Deadline: March 31, 2026
Applications are open for the WIPO Global Awards 2026. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is 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. 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
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.
Eligibility
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)
Application
Applications are open from January 15, 2026, until March 31, 2026, at 23:59 Central European Time to startups and SMEs from all 194 Member States. The application form is available in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, and Russian.
For more information, visit WIPO Global Awards.
