The Ingenias LATAM Award is an initiative promoted by Component 3 for Intellectual Property Rights implemented by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Its purpose is to highlight the talent of women innovators in Latin America and to give international visibility to their creations and inventions.

In its first edition, the award will be held at the premises of the National Institute of Industrial Property (INAPI) of Chile, an entity internationally recognised for its commitment to inclusion in the intellectual property (IP) system and for its work in promoting gender equality in this field, through studies and specialised committees. On this occasion, the focus will be on women inventors, with the aim of recognising and celebrating their contribution to innovation.

This initiative is aligned with the strategic objectives of the European Union, the EUIPO (SP2030) and INAPI to reduce gender inequalities in IP systems. It is also supported by other national offices: the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) of Brazil, the National Directorate of Intellectual Property (DINAPI) of Paraguay and the National Directorate of Industrial Property (DNPI) of Uruguay.

Context of the award

Women's participation in intellectual property and innovation systems remains significantly lower compared to men, a reality that persists globally. According to data from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), in 2023 only 17.7 % of inventors named in international patent applications were women.

In Europe, the situation is similar: only 13 % of patent applications at the European Patent Office (EPO) in 2019 were filed by women inventors, and only 24 % of designs registered at the EUIPO in 2022 were created by women.

In Latin America, the gap is also evident. In Chile, for example, only 18 % of patent applications include at least one woman inventor. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also highlights the challenges women face in accessing funding, support networks and opportunities in the science and technology sectors.

Aim of the award

To reverse this disparity, it is key to encourage initiatives that promote more inclusive innovation and intellectual property ecosystems. This not only ensures equal opportunities, but also allows the economic and social potential of women's creativity to be fully harnessed. Awareness-raising activities such as this award play a crucial role in inspiring and empowering more women to become actively involved in these fields.

It is in this context that the first edition of the Ingenias LATAM Award.

Participation, selection and prizes

The competition is aimed at women inventors who are citizens or residents of Brazil, Chile, Paraguay or Uruguay, and who have one or more valid patents or utility models registered with the corresponding national IP offices (INPI, INAPI, DINAPI or DNPI). The application period will be open until 1 May 2025including.

The evaluation criteria will consider the positive impact of the invention on society, its environmental sustainability and its international potential, assessing the benefits for communities, the environment and its global applicability. The winners will be selected by an eight-member jury: one representative from the national IP office and one representative from the private innovation sector from each of the four participating countries. One winner per country will be selected.

Each award winner will receive:

• An invitation to attend the awards ceremony to be held on 4 September 2025 in Santiago de Chilewith travel and accommodation expenses covered.

• The opportunity to present your invention on an international platform dedicated to innovation.

• The production of a mini-documentary that will tell their story and highlight their contribution to technological development.

With this initiative, AL-INVEST Verde and EUIPO, together with INAPI, INPI, DINAPI and DNPI, reaffirm their commitment to a more equitable and inclusive IP system. Through this strategic alliance, a clear regional message is sent: it is time to close the IP gender gap and to fully recognise the talent and creativity of women innovators.

For more information on the requirements, eligibility criteria and application process, please contact: