Innovation Award of the Division of Patent Law

The Innovation Award of the Division of Patent Law recognises innovations from universities and research institutes in the fields of chemistry or pharmacy that are patentable and economically relevant. The prize includes a medal, a cash prize of EUR 3,000 and innovation consultancy.

The prize is generally advertised every two years and presented at a predetermined event.

The Division of Patent Law is inviting nominations for the Innovation Award of the Division of Patent Law for presentation in 2027. The award recognises innovations originating in universities and research institutes that are patentable and economically relevant. The nomination/application must clearly identify a patent or patent application as well as the inventors, and should specify the economic significance.

When selecting the invention worthy of the award, the jury will consider the following criteria:

• The invention was made with substantial involvement of inventors affiliated with a German university or German research institute and has been patented or is expected to be patented.
• The invention falls within the field of chemistry or pharmacy (in cases of doubt, the patent classification will be taken into account).
• The invention leads to an innovation that achieves significant technical progress. This may, for example, be demonstrated through products, through exploitation of the invention as part of the establishment of a company (start-up / spin-off), or through the granting of a licence.

Nominations by other persons are possible at any time; self-nominations are expressly encouraged.

The decision will be made by a jury comprising at least one university professor and the members of the Board of the Division of Patent Law. The university professors will be selected anew for each award presentation by the Board of the Division after the nominations have been received.

The award comprises a certificate, a medal, prize money of EUR 3000, and innovation consultancy. Up to three selected representatives of the innovation team will be invited to the award ceremony. The award ceremony is to take place at the 2027 Division conference. The venue and date will be announced in due course.

Nominations should include the following documents:

• Brief description of the invention,
• Details of the inventors, including contact details,
• Names of the patents/patent applications, and
• Information enabling the jury to assess the economic significance of the innovation.

Nominations and applications will be accepted exclusively in electronic form by 30 September 2026 by the GDCh Office, Dipl.-Biol. Nicole Bürger, n.buerger@gdch.de.