Deadline: 31-March-2026
The WIPO Global Awards has launched its startups and SMEs from all sectors that leverage Intellectual Property (IP) to drive business growth, innovation, and positive societal impact.
The focus areas include the use of patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, and other IP assets to support business growth, commercialization of products and services, fostering an IP culture within the company, alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals, impact on economic, social, cultural, and environmental development, and recognition of leadership through founder-based awards.
The WIPO Global Awards Program grants ten company-based awards across sectors and commercial maturity, including Health, Environment, Creative Industries, Food & Agriculture, and ICT, for both SMEs and startups. Two special mentions recognize founder-based achievements, specifically Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur.
Evaluation is based on four pillars: the business case and IP portfolio, the IP commercialization strategy, the extent of IP culture within the company, and the societal impact of the work. These criteria assess how products or services fit in the market, the strategic use of IP rights for regional or international commercialization, how IP is valued and applied within the team, and the contribution to sustainable development.
Eligibility is open to startups and SMEs from all WIPO Member States. SMEs must be registered business entities with up to 300 employees, maximum annual revenue of USD 15 million, at least one registered IP right, and an innovative product or service connected to IP. Startups must also be registered business entities with the same size and revenue limits, have filed at least one IP application, and be at a pre-market or early-market stage.
For more information, visit WIPO.
