Filipa Rocha, LASIGE PhD Student and researcher, was awarded 2nd prize of the Young Inventors Award that the European Patent Office, edition 2023, at the live broadcast ceremony, which was held in Valencia, Spain, on July 4, 2023.

This prize recognizes initiatives developed by young inventors (aged 30 and under). Open to innovators worldwide, the Young Inventors Prize celebrates solutions that work towards the United Nations Sustainable development goals. Filipa Rocha has been one of the only three finalists.

Filipa has developed a unique system that makes it possible for children with visual impairments to learn programming concepts. The project is based on the use of tangible blocks to promote inclusive digital learning because her objectives concerns are: “I think it is very important that we create accessible and inclusive technologies for everyone, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This means making sure that the technology we develop can be used by people who are visually impaired or blind, for example, or by people with mobility or dexterity problems”.

We are extremely pleased to congratulate Filipa on her achievement!

Photo credits: EPO