The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) is inviting applications from AI-driven startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to participate in an exclusive one-day intellectual property (IP) mentoring workshop to be held during GITEX Kenya 2026.
Designed to support innovation and business growth, the workshop will offer 10 selected companies the opportunity to take part in tailored, one-on-one mentoring sessions with WIPO-selected IP experts. Each session, lasting between 45 minutes and one hour, will focus on how participants can strategically leverage IP to protect their innovations and scale their businesses.
What participants will gain
Selected startups and SMEs will benefit from:
- Practical guidance on protecting AI innovations and AI-generated outputs
- Strategic advice on using IP to scale operations and attract investment
- Insights tailored to their specific business models and stages of growth
- Access to WIPO tools, including the IP Diagnostic Tool and WIPO ALERT, to support IP management and combat digital piracy
- Networking opportunities with peers, mentors and industry stakeholders
- A customized, actionable IP Strategy Report aligned with their business objectives
Who should apply
WIPO is seeking applications from startups and SMEs that:
- Are developing or actively using AI technologies
- Have a clearly defined business model or product
- Are based in the African region
- Are interested in strengthening and leveraging their IP strategies
Event details
- Location: GITEX Kenya 2026
- Date: May 2026 (exact date to be confirmed)
How to apply
Interested applicants are invited to complete the application form.
Due to limited capacity, only 10 companies will be selected.