The German inventors Association “DEV” is the largest professional association of independent inventors in Germany. Building on the belief that inventors are creative artists and problem solver in society, DEV aims to be the mediator between the creative minds of the industry and the directing bodies in our country, SMEs and industry.

DEV has 400 members nationwide and is funded entirely through membership fees and donations. Among the members, there are a large number of “free inventors”, entrepreneurs, inventors, researchers, physicians, engineers, biologists, chemists, scientists from all faculties institutes and universities as well as small to medium companies characterized by inventors.

• DEV strengthen our inventor’s network and offer the necessary assistance to invention process “from concept to commercialization.
• DEV raise awareness about the inventors and their high profile projects through INNOVATION FORUM, DEV magazine. Through the KIT initiative we spread the culture of invention among children, youth and young adults. One of the goals is the especial support of young inventors by DEV-KIT-Initiative in order to build a bridge of international cooperation realized by IFIA-Youth Network Manager, Winfried Sturm.
• DEV sees itself as an important, central point of contact for inventors with innovative ideas. Registering an invention is a complex and time-consuming process, and DEV volunteers and DEV members provide valuable tips on this.
• The DEV provides the inventor with relevant addresses and contacts for receiving information on the subject of invention and innovation. This includes sources of information and information points at authorities and institutions, in particular patent information centers and the German Patent and Trademark Office.
• The DEV provides information and advice on all inventor exhibitions taking place in Europe and the USA and helps inventors to participate cheaply.

Personal Details:

Nationality: German

Date of Birth: May 10th, 1945

Email: sturmwin@web.de

Marital Status: Married

Languages: German, English 

Year	Role
1990 – Present	Member of Board KIT-DEV- Initiative
2021 – Present	IFIA Vice President
2018 – Present	Manager of Youth Department of the International Federation of Inventors’ Association (IFIA)
2014 – Present	Member of the Executive Committee of the “IFIA”
2010 – Present	Member of Board and Curatorship DABEI- Initiative
1982 – Present	Founder and Manager Student-High-Tech-Invention-Education Association (HAG)
1974 – 2009	Teacher, Nature Science,Technical High-School FAUST-Gymnasium

Place	Academic Qualification
University Cologne	Graduated Physicist (Experimental Physics)
University Cologne	Bachelor of Science (Experimental Physics)
University Cologne	Master of Science (Experimental Physics)
University Freiburg	State Examination (Physics, Mathematics, Informatics)

Role

Development of  innovative inventions – especially for handicapped people

Processing Technique and Experience in Microchip-Design

Advanced Technology in Solar-Energy

Basic Research of conductive High-Elastic-Materials for new kind of sensors

Brainstorming for design and developments of “Green Energy Systems”

Title

Ambassador of Education in Science and Inventions

Supporter of KIT (to force Creativity, Innovation, Technology)

Ambassador of VDE-IaC-Contest “Invent a Chip” for Mikrochip-Design

Award

2002 Award  “Merit in Education” given by German Goverment of Education

2004 Award  “Teacher of the Year in Germany”

2004 NiBB-Award  “Merit in Education, Science and Invention for Youth“

2005 Award “Staufer-Merit-Medal” (Engagement  for disabled persons)

2007 “KIT-Award” (Creativity, Innovation, Technology)

2011 MINT-Award  “Ambassador in Education of Science of the Year in Germany”

More than 20 Medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) and Special Prizes at International Invention Fairs worldwide (2006 – 2014)