WIPO Academy Intellectual Property Training Institutions (IPTIs) collectively surpassed one million participants in June 2026, marking a major milestone in the expansion of locally delivered intellectual property (IP) education.
Since the program began in 2010, 29 established IPTIs have reached 1,085,373 participants in more than 60 countries across all regions of the world. Following the program’s 15th anniversary in 2025, this milestone reflects sustained investment in national training capacity and growing demand for practical IP knowledge and skills, while demonstrating how outreach delivery through locally anchored institutions can extend the reach of IP education over time.
Local roots, global reach
IPTIs are local training institutions established with support from WIPO Academy and hosted by an IP office, another government institution, or a university. They develop training in response to national priorities and local demand, establish standardized legal and technical frameworks, expand worldwide access to intellectual property knowledge and strengthen national innovation capacities.
Through onsite and online activities, including in languages such as Arabic, Bahasa Indonesia, and Spanish, IPTIs help businesses, entrepreneurs, researchers, students, creators and other users understand how IP can support their work.
The model is designed to create a multiplier effect. Once established, each institution develops courses, prepares trainers and reaches new participants beyond the initial support provided.
A network built on shared experiences
Olha Kulinich, Head of the IP Academy of Ukraine participated in the event and highlighted the value of peer exchange within the IPTIs Network:
This is the true power of the IPTIs Network; we learn from each other and grow together to help our local communities at home.
From learning to commercialization
Juan Carlos Menjívar Molina, Nelson Fernando Mendez Cisneros and Oscar Armando Jorge Deodanes won the IPTI “Generating Disruptive Ideas” competition for developing a carbon-based nanostructure that acts as a non-toxic semiconductor.
Through this competition we protected our innovation by filing a patent. That means we can commercialize our technology and be remunerated for our efforts and contribute to the development of our country.
Extending the network’s reach
Sixteen additional IPTIs are currently being established. As they join the network, they will expand access to locally relevant IP training and strengthen the exchange of knowledge and experience among participating institutions.
The first million participants demonstrate sustained national capacity-building, which the expanding network aims to build on by reaching new audiences, addressing local priorities and responding to demand for practical IP skills.
Find an Intellectual Property Training Institution in your country or region, explore upcoming IPTI activities, and learn how the network is expanding access to practical IP skills worldwide