WIPO engaged with hundreds of startups and innovators at VivaTech, held in Paris from June 17 to 20, 2026. It is Europe’s leading technology and startup event. WIPO experts were on hand throughout the four days to present the organization’s global intellectual property (IP) systems, guide startups through WIPO’s Innovator’s Journey, and offer expert advice on integrating IP into their growth strategies.
Supporting innovators throughout their IP journey
Startups and innovators visited the WIPO stand throughout the event to learn how to protect their innovations internationally. WIPO experts provided tailored guidance on the global IP systems, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) System for patents, the Madrid System for trademarks and the Hague System for industrial designs, and explained how these tools can help startups strengthen their competitive position, facilitate market entry and support licensing and commercialization opportunities.
This year, WIPO expanded its engagement through a joint presence with France’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI). The WIPO stand provided startups with information and guidance through ten joint workshops, five IP competitions, a pitch contest, and one-on-one consultations with IP specialists. Through these activities, WIPO put forward the Innovator's Journey, a dedicated program guiding startups from their first IP search and protection strategy all the way to global recognition and awards, giving startups the opportunity to connect IP strategy with their broader business planning and growth objectives. The WIPO stand alcove also featured a sample global award, a special award, and a medal from the WIPO Global Awards program.
Delivering practical IP guidance
WIPO also provided one-on-one consultations tailored to the specific needs of participating startups, delivered with Paris-based IP firms. The sessions covered patents, trademarks, international expansion and IP portfolio development, with a focus on aligning IP decisions with business priorities such as fundraising, partnerships and market growth. The consultations highlighted the role of IP as a strategic business asset that can create value, support innovation and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
IP supporting the growth of startups
Among the companies exhibiting at VivaTech were startups already using WIPO’s international IP systems to protect and scale their innovations.
Skyted, a French startup founded by Stéphane Hersen, has developed a silent communication headset based on a licensed acoustic technology that enables users to speak on the phone or dictate messages without disturbing those around them. Designed for use in shared environments such as aircraft cabins, open-plan offices and public transportation, the technology helps preserve the confidentiality of voice communications.
Skyted's use of the PCT System shows how startups can secure international patent protection across multiple markets through a single application.
Synegram, a French music edtech startup founded by Pierre Blaise Dionet, built a method that turns chords and harmony into geometric shapes, helping children with no musical training decode a song's harmonic structure in under two hours. The company won the ArtTech Prize in 2023 and the SXSW Innovation Award in 2025.
The company used the Madrid System to register its word mark and logo internationally, covering classes that include educational software, musical instruments, printed teaching materials, and music SaaS, through a single application filed through France as the Office of Origin. The startup later revised its original logo after a third party opposed it in a key market, an experience that highlights why international trademark protection works best when pursued early and in parallel with product development.
Pitch contest spotlights IP-driven innovations
WIPO served as a jury for the startup pitch contest co-organized with INPI and HEC Paris. Five startups participated in the competition including WheelMove, Henddu, BEAMS, FoxBio and Kaptory. BEAMS was awarded the Jury Prize, while WheelMove received the Audience Award.
The competition demonstrated how startups across sectors are leveraging innovation and IP to address societal challenges and bring new technologies to market.
A meeting point for innovators
VivaTech was attended by more than 200,000 visitors, including startups, innovators, investors, technology leaders and policymakers from around the world, to explore the innovations shaping the future. WIPO's engagement throughout the week reflects the organization's ongoing commitment to equipping startups and innovators with the tools to protect and grow their innovations internationally.
Learn more about VivaTech 2026
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