WIPO Global Awards 2026 for Innovative and Creative Startups and SMEs Worldwide (Travel expenses covered to Geneva, Switzerland)

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Application Deadline: 31 March 2026.

Applications are now open for the 2026 WIPO Global Awards.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

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)

Requirements

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)

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.

How to apply

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.

• Application form
• WIPO Global Awards 2026 Communication Kit
• More info

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the WIPO Global Awards