Deadline: March 31, 2025
Applications are open for the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Global Awards 2025. Every year the WIPO Global Awards celebrate small businesses, start-ups and university spinouts that leverage Intellectual Property (IP) backed innovation and creativity in an exceptional manner to achieve business goals and improve society.
The WIPO Global Awards are celebrating your achievements, specifically focusing on:
- Transforming research and ideas into successful commercial ventures
- Achieving business growth through IP-driven strategies
- Developing innovations that contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Benefits
- Tailored mentorship for commercialization of innovations and creations.
- Exclusive access to WIPO resources.
- Global visibility and recognition.
- Access to the awards ceremony and other networking events in Geneva, Switzerland. Travel expenses covered.
Eligibility
For SMEs
Open to all SMEs located in at least one of WIPO’s 193 Member States and meeting the following conditions:
- It is a registered business entity. Proof of registration is required.
- It has no more than 300 employees and up to $15 million of total annual sales.
- It is a holder of at least one registered IP right.
- It is exporting its products or services to at least one country.
For Startups
Open to all startups located in at least one of WIPO’s 193 Member States and meeting the following conditions:
- The startup is a registered business entity with a legal existence of no more than three years. Proof of registration is required.
- It has no more than 50 employees.
- The startup has an innovative product or service associated with IP rights.
- The startup has submitted at least one application for the registration of one IP right and/or is the holder of at least one registered IP right.
- The startup is affiliated with a business support organization, such as an incubator, an accelerator, or a similar entity. Proof of affiliation is required.
- The startup has affirmed its engagement with at least one commercial customer, and/or has completed a business sale, and/or secured one investor.
Evalaution Criteria
- Strategy and IP Portfolio: Show how your innovation/creation and strategy work together. What makes your product or service truly innovative? Who are your target customers, and how do your IP rights (patents, trademarks, etc.) support your business goals and future growth?
- IP Culture: Show how IP is embedded in your company’s DNA. Do you have formal IP policies? Are employees trained on IP? How do you identify and protect new inventions or creations?
- International IP Strategy: How will your IP strategy help you expand globally? Have you considered the different IP laws in your target markets? What are your plans for registering, enforcing, and licensing your IP rights internationally?
- Impact for a Better Society: How are you making the world a better place? Does your innovation/creation contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals? How does it create positive social impact?
Application
Interested companies can apply through the online application available in six languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish.
For more information, visit WIPO Global Awards.
