Applications Open for 2026 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Awards

Applications for the 2026 World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Global Awards are now open. The application period runs from January 15 to March 31, 2026. This award is open to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from all 194 WIPO member states, aiming to recognize outstanding startups and SMEs across various industries that leverage intellectual property (IP) to drive business growth and social impact. Entities utilizing patents, trademarks, designs, copyrights, or other IP assets are eligible to compete for this prestigious United Nations accolade.

I. Eligibility Criteria

(i) For Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs):

1. Must be a legally registered business entity (registration proof required).

2. Number of employees: not exceeding 300.

3. Annual revenue: not exceeding USD 15 million.

4. Offers innovative products or services related to intellectual property.

5. Holds at least one registered intellectual property right.

6. Operates in one or more domestic or international markets.

(ii) For Startups:

1. Must be a legally registered business entity (registration proof required).

2. Number of employees: not exceeding 300.

3. Annual revenue: not exceeding USD 15 million.

4. Offers innovative products or services related to intellectual property.

5. Has filed at least one intellectual property application.

6. Is in a pre-market or early-market stage (pilot phase, first customers, first contracts).

II. Award Structure

The WIPO Global Awards will grant 10 awards, covering sectors such as health, environment, creative industries, food & agriculture, and information & communication technology, along with 2 special awards (Best Female Entrepreneur and Best Young Entrepreneur). A new Sports Special Award has been added, aligning with the theme of the 2026 World Intellectual Property Day: "IP and Sports: Get Set, Go, Innovate!". Winners' benefits include global recognition, international exposure, and a tailored six-month mentorship program focusing on IP commercialization and business strategy.

III. Selection Process

(i) Application Period
January 15 – March 31: The online application form includes assessment questions, is available in 6 languages, and allows for the upload of supporting documents.

(ii) Announcement of Finalists
Second week of May: Following initial screening by the WIPO Secretariat, an expert jury will select 30 finalists. Finalists will receive a Seal of Excellence and a certificate, gain access to the WIPO Global Awards Alumni community, and enjoy exclusive benefits from ecosystem partners, including visibility enhancement, networking, and support opportunities.

(iii) International Jury Review
End of May: An International Jury will conduct rigorous reviews to select the 10 award winners. Winners will be notified at least one month prior to the award ceremony. The International Jury comprises eminent personalities with outstanding international achievements, ensuring diversity in geography, gender, age, culture, language, and industry sector, thereby guaranteeing a fair and inclusive evaluation process.

(iv) Award Ceremony and Prizes
July (during the WIPO Assemblies): An award ceremony will be held in Geneva, accompanied by workshops and mentor onboarding sessions.

IV. Evaluation Criteria

(i) Business Case and IP Portfolio
How the applicant's product/service meets market needs and the effectiveness of IP in protecting it.

(ii) IP Commercialization Strategy
How the applicant uses IP to commercialize results at regional/international levels.

(iii) Corporate IP Culture
The extent to which the applicant's team and company value and utilize IP in daily operations.

(iv) Impact on Advancing Societal Progress
How the applicant's work aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrates inclusivity and diversity, and promotes economic, social, cultural, and environmental development.

Applicants should submit their materials online to WIPO via global-awards.wipo.int. For technical or procedural inquiries, please email global.awards@wipo.int.

Prospective applicants in Guangdong are requested to send the Application Information Form (see attachment) to the Exchange and Cooperation Department of the Guangdong Intellectual Property Protection Center by March 7, via email: gippc_yyr@gd.gov.cn and sissiyin@qq.com. Tel: +86-20-31605293.