The WIPO Global Awards 2026 competition opened today, 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. Applications for this 5th edition may be submitted between 15 January and 31 March 2026.
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)
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.
Last year, this ten-day event brought together over 1,600 delegates, including ministers, IP office heads, and senior government representatives who negotiate international treaties governing the global IP ecosystem.
Building on this visibility and support, several past winners have reported concrete developments such as fundraising efforts, expansion into new markets, new patent filings, and the strengthening of their IP strategies.
In 2025, the competition received more than 780 applications from 95 countries, a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
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.
Apply nowAbout WIPO
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is the United Nations agency that serves the world’s innovators and creators, ensuring that their ideas travel safely to the market and improve lives everywhere.
We do so by providing services that enable creators, innovators and entrepreneurs to protect and promote their intellectual property (IP) across borders and acting as a forum for addressing cutting-edge IP issues. Our IP data and information guide decisionmakers the world over. And our impact-driven projects and technical assistance ensure IP benefits everyone, everywhere.