enthusiasts, inventor and invention associations, innovation and technology events, innovative knowledge and cooperation.
About IFIA – A Nonprofit Global Network of Innovators
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization officially registered in both Switzerland and the United States of America. IFIA holds a tax-exempt status in Switzerland and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization under U.S. federal law.
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a presence in the United States, IFIA has served since 1968 as a global platform to connect and support inventors, innovators, and institutions dedicated to the advancement of innovation and the protection of intellectual property.
IFIA’s mission is to empower inventors through international collaboration, education, and advocacy. We are committed to promoting sustainable development, encouraging technological advancement, and raising public awareness about the value of creativity and intellectual property in addressing real-world challenges.
As a nonprofit entity, IFIA collaborates with governments, universities, innovation centers, and leading international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to fulfill its global mission.
Our programs include educational initiatives, global competitions, innovation expos, and policy development efforts aimed at strengthening the global innovation ecosystem for the benefit of all
IFIA’s first headquartered is located in Geneva, Switzerland, and is recognized as a public utility organization by the Republic and Canton of Geneva.
IFIA’s second headquartered is located in San Fransisco, United States, and is registered as a 501(c)3 Nonprofit Corporation Public Benefit Organization in California, United States
IFIA is an official member of the United Nations (ECOSOC) in the sector of non-governmental organizations.
IFIA is also a supervisory member of the United Nations Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), UNIDO, UNCTAD, and many big organizations, and cooperates with these organizations in the field of supporting innovation in different countries.
IFIA has many strong global partners that provide financial support to innovators, such as USAID, which provides financial assistance of up to one and a half million dollars for the development of ideas and the production of innovations.
IFIA supports green innovations with the World Intellectual Property Organization- WIPO.
Also, IFIA has more than 60 events and innovation festivals around the world that honor and celebrate the innovators of the countries.
Additionally, we have established 10 regional offices spanning from Latin America to Central Asia. These offices serve as vital hubs for promoting innovation, supporting inventors, and fostering collaboration within their respective regions. Our diverse presence allows us to effectively fulfill our mission of advancing innovation on a global scale and promoting a greater understanding of its vital role in society.
The IFIA stands as a distinguished member organization comprising international universities, governmental agencies, and non-profit research and innovation institutes. Presently, we boast a robust membership exceeding 10,000 individuals, including Fellows, Full Members, Corresponding Members, Collaborating Members, and Chapter Members, all affiliated with more than 200 institutions worldwide.
We actively promote the formation of local Chapters within our Member Institutions. These Chapters serve as the grassroots infrastructure for the IFIA, providing a platform to acknowledge and inspire researchers and inventors while nurturing a culture of innovation within the local community. Day in and day out, Chapters amplify and bolster the mission and goals of the IFIA, striving to enhance public understanding of the indispensable role research, innovation, and patented technology play in the well-being of our society.
The International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) is a global organization that represents and supports inventors and invention associations from around the world. IFIA plays a crucial role in promoting innovation, protecting intellectual property rights, and fostering collaboration among inventors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals. Here are some key points about IFIA:
- Objective: IFIA’s primary objective is to promote and facilitate the development and protection of inventions globally. It aims to encourage inventors and provide them with the necessary resources, support, and networking opportunities to bring their innovative ideas to fruition.
- Membership: IFIA comprises national and regional inventors’ associations, as well as universities, technology transfer centers, science parks, and other organizations involved in the field of invention and innovation. With members from over 100 countries, IFIA represents a diverse and dynamic global community of inventors.
- Advocacy and Representation: IFIA serves as a unified voice for inventors worldwide, advocating for their interests and rights. The federation actively engages with international organizations, governments, and industry stakeholders to promote policies and regulations that support inventors and foster a conducive environment for innovation.
- Innovation Promotion: IFIA encourages and facilitates innovation through various initiatives, such as organizing international invention exhibitions and competitions. These events provide inventors with platforms to showcase their inventions, gain recognition, attract potential investors, and explore commercialization opportunities.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Protecting intellectual property rights is a key focus for IFIA. The federation supports inventors in navigating the complexities of intellectual property systems, providing guidance on patenting procedures, copyright issues, and patent enforcement. It promotes the importance of respecting and valuing intellectual property rights worldwide.
- Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration: IFIA fosters knowledge exchange and collaboration among inventors and innovation stakeholders. The federation organizes conferences, workshops, and seminars to facilitate the sharing of expertise, best practices, and emerging trends in the field of invention and innovation. It promotes collaboration between inventors and industry professionals to drive technology transfer and commercialization.
- Capacity Building and Support: IFIA offers capacity-building programs and resources to support inventors throughout their innovation journey. This includes providing access to training, mentoring, funding opportunities, and technical assistance. By empowering inventors with the necessary skills and resources, IFIA aims to enhance the success and impact of their inventions.
- Awards and Recognitions: IFIA recognizes outstanding inventions and inventors through various awards and honors. These accolades acknowledge inventors’ contributions, encourage further innovation, and provide visibility and credibility to their work.
IFIA’s commitment to fostering invention and innovation globally makes it a valuable resource for inventors, invention associations, and the broader innovation ecosystem. Through its advocacy, networking, and support activities, IFIA plays a pivotal role in advancing the field of invention and driving positive change through innovative solutions.
IFIA organizes international invention exhibitions, scientific seminars, workshops with the cooperation of other international organizations to provide an opportunity for its members to showcase their innovations and benefit from its wealth of knowledge. Besides, IFIA holds the International Congress and Conference where all of the members can freely engage in dialogue and exchange their views with respect to further promoting the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit. Moreover, Social networking at IFIA events allows organizations to expand their contacts and knowledge base to explore possible commercialization with various stakeholders.
The federation’s resources are derived from donations and legacies, sponsorship, public subsidies, membership fees, or any other resources authorized by the law. The funds are used in accordance with the Association’s social aims after gaining the approval of the Executive Committee.
IFIA is the global platform for invention and innovation enthusiasts, inventors, and invention associations. This nonprofit organization aims to disseminate the culture of invention and innovation, support inventors, transfer technology, and establish cooperation with the related organizations. Since its establishment, IFIA has struggled to make the public aware of the importance of inventors for the welfare of society and to protect the inventors’ rights.
Besides, IFIA holds international exhibitions, congresses, and conferences where all of the members can freely engage in dialogue and exchange their views with respect to further promoting the inventive and entrepreneurial spirit. Moreover, promoting the events on social media allows organizations to expand their contacts and knowledge base to explore possible commercialization with various stakeholders.
IFIA convenes over 185 members from 100 countries cooperating devotedly to support innovations and inventors all around the world.
Since the inception of its activities, the IFIA has struggled to disseminate the culture of invention and innovation and to make the public aware of the importance of inventors for the welfare of society. Without them, it is impossible to keep up with the fast-evolving and modern technologies. The other objective for which the IFIA has not ceased striving is the protection of the inventors’ rights.
IFIA has done its best to achieve the goals and objectives that have been set for it during these 55 years, . It has tried to help the inventors and to present the culture of the invention to everyone around the world.
IFIA organizes international invention exhibitions, scientific seminars, workshops with the cooperation of other international organizations to provide an opportunity for its members to showcase their innovations and to benefit from its wealth of knowledge. By supporting inventors, we help the invention and innovation community. And to achieve that goal, we select and reward the best inventors among many participants in the world with valuable Medal as the best invention and prizes every year.
this approach also will help inventors to expand their inventions. meanwhile, to complete our duty, we work with many government-related organizations, we work on innovation education, and we try to transfer technology to a whole new level.
