New York, New York—May 21, 2025—The International Trademark Association (INTA) has announced the winners of the Open Innovation Challenge (OIC), which took place earlier this week in San Diego, California, as part of the Association’s 2025 Annual Meeting. The winners were recognized at the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday, May 18. 

The OIC, which has now been hosted for the third consecutive year at INTA’s Annual Meeting, provides a unique opportunity for early to mid-sized start-ups and scale-ups to pitch and promote their business ideas, technology innovation, or research applications to distinguished judges, including experts in branding, brand valuation, business advisory services, intellectual property (IP) law, marketing, Environmental Social and Governance (ESG), and finance with experiences. 

The competition is split into three categories: Early-Stage Start-Ups, Mid-Stage Start-Ups, and Early-Stage Scale-Ups. This year’s OIC attracted a record 36 applicants from 13 jurisdictions across the three categories.  

The winner from the Early-Stage Start-Up category is Kelly Shea from Innovation Station LLC (USA), a start-up that provides hands-on kits that equip students and educators with tools for problem-solving, financial literacy, and human-centered design, addressing gaps in traditional education by integrating inclusive, foundational skills into classrooms.  

“Before the competition, I didn’t fully understand the value of IP. I used to think, ‘People will copy me anyway,’ and didn’t see the point. But through the OIC and INTA, I’ve realized how vital IP is, not just for protection, but for building a strong, competitive business,” said Shea. I now understand the different types of IP and how they create real barriers to entry, helping entrepreneurs such as myself stand out in the market.” 

The winner of the Mid-Stage Start-Up category is Ameen Abo Diak from Jusoor Labs (Saudi Arabia). Jusoor Labs provides interactive 3D virtual science labs that make STEM education more accessible, affordable, and engaging, especially in underserved regions, by enabling schools and governments to deliver high-quality, hands-on science learning. 

Reflecting on the importance of the competition, Abo Diak said, “The OIC helped me see IP as a strategic asset, not just legal protection. It reinforced how essential IP is for building trust, attracting investors, and protecting our innovation in a competitive market.” 

Adam Watson from MeCo Diagnostics (USA) won in the Scale-Up category. MeCo Diagnostics addresses breast cancer as both a medical and economic issue by using its clinically validated MeCo Score to match patients to a new, cost-effective antifibrotic therapy, aiming to improve survival outcomes while reducing financial toxicity and medical debt. 

INTA plans to once again host the OIC next year as part of its 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place in London, UK, from May 2 to 6. 

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