INTA opens applications for 2025 Open Innovation Challenge at its Annual Meeting in San Diego

New York, New York—February 18, 2025—The International Trademark Association (INTA) has officially launched its 2025 Open Innovation Challenge (OIC). The competition, now in its third year, is designed to rapidly propel start-up and scale-up businesses by offering professional guidance through expert judges and resource access. The finals will be held at the Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place in San Diego, California, on May 18, 2025. 

Taking advantage of San Diego’s vibrant innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, the OIC offers a unique opportunity for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and scale-ups to present their business ideas, technology innovations, or research applications before distinguished judges with expertise in branding; brand valuation; business advisory services; intellectual property (IP) law; marketing; environmental, social, and governance (ESG); and finance. 

The competition welcomes pre-Series A companies in two categories: start-ups with funding up to 149,999 USD and scale-ups that either have funding between 150,000 and 3 million USD or employ 10 to 1,500 workers in one jurisdiction. 

“Start-ups and scale-ups are crucial for societal progress. They drive innovation and improve our daily lives by introducing new products, services, and technologies. INTA’s Open Innovation Challenge highlights this importance by providing start-ups with a platform to pitch their ideas, gain insights, and network with industry experts and peers,” said INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo.  

“However, as they innovate, it is essential for start-ups to protect their IP and intangible assets to maintain a competitive advantage, attract investors, and ensure long-term success. This protection enables start-ups to transform their innovative ideas into lasting contributions to society. This is what the Open Innovation Challenge is all about,” added Sanz de Acedo. 

Matteo Amerio, CEO and Co-founder of Navee and 2023 OIC winner, said that winning the Challenge, “was a validating moment for Navee, reinforcing our belief in innovation as the key to tackling counterfeiting and fraud. It gave us a platform to highlight the scale of the problem, showcase our technology, build industry relationships, and highlight the need for proactive solutions and collaborative efforts.”  

“Since winning the competition, we’ve launched additional solutions like the Collaborative Visual Authentication Network and NaveeGPT, enabling brands to detect counterfeits early and fight fraud with greater precision and efficiency. The Challenge was more than recognition—for us, it was a catalyst for real and much-needed change in making the industry safer,” said Amerio. 

For the first time, the OIC will feature both in-person and virtual participation options, with finalists participating in person receiving two complimentary registrations to INTA’s 2025 Annual Meeting, taking place in San Diego, May 17–21. Winners will receive prizes, including INTA membership and brand or legal consulting services, with additional prizes to be announced in the coming weeks.  

“This platform provides invaluable exposure and mentorship opportunities for growing businesses, particularly those from emerging markets,” said Dr. Yue Song, (San Diego State University, USA) and 2025 OIC judge. “In evaluating this year’s candidates, we’ll be looking for innovative approaches that demonstrate a clear understanding of brand protection and market potential.” 

Applications will be accepted through March 14, 2025, with finalists to be notified by April 14. The winner will be announced during the 2025 Annual Meeting Opening Ceremonies on May 18 at 4:30 pm PST.  

Learn more and enter the 2025 OIC. 

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