The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in partnership with the Government of Rwanda and with the support of the Funds-in-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global (FIT/Japan IP Global), organized the “Empowering Women in STEM: Pitch & Protect – Boosting Innovation through Intellectual Property Management Skills” conference in Kigali, Rwanda, from March 17 to 19, 2026.
The conference brought together 43 women innovators and entrepreneurs from Rwanda and 10 other African countries to strengthen the strategic use of intellectual property (IP) as a driver of innovation, business growth, and market competitiveness.
Driving inclusive innovation
The goal of the conference was to empower women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to unlock their full innovative potential.
Women in STEM are not only contributors to innovation ecosystems, they are catalysts for inclusive and sustainable development across the continent. Equipping women innovators with the tools to protect and manage their intellectual assets is essential to ensuring that their ideas can move from concept to impact, and from local solutions to scalable enterprises.
– Ms. Loretta Asiedu, Director of WIPO’s Division for Africa
Throughout the conference, high-level discussions reinforced the urgent need to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance the role of IP institutions, and address structural barriers limiting women’s participation in STEM fields. The program combined technical sessions, interactive workshops, and mentoring activities designed to translate IP knowledge into practice covering topics such as:
- The fundamentals of IP and its role in innovation;
- Strategies for protecting and commercializing ideas;
- IP management across the innovation lifecycle;
- Investment readiness and effective pitching; and
- Strengthening linkages with IP offices and innovation support institutions.
A standout feature of the program was the “Pitch & Protect” component, where participants worked directly on their own projects to identify protectable assets, refine business models, and develop investment-ready pitches.
This conference has transformed how I view my work, not just as an innovation, but as an asset that can be protected, scaled, and brought to market. I now feel equipped to take my ideas to the next level.
– Dr. Wanjiru Kigathi, CEO of SautiLume, Kenya
Unlocking the potential of women-led innovation
Through real-world case studies and peer exchange, participants demonstrated how the strategic use of IP can enhance competitiveness, support business expansion, and attract investment. Building on the success of the Kigali conference, WIPO and its partners will continue to advance targeted support for women in STEM through training and mentorship programs, in addition to policy engagement.
The conference marks a significant step forward in ensuring that women innovators are fully empowered to “pitch, protect, and scale” their ideas, driving sustainable development and economic transformation across Africa.