WIPO China: Countdown to the WIPO Global Awards 2026!

Every year, the WIPO Global Awards shine a spotlight on the transformative power of intellectual property (IP). The Awards recognize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups across a wide range of sectors that use IP to turn innovation into impact—driving economic growth and delivering positive social change.

But the WIPO Global Awards are about more than recognition. They empower winners to grow, scale, and make a lasting global impact. Awardees benefit from tailored one-on-one mentorship, receiving expert guidance on IP strategy, international expansion, and investor readiness—helping them translate innovation into sustainable business success.

Since the launch of the WIPO Global Awards in 2022, more than 30 companies from diverse industries have benefited from this support, reaching important milestones in strengthening their businesses and expanding their global footprint.

How the Mentorship Programme Helps Winners Scale: Success Stories Across Sectors

The impact of the mentorship programme is best illustrated through the growth journeys of recent awardees. These success stories show how IP-driven strategies have helped companies accelerate development, enter new markets, attract investment, and seize new opportunities.

Healinno Tech- China：Accelerating IP Filings in New Markets

Through the mentorship programme, they were able to:

• Accelerate international IP filings across the United States, Europe and Asia
• Establish a dedicated internal patent decision-making function
• Enter China's fast-track pathway for innovative medical devices
• Secure USD 5 million in investment

Through tailored mentorship, we were able to engage weekly with a senior intellectual property expert, which helped us reduce our IP budget by up to 50%. The guidance provided to our in-house IP counsel on the PCT and Madrid systems has been a major advantage for us as a startup.

Mr. Yilun Shi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Healinno Tech

Building on these achievements, Healinno Tech was invited to showcase its metaFlow® surgical robot at the 2025 Health Expo in Wuhan and the China International SME Fair in Guangzhou, further strengthening its position in the medical technology innovation landscape.

FLEXXON- Singapore：Advancing into the European Market as a Cybersecurity Pioneer

FLEXXON develops AI-driven cybersecurity solutions that protect businesses against emerging and previously unseen cyber threats.

Through the WIPO Global Awards mentorship programme, the company was able to:

• Secure a patent, enabling the protection of its innovation simultaneously across multiple European Union countries
• Streamline its IP protection processes, improving cost efficiency and strategic focus

With the guidance and support provided through the WIPO Global Awards, we explored a range of IP strategies—both defensive and offensive. We came to realize that intellectual property, especially patents, is not a game reserved for large corporations with deep pockets. If an SME like FLEXXON can do it, so can other technology innovators.

Ms. Mei-Ling Chen, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of FLEXXON

FLEXXON continues to expand globally. Most recently, the company showcased its deepfake detection solution at the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) Summit in Washington, D.C., and re-engaged with European partners to explore new collaboration opportunities.

LACTIPS- France：Strengthening an IP Portfolio and Securing Investment

Lactips has developed a 100% bio-based, water-soluble and fully biodegradable natural polymer, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics.

Through the mentorship programme, they:

• Strengthened their intellectual property strategy and sustainability positioning
• Refined their investor pitch
• Built connections with influential investors

The WIPO Global Awards mentorship programme helped us reinforce our IP strategy, connect with influential investors, and receive one-on-one coaching for investor pitch sessions. This support proved critical in helping us close investment deals.

Mr. Alexis Von Tschammer, Chief Executive Officer of Lactips

Lactips has raised EUR 16 million to date and now plans to scale up its industrial production capacity and expand into markets across Europe, the Americas and Japan.

Applications for the 2026 edition will open on 15 January 2026

Through the mentorship programme, awardees have strengthened their IP portfolios, secured investment deals, and expanded into new markets—turning innovation into measurable commercial results.

Are you ready to advance your business through intellectual property and the WIPO mentorship programme? Applications for 2026 are opening soon!

Please visit our website to learn more about the WIPO Global Awards.