scientific and regulatory validation.
Integrated High-Performance Dental Unit for Mobile Dental Bus Systems — Thailand
Invention Title: Design and Development of an Integrated High-Performance Dental Unit for Mobile Dental Bus Systems to Support an Aging Society and Underserved Areas
Inventors: S. Thammasirikul, A. Khantachawana, P. Rittarwet and J. Sengnongban
Organization: Smart MED Group 2019 Co., Ltd., in collaboration with the Thai Biomedical Engineering Association
This invention introduces an integrated dental unit developed for mobile dental bus systems, with a focus on supporting aging populations and communities with limited access to dental services.
By combining biomedical engineering with mobile healthcare infrastructure, the project demonstrates the potential of practical technological solutions to improve access to essential dental care.
IFIA Focal Point in Lebanon Presents a Special Award to a Saudi Arabian Invention
In addition to the IFIA Special Awards, the IFIA Focal Point in Lebanon presented a special distinction to an invention from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during iENA 2026.
This recognition highlighted the importance of regional collaboration within the international invention community and reflected IFIA’s commitment to supporting innovative achievements through its international network.
The award also demonstrated the growing contribution of Saudi Arabian inventors to international exhibitions and innovation initiatives.
The recognition was particularly significant during an edition of iENA in which Saudi Arabia participated as the official partner country.
Strengthening International Cooperation and Supporting Inventors Worldwide
IFIA’s participation in iENA 2026 reaffirmed the importance of international invention exhibitions as platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, technological development and potential commercialization.
Events such as iENA provide inventors with opportunities to present their ideas to international audiences, establish connections with industry representatives and explore potential partnerships with research institutions and innovation organizations.
Through cooperation with exhibition organizers, national inventors’ associations and international innovation partners, IFIA continues to support the development of an interconnected global invention ecosystem.
The Federation also recognizes the importance of intellectual-property awareness, international collaboration and practical opportunities that enable inventors to advance their projects.
IFIA Reaffirms Its Commitment to Global Innovation Following iENA 2026
The successful conclusion of iENA 2026 on November 2 marked another occasion for international cooperation, technological exchange and the recognition of inventive achievements.
IFIA extends its appreciation to AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH, the organizers of iENA, the International iENA Medal Jury, participating institutions, inventors and international partners for their contributions to the exhibition.
The Federation congratulates all recipients of the IFIA Special Awards and acknowledges their dedication to advancing science, technology and innovation.
Through continued international cooperation, the recognition of outstanding inventions and support for creative minds, IFIA remains committed to empowering inventors and promoting innovation for the benefit of society worldwide.
About IFIA
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is an international organization dedicated to supporting inventors, promoting invention and innovation, facilitating international cooperation and strengthening the global invention community.
Official Website: https://ifia.com
iENA Official Website: https://www.iena.de/en/