When ingenuity meets the challenges of everyday life

Last Sunday, the Musée des Arts et Métiers was buzzing with innovation. The young finalists of the "Innovate" competition by Science & Vie Junior transformed their everyday observations into concrete solutions: facilitating the independence of amputees, simplifying life in the kitchen, making sports training more accessible, or even reducing the energy footprint of drying laundry.

Open to the public, Inventors' Day allows visitors to discover how young talents design, prototype, and refine their creations using often recycled or repurposed materials. This approach values both creativity and environmental awareness.

Four award-winning inventions, four visions of innovation

• 1st prize: Firmin Forney, 15 years old – The "New Hand": Firmin has designed an affordable bionic hand prosthesis with four articulated fingers and two gripping modes (pinching or grasping). His ambition: to democratize access to independence for amputees by offering an affordable alternative to expensive prostheses on the market.

• 2nd prize: Clément Sixt, 14 years old – The "Distri-spices": Say goodbye to messy cupboards and endless searches! Clément has designed a smart motorized dispenser that automatically selects and presents the right spice jar. Controllable from the front panel, this ingenious system transforms kitchen organization into a simple and seamless process.

• 3rd prize: Clarisse Bakmezdjian, 10 years old – The “Karatronik”: At just 10 years old, Clarisse developed an interactive training dummy equipped with light targets and force sensors. Her invention allows karate practitioners to train effectively at home while tracking their progress, making the sport accessible beyond the dojo.

• Special "Innovate for the Planet" Prize: Clément Bardel, 16 years old – The "Solar Clothes Dryer: "In a decidedly low techClément created a solar dryer made from recycled materials. Usable both indoors and outdoors, this solution proves that the most relevant innovation is not always the most technologically advanced.

INPI: transmitting the culture of protection from a young age

A partner of the competition since its inception in 1989 and a member of the jury, the INPI was present throughout the day to raise awareness among these young inventors about an essential reflex: protecting their creations. Because a good idea is not enough; you must also secure ownership to be able to develop it with peace of mind.

Our jury member and patent engineer, Asma Mejri, spoke with the winners during the public exhibition of their inventions before introducing the awards ceremony, reminding them that industrial property is not reserved for companies but is a valuable tool for all innovators, regardless of their age.

An immersive day in the world of innovation

Beyond the competition, the event offered a program rich in discoveries: robotics workshops adapted to all ages, 3D printing demonstrations at the ESIEA school's Fab Lab, robot piloting, introduction to programming... Visitors were able to interact directly with the inventors around their exhibited prototypes, creating an atmosphere conducive to sharing and mutual inspiration.

2026: A new prize to encourage female vocations

Science & Vie Junior continues its commitment to diversity in innovation. In partnership with the Elles bougent association, a new "Innovate with Elles bougent" prize will be launched in 2026. Exclusively for young women, this prize aims to encourage female vocations in scientific and technical fields.

This could spark new ambitions and, who knows, the entrepreneurs of tomorrow!

Source: https://www.inpi.fr//en/in-one/Innovate-with-Science-Vie-competition