WIPO Global Awards 2026 Open for Innovative Startups and SMEs Worldwide

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the United Nations agency dedicated to supporting innovators and creators worldwide. WIPO helps enterprises protect and commercialize intellectual property across borders, promotes fair access to IP systems, and ensures innovation contributes to global development.

The WIPO Global Awards 2026 are now open, inviting innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from around the world to apply for one of the most prestigious international recognitions for intellectual property–driven businesses. Now in its 5th edition, the WIPO Global Awards celebrate enterprises that strategically use intellectual property (IP) to grow their businesses, enter new markets, and deliver meaningful social, economic, and environmental impact aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Applications are open to eligible startups and SMEs from all 194 WIPO Member States and across all economic sectors.

Award Categories and Recognition

In 2026, 11 enterprises will be recognized:

• 10 Global Awards across all sectors (including health, agrifood, environment, ICT, and creative industries)

• 1 Thematic Prize for SMEs in Sports, aligned with World IP Day 2026

• 2 Special Mentions:

  • Best Woman Entrepreneur

  • Best Youth Entrepreneur

Benefits for Award Winners

Selected enterprises will receive:

• Global visibility through the WIPO–United Nations system

• A tailored 6-month mentorship programme on IP commercialization and business strategy

• Access to investors, corporates, institutions, and IP service providers

• Exclusive benefits and strategic business connections

• An invitation to Geneva, Switzerland, to attend the Awards Ceremony during the WIPO Assemblies

The WIPO Assemblies bring together over 1,600 global leaders, including ministers, heads of IP offices, and senior government representatives shaping the international IP ecosystem.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications are assessed based on:

• Strength of the business model and IP protection strategy

• Clarity and feasibility of the IP commercialization plan

• Internal IP culture within the enterprise

• Contribution to sustainable development and societal impact

Why Apply

Past winners have reported tangible outcomes, including:

• Successful fundraising rounds

• Expansion into new international markets

• New patent filings

• Stronger and more strategic IP portfolios

In 2025 alone, the competition received over 780 applications from 95 countries, representing a 20% increase from the previous year.

Eligibility

• Open to startups and SMEs from all economic sectors

• Applicants must be based in one of WIPO’s 194 Member States

• Applications accepted in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via the official WIPO platform.

Application Deadline: 31 March 2026 (23:59 CET)

APPLY HERE

For more information about this opportunity, click here.

Click here for more other opportunities.

---