The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)’s IP for Business Division and the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) are pleased to launch the 2026 Intellectual Property (IP) Management Clinic for Green and Sustainable Technology SMEs and Start-ups in the EU, EFTA Countries and Ukraine.
- Are you a green-tech or sustainability-driven small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or start-up developing innovative solutions in climate-tech, clean energy, circular economy, sustainable manufacturing, environmental services or related fields?
- Do you want to strengthen your capacity to strategically manage your IP assets, enhance your competitiveness, and prepare for investment readiness and international growth?
Apply now to join a tailored IP development program designed to help you leverage intellectual property as a core business asset.
Why participate?
- Up to 30 selected companies will gain exclusive access to a free, high-value program tailored to support strategic IP management for green tech innovation.
- Participants will benefit from expert-led mentoring and training designed to help them:
- Identify and assess their IP and intangible assets;
- Protect and manage IP effectively;
- Develop IP strategies aligned with business, sustainability, and market goals;
- Prepare and pitch their IP narrative for funding and investor due diligence;
- Explore pathways for commercialization, partnerships, and growth.
What you can expect
The course has been specifically designed for SMEs. It is compact, practical, and straightforward, requiring a limited time commitment (approximately 4 hours per month). Over the course of the clinic, selected companies will participate in:
Personalized mentoring and workshops
- Three to four one-on-one mentoring sessions with IP and business experts experienced in sustainable technologies.
- A series of thematic online workshops (1,5 hour each) focused on IP strategy, protection, commercialization, investment readiness, sustainability-linked innovation, and sector-specific challenges.
- Guidance on how to effectively pitch to investors and communicate the value of your IP assets.
Practical tools and resources
- Guidance on using WIPO and EUIPO digital IP tools.
- Peer-learning and networking opportunities with fellow SMEs and sector stakeholders.
Final event and visibility
An in-person closing event in Alicante, Spain, bringing together participants, international experts, partners, and potential investors (venue and travel support conditions to be confirmed based on interest).
Who can apply?
To be eligible for selection, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- a) Be a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) or start-up (as defined under EU SME standards);
- b) Be established and operating in an EU Member State, an EFTA country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland), or Ukraine;
- c) Develop or commercialize green or sustainable technology products or services that contribute to environmental or climate objectives;
- d) Have a clear business vision and growth strategy;
- e) Demonstrate potential or willingness to integrate IP into their business strategy;
- f) Be represented by an entrepreneurial team of at least two people with good command of English.
Timeline and application process
- Call opens: March 3, 2026
- Deadline for applications: May 31st, 2026
- Selection of participants: May 2026
- Clinic period: June – October 2026
- Final event: November 2026
Applicants must complete the online questionnaire available via the link below by the specified deadline. A limited number of companies will be selected based on predefined selection criteria, including the innovation potential, growth ambition, sustainability impact, and readiness to integrate IP strategy into business development.
For more information on the program and supporting resources, visit the IP Management Clinic for SMEs webpage on the WIPO website.
Commitment
Selected companies are expected to actively participate in the clinic, engage in mentoring sessions and workshops, provide non-confidential information for strategy development, and contribute feedback following completion of the program.