WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026: Global Call for Cities Driving Innovation and Creativity

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has officially opened applications for the prestigious WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026, a newly launched global initiative designed to recognize visionary cities committed to fostering innovation, creativity, and community-driven transformation.

Cities across all 194 WIPO Member States are invited to submit bold pledges demonstrating how they will champion innovation and creativity over a 12-month period. Unlike traditional awards that only celebrate past achievements, the WIPO City of Innovation Awards focus on future-oriented commitments and transformative ideas capable of shaping sustainable and inclusive urban development.

The deadline to apply is June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CEST).

About the WIPO City of Innovation Awards

The WIPO City of Innovation Awards were launched for the first time in 2026 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the United Nations agency responsible for promoting innovation and creativity through intellectual property systems worldwide.

This award program seeks to identify and recognize cities that are actively building environments where creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, technology, and citizen participation can thrive.

The initiative acknowledges the important role city leaders play in shaping innovative urban ecosystems and empowering local communities to contribute to social, economic, and cultural progress.

The award is open to:

• Cities of all sizes
• Municipal governments
• Urban innovation ecosystems
• Creative and technology-driven communities
• Innovation-focused city administrations

WIPO encourages mayors, governors, local government authorities, innovators, startups, artists, and community organizations to collaborate in developing strong city pledges capable of inspiring long-term transformation.

Why the WIPO City of Innovation Awards Matter

Cities are increasingly becoming centers of technological advancement, entrepreneurship, sustainability, cultural development, and creative expression. Through this award, WIPO aims to spotlight municipalities that are taking bold steps toward:

• Encouraging innovation-driven economic growth
• Empowering local creators and entrepreneurs
• Building sustainable urban futures
• Enhancing citizen participation
• Creating inclusive innovation ecosystems
• Promoting intellectual property awareness
• Strengthening local creative industries

The award also serves as an international platform for sharing best practices and inspiring municipalities around the world to invest in innovation-led urban development.

What Winning Cities Receive

Selected cities will receive a comprehensive international recognition package designed to maximize visibility and showcase their innovation commitments globally.

1. Official WIPO Trophy

Winning cities will receive a specially crafted symbolic WIPO City of Innovation trophy recognizing their commitment to urban transformation and creative leadership.

2. Global Recognition and International Visibility

Award-winning cities will gain:

• International exposure through WIPO platforms
• Recognition during the official award ceremony in Geneva
• Networking opportunities with global policymakers
• Connections with innovation leaders and the international intellectual property community

3. Sponsored International Participation

Travel expenses for one official city representative will be fully covered, enabling participation in:

• The official award ceremony
• High-level international networking events
• Meetings with mayors and diplomatic representatives from around the world

4. Professional Media and Storytelling Support

WIPO’s professional media team will collaborate with winning cities to:

• Document innovation initiatives
• Showcase progress on city pledges
• Produce professional visual and media content
• Feature successful projects on selected WIPO platforms

This provides cities with valuable international promotional exposure.

5. Permanent City Recognition

Winning cities will receive the exclusive right to display the official commemorative WIPO City of Innovation plaque within their municipality.

WIPO will provide the design specifications while cities maintain full control over installation and placement.

Eligibility Criteria

The WIPO City of Innovation Awards are open to cities located within WIPO Member States.

Key eligibility conditions include:

• Applications are open to cities across all 194 WIPO Member States
• A maximum of three cities per country may apply
• Cities of all population sizes are encouraged to participate
• Applications must include a 12-month innovation and creativity pledge
• Applications must be approved and signed by an authorized city representative

Authorized signatories may include:

• Mayors
• Governors
• Heads of city administrations
• Other authorized municipal officials

Required Innovation Pledge

Applicants must submit a clear and ambitious pledge describing how their city will promote innovation and creativity over the next 12 months.

The pledge should explain:

• The city’s innovation vision
• Planned initiatives and programs
• Expected community impact
• Strategies for citizen engagement
• Long-term sustainability plans
• How innovation and creativity will be nurtured locally

WIPO will evaluate the clarity, feasibility, originality, and long-term impact potential of each pledge.

Application Process for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026

Cities interested in applying must follow a structured multi-step application process.

Step 1: Complete the Online Application Form

Applicants must complete the official online application form in one of the six United Nations languages:

• English
• Arabic
• Chinese
• French
• Russian
• Spanish

Step 2: Obtain Official Authorization

The application form must be signed by a duly authorized city representative.

Step 3: Submit Through Official Diplomatic Channels

A PDF copy of the completed application form must be submitted to WIPO through:

• The country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office at Geneva, or
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs if no Permanent Mission exists

Important Deadline

Application Deadline:
June 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (CEST)

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit early to allow adequate processing time through diplomatic channels.

WIPO City of Innovation Awards Timeline

Applications Open

April 1, 2026

Applications Close

June 30, 2026

Announcement of Finalists

September 21, 2026

An independent international jury panel will evaluate shortlisted applications based on the official selection criteria.

Award Ceremony

October 12, 2026

The winners will be announced during an official ceremony at WIPO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, alongside the Sixth Meeting of the UN Forum of Mayors.

Up to three cities may be selected each year.

Understanding the WIPO City of Innovation Trophy

The WIPO City of Innovation trophy symbolizes the transformative power of cities through the elements of fire and water.

According to WIPO:

• Fire represents technological ingenuity and the spark of innovation
• Water symbolizes creativity’s ability to adapt, overcome barriers, and shape communities over time
• The natural stone base reflects the enduring strength and resilience of cities

Together, these elements embody the fusion of innovation, creativity, transformation, and sustainable urban progress.

Why Cities Should Apply

Participating in the WIPO City of Innovation Awards offers cities a rare opportunity to:

• Gain global visibility
• Showcase innovation leadership
• Build international partnerships
• Attract investment and collaboration
• Strengthen local creative ecosystems
• Inspire civic participation
• Promote sustainable urban growth

The award also provides long-term reputational benefits by positioning cities as international leaders in innovation and creativity.

About WIPO

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations dedicated to building a balanced and effective global intellectual property ecosystem.

WIPO works to:

• Promote innovation worldwide
• Support creativity and entrepreneurship
• Encourage sustainable development
• Strengthen intellectual property systems internationally

Through initiatives like the WIPO City of Innovation Awards, the organization seeks to encourage local governments to become catalysts for creative and technological transformation.

Learn More & Apply

Click HERE to learn more and apply for the WIPO City of Innovation Awards 2026.

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