WIPO Global Awards 2026 for Innovative and Creative Startups and SMEs Worldwide (global visibility, Mentorship + Trip to Geneva)

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Applications are open for WIPO Global Awards 2026. The WIPO Global Awards 2026 competition opened today, inviting startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from all around the world and all economic sectors to apply.

The Awards reward enterprises that use intellectual property (IP) rights as a strategic asset to scale their business and create real-world impact. Applications for this 5th edition may be submitted between 15 January and 31 March 2026.

Last year, this ten-day event brought together over 1,600 delegates, including ministers, IP office heads, and senior government representatives who negotiate international treaties governing the global IP ecosystem.

Building on this visibility and support, several past winners have reported concrete developments such as fundraising efforts, expansion into new markets, new patent filings, and the strengthening of their IP strategies. In 2025, the competition received more than 780 applications from 95 countries, a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Prizes

In 2026, 11 enterprises will be recognized:
- 10 Prizes across all sectors of the economy (including health, agrifood, environment, creative industries, and ICT)
- 1 Thematic Prize: SMEs in Sports, aligned with the theme of World IP Day 2026
- 2 Special Mentions: Best Woman Entrepreneur and Best Youth Entrepreneur

WIPO Global Awards Benefits

Winners receive global visibility through the WIPO–UN system, a tailored 6-month mentorship program on IP asset commercialization and business strategy, connections to investors, corporates, institutions, and service providers offering exclusive benefits to the winners, and an invitation to Geneva for the Awards Ceremony during the WIPO Assemblies.

Gain global recognition and visibility
- Be celebrated in Geneva in front of leaders from 194 countries.
- Gain international media exposure.
- Receive promotional material to increase your company credibility.
Receive acceleration & strategic business support
- Access an exclusive 2-day workshop on IP and Business.
- Benefit from a six-month tailored 1:1 mentoring package.
- Attend year-round online fireside chats with experts.
Have access to exclusive networking opportunities
- Access exclusive benefits from our Ecosystem Partners: investors, corporates, accelerators, tradeshows and service providers.
- Join the WIPO Global Awards Alumni Community: 100+ business pioneers turning intellectual property into real-world impact.

Eligibility Criteria for WIPO Global Awards

Open to startups and SMEs from all 194 WIPO Member States.

You can apply if your business:

Is legally registered
Has a maximum of 300 employees and USD 15M in annual revenue
Offers an innovative product or service linked to IP
Holds at least one pending (for startups) or registered (for SMEs) IP right
Shows early-market activity (for startups) or commercial traction (for SMEs)

Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation focuses on:

the strength of the business model and IP protection strategy
the clarity of the IP commercialization plan
the company’s internal IP culture
and the contribution of the business to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)