history of
the Geneva exhibition

Founded in 1972 by Jean-Luc Vincent, the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva is an annual event dedicated to inventions and innovation.

At the age of 28 and with a degree in engineering, Jean-Luc Vincent worked in an intellectual property consultancy firm. In constant contact with patent holders, he noticed that once they had obtained their patent, they were finding it difficult to promote their inventions.

Convinced that the best way to publicize an invention was to present it at specialized trade fairs, Jean-Luc Vincent decided to set up his own trade fair. In 1972, the International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva was founded. It would become the world’s largest event devoted exclusively to inventions, and an unrivalled meeting place for manufacturers, distributors, and financiers, always on the lookout for new products.

Very soon, the Exhibition benefited from the patronage of the Swiss Government, the Republic and Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva, testifying to its quality and worldwide recognition. In 2009, the event obtained the patronage of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Over the years, the Exhibition has grown thanks to the collaboration of numerous foreign delegates and correspondents from 35 countries.

Since 2017, Palexpo SA has assumed responsibility for organizing the Exhibition, thereby fulfilling its mission to promote Geneva’s reputation both in Switzerland and internationally.