Founded by Dr Bola Olabisi FRSA, the Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network (GlobalWIIN) is a unique group founded to support entrepreneurial women making worldwide impact. It celebrated its 25th anniversary at the prestigious Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavik, Iceland on 6-7 September 2023. The event’s inspiring motto “WOMEN4SOLUTIONS & SUSTAINABILITY” embraces a multifaceted approach which included a conference, educational visits and a gala awards ceremony.
Nottingham Law School’s Dr Janice Denoncourt spoke on ‘Unlocking the Power of Your Intangible Intellectual Property Assets’.
The link to her IP rights educational talk aimed at inventor entrepreneurs can be found on the GlobalWIIN YouTube Channel. Janice is the author of Q&A Intellectual Property (Routledge), a contributor to the Nottingham Creative IP Guide and various IP educational research publications. Ms Elinora Inga Sigurdardottir FRSA, Vice President of the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations-IFIA, President of the European arm of GlobalWIIN (EUWIIN), and Chair of KVENN in Iceland, launched the event.
GlobalWIIN 2023 featured an impressive line-up honourary speakers. A highlight was the virtual presence of H.E. Eliza Jean Reid, the First Lady of Iceland. Her Excellency was joined by Ms. Bryony Mathew, British Ambassador to Iceland, representing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in Reykjavík, and Ms. Carrin F. Patman, U.S. Ambassador in Iceland. These eminent women emphasized the significance of innovation, creativity, and the pivotal role of women inventors and entrepreneurs in global leadership and sustainable development.
Three esteemed male guests addressed the gathering: Andri Heiðar Kristinsson from Digital Iceland, Chief Dele Momddu, Chairman of Ovation International Nigeria, and Masoud Shafaghi Strategic Planning Officer from the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations-IFIA. These organizations have been instrumental in bridging diverse communities and promoting women’s participation in addressing global challenges.
The 25th Anniversary event continued with two days of informative and educational knowledge exchange panels. The first covered: “A Discussion on Marketing and the Raising of Capital,” and “Vibrant Journeys in Women’s Shoes,” where successful women shared their insights and experiences. On Day 2, participants enjoyed educational visits to two renowned Icelandic establishments: (1) the Geothermal Energy Exhibition, showcasing Iceland’s remarkable geothermal energy infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in sustainable development and (2) the unique LAVA SHOW, a world first, which educates visitors about volcanic eruptions in a safe environment.
The grand finale of GlobalWIIN 2023 took place at GAMLA BÍÓ where winners received their awards. Dr Denoncourt presented the Intellectual Property Awareness Network (IPAN) Intellectual Property Gold Award to Ms Unnur Valdis Kristjansdottir for her invention and design of the Flothetta® float cap which is patented and trade mark protected. The Flothetta® float cap is an innovative water wellness therapy accessory product, designed to support a deep and relaxing water experience and supports independent floating in any water to relax, reduce muscle and skeleton stress and promote emotional and mental overall body-spirit connection.